RMR Experience

[benjordan81]

Hi,

I am going for RMR Merseyside selection in Sept and was wondering if any of you guys have worked with the RMR?

Do you know how often you get deployed?

Any other information/opinions of the RMR would be great.

Cheers

[Tugg]

Yeah just a quick one.Why be half the man you could be?This is not an insult,if its so you can fit in your home life aswell I.E. college work or family etc. then maybe its a better choice.It just never appealed to me.
Can u say 'rubber dagger'?

TUGG

[benjordan81]

I have gone for the RMR because I have a good career and have decided that I need a challenge in non-work my life. The RMR will offer me this.

I don't think the term 'Rubber Dagger' is fair. RMR recruits have to pass the same tests as the regs.

[benjordan81]

Andrew,

If I manage to pass all of the training, how often do you get deployed and what other opportunities are available to you, eg adventure training.

When you get deployed, are you deployed as a whole unit or as singles attached to a unit?

I think the RMR offers a very special challenge to civilians without having to leave your career behind.

Thanks.

[Daveb]

Just wondering, but how can you distinguish between RMR and a full time Royal? Is there any difference on the cap badge/beret/shoulder flashes? (just curious)

[Ghost]

Just wondering, but how can you distinguish between RMR and a full time Royal? Is there any difference on the cap badge/beret/shoulder flashes? (just curious)

I don't pretend to have any knowledge of this myself, but I believe someone mentioned a while back that they used to have an R for Reserve on their shoulder flashes or something, but it was taken off a while back.

Zak

[druadan]

I can't say I've noticed anything to distinguish them, but then I've not been looking that hard. I'd imagine they'd have a different colour lanyard on blues/lovats, maybe they wear some kind of flash as well (like the dagger for Cdo units, FPG have their own etc)?? Interesting question

[Doc]

Just wondering, but how can you distinguish between RMR and a full time Royal? Is there any difference on the cap badge/beret/shoulder flashes? (just curious)

RMR used to have a small "R" under their commando flashes in red on black. Not sure if this is still the case but used to be.

[Doc]

I can't say I've noticed anything to distinguish them, but then I've not been looking that hard. I'd imagine they'd have a different colour lanyard on blues/lovats, maybe they wear some kind of flash as well (like the dagger for Cdo units, FPG have their own etc)?? Interesting question

I have noticed of late that some RMs are wearing the commando dagger in red on black on smocks? That badge used to be for army/RAF ranks only. In 1996 for an exercise called Purple Underpants....oops sorry Purple Star a black on green dagger got issued for all ranks serving with 3 Commando brigade as a brigade flash. So Royal not in 3 Cdo didnt wear it. And this dagger badge wasnt an upside triangle like the army commando badge but a square.

In addition to my above post on the "R" for RMR bods, the "R" got binned if a bod got attached full time to the Corps on a full time reserve service thingy-ma-jig! Cdo Logs had a few such blokes when I was there.

[lew]

If Rabby or Skiffle still frequent these forums there probably the best people to talk to as I believe both are in the RMR.


lew

[benjordan81]

I think they have got rid of the little 'R' now - remember reading it somewhere.

Does anyone know how it works if you want to gain a Commission in the RMR?

I know you have to join a recruit first and pass that, but do you have to do the Commando course again if you want to be a Officer?

Cheers

[Nade]

They dont wear the R anymore. I know that for sure as they didnt have it when I was there. Im not to sure about commision, however I think what you do is attend the POC and AIB. If they pass them then you attend officer trainers courses (2 weeks long). I could be wrong here, im not really that sure about it. But I dont think you have to do the Cdo course again.

[Statistic]

I can confirm that the 'R' isn't around any more, just the same flashes as the regulars.

benjordan81,
We were constantly told what to expect when/if we passed out of training (I never made it, but intend to try again at some point). Basically you can do any course the regs do, they will even send you on the full regular course if you have the time available. You can be attached to the regs as an individual for any amount of time, I have heard of guys transferring over to the regulars (they usually put in a lot of time and commitment to the RMR before hand though) it really all depends on the time you can commit. As for adventure training that’s about the same as the regs also. Basically, during training and when you pass out you are treated as equally as your regular oppos, on the Phase 1A course they said "you are the equivalent of week 15 recruits, therefore you will be treated as such" ... and we were - the same principal goes for everything you will do.

As for commissions, from what I saw and heard: You complete recruit training and if you show officer potential, i.e. your sh*t hot and have the leadership touch then they will recommend you, you do AIB and POC and then a two week basic RMR officer course at CTC then a two week Infantry Platoon Commanders course with the Army (Apparently this is nails).

In my opinion RMR is well worth while, so much opportunity, so much satisfaction.

Good luck,

JZ.