marine reserves

[1878fawdry]

anyone been in reserves? is it any good or better to be in regulars? what are normal nights like and can you you transfer over into the regulars?

[Rhyno13]

Hey, there's actually an RMR sub-board thingy on here, so that should probably be your first port of call.

Personally, I am in the process of applying for the RMR. I have passed my basic entry test (the maths english one etc), eye test, interview and medical. I plan on doing my PJFT test tonight if the local gym can fit me in. Not much really I can advise you on which isn't really on the forum if you have a search.

As for if it's 'better' to be in the regulars, well that depends how you define better. Ultimately they will hopefully both lead to earning the green beret. I believe the RMR route requires a high level of self discpline and motivation, as you have to fit in most of the phys in your own time....as well as dealing with your regular job, family commitments etc.

My reason for the RMR over the regulars was that I have been offered a good graduate job but would still like to persue the forces, and this way I think I get the best of both worlds. So it all depends on the individual.

Yes you can transfer over to the regulars I believe if deemed suitable!

Good luck!

[Ali3]

Iv been in the RMR whilst being at uni for a year now, having done my phase 1 course and am now plodding through phase 2.
I think its great if you have a flexible enough job, whereby you can maximise your time with the reserves and get the most out of it.
Or, like me, you are looking to go regular and are using the RMR as an insight to see if its still for you.
Wednesday's are 2 hours, 1 hour is usually lectures or milling around and the 2nd hour is phys- getting accustomed to rope work and general circuits etc. Usually 1 weekend a month in the field.

You can transfer to the regulars, however i believe you must do a certain amount of time, then become a permanent reservist, then you must be recommended. Only what i heard so dont quote me but it sounds quite tough. Better to do the 32 weeks if im honest, go through the same as everyone else.

[Rhyno13]

Can you expand on the flexible enough job comment please?
Say, if you work 9-5 monday - friday, then is the only time you need to book off essentially, is the 2 weeks at lympstone at the end of each phase? Some companies may give you this time off as unpaid leave, some may even pay you if they recognise the benefit it can bring to you.

Can you give me an insight in to your selection weekend please Ali? What was the success rate? How many people did you start with are still there now?

Cheers

[Ali3]

Flexible job i.e you have sufficient time to do good phys, mix with the other recruits and when in phase 2, get on trained rank weekends and get involved quite considerably! Basically the more you can put in the more rewarding it is. Same with any hobby really.
Doing 9-5 is fine, you still have free weekends etc, however a lot of guys take a half day on fridays before weekend. It just boils down to committment, if you can juggle RMR and daily life you will thoroughly enjoy it.

Selection weekend: (i hope im allowed to say this!) RMFA, 3mile run, lectures etc. Good fun, was great to finally get down there and meet everyone! Most people passed as they do actually want you to. We started with about 30-35 and took 9 onto phase 1 course, with 7 passes. Guys just quit due to personal reasons, job, family etc. Im having to put it on the backburner now because of 3rd year at uni.
We have about 4 left now from the originals- quite shocking really!

[Rhyno13]

Aye I guess the drop out rate would be quite high for the reasons you mentioned.
What's it like after you get back from a weekend, are you totally fooked? I finish early on a

friday anyway so that would be ideal.
What are the trained rank weekends? Are they an extra to the phase 2 weekends you are doing?

Sounds like you've got your head screwed on though, during my final year at uni there wasn't alot

of spare time! Are you going to go for Officer selection after you graduate?

[Ali3]

Weekends are great to be honest (especially the bus ride back on sunday!!) Everyones in good spirits and able to laugh off the weekends activities!
Yes you will be tired, but you come back with the feeling of self accomplishment and the intrinsic, personal rewards that go with that. RMR gave me a good variance to my lifestyle- rather than it being the same plod of lecturing etc all week then getting pissed every weekend! I found i had a good routine of work, phys, socialising and RMR.

Im going to apply for a commission and a masters(as a back up) so hopefully il get at least 1!!

To be honest i wouldnt worry about trained rank weekends, if you join your priority will be to tick off each recruit training weekend

What unit are you joining? Hows your phys going?

[Ste Preece]

The RMR is a valued part of Commando Forces and can be a great way to earn your green lid. It takes a lot of comittment to hold down a full time job and also give your spare time to the military.

So, all the very best of luck to those pursuing this route.

Cheers

Steve

[Rhyno13]

Well Bristol is my nearest unit but I start a new job in a few weeks in Bournemouth so the Poole detachment would be the nearest.

Phys is coming on nicely, I just can't really be arsed putting all the details as a signature. I play football a couple of times a week, go to the gym and lately started going for runs on the road as opposed to in the gym.
Swimming has never been a strong point of mine though, so I may look at getting a one-on-one lesson to improve on my stroke.
Never understand how some grannys can do breast stroke all day when I'm puffing after a few lengths!!

[Ali3]

Cool, i am (was) RMR Bristol- great unit, especially as we do our weekends at CTC and woodbury common.
A bit of advice and something that greatly benefited me is to try and train with RMR guys in your area. This way you should easily fit in and make good mates and instills an early drive to get your lid.

Find a training routine so that you all can train together i.e evenings after work and smash out a good session!
Swimming, not massively important for RMR. I had a similar problem too a few years ago, 4 lengths and i was hanging!! However, i then dated a national swimmer (amazing energy!!) and she taught me how to breathe properly and this helped massively. However im still gopping! lol

Are you in holding troop?
whens your selection weekend?
Cor, i was just starting out this time last year! where the hell does the time go!

[Rhyno13]

No I'm not in holding troop at the mo, I went to the presentation evening at Bristol a couple of months back and have just been doing all the paperwork and interviews, tests etc in the mean time. Selection weekend is 12-14th October for Bristol I've been told.

So hopefully I can go to a couple of holding troop sessions down in Poole before I go to the selection weekend back up in Brizzle.