! NON BRITISH CITIZENS MAY NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR COMMISSION !

[faddius]

A warning to all non-british citizens!!! I just got a letter from the careers office in belfast notifying me that the rules in relation to non-british citizens changed 3 weeks ago.

'Thank you for your recent enquiry regarding career opportunities for commissioned officers in the Royal Marines. I must advise you at this stage of a recent change to the way in which we are dealing with applications from non-british citizens. This change means that it is only possible for non-British citizens to jon as officers in the following specialisations's:
Marine Engineering, Engineer (Training Manager) and Medical Branches.

If you feel that you are suitably qulified and wish to be considered for any of these, please contact me at the address above so that we can discuss how to proceed. If you are not eligible, or do not wish to be considered for any of these branches, I regret that it will not be possible to process your application further.'

I was on the buzzer with the OC for the AFCO and the implictions are more serious than they prima facia appear. Irish, Canadians etc, inc Commonwealth citizens cannot gain commission. At this stage it is not clear if recruits can go for commission within the corps even though already booties.

For all those effected (everyone in or wanting in to the RM who is non british (ie not from england, scotland, wales or n.ireland) you had better get on the buzzer to the CO of your careers office!!!

James

[El Prez]

Don't panic Mr Mannering, as a mick you can become a naturalised Brit. The paperwork can be completed very simply and you have the added benefit of a British passport. It worked for me. Rules, for the guidance of wise men etc.

[Big Papa Hapa]

Gentlemen,

Are you aware if there are any restrictions on Commonwealth citizens possessing dual nationality? I have both British and Canadian (though I have never lived in Britain). If it helps, I have a British passport, does that mean anything?

Just thought I'd see if I can get a reply over the weekend. I intend to ring the careers office bright and early monday morning (damned 5 hour time difference!)

Thanks for your time.

[liverpoolirish]

Gentlemen,

Are you aware if there are any restrictions on Commonwealth citizens possessing dual nationality? I have both British and Canadian (though I have never lived in Britain). If it helps, I have a British passport, does that mean anything?

Just thought I'd see if I can get a reply over the weekend. I intend to ring the careers office bright and early monday morning (damned 5 hour time difference!)

Thanks for your time.

http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/static/pages/2673.html

Yes, if you were born British-Canadian you can join the RM as an officer. If you were born in the Irish Republic, and naturalised you can't, as you weren't a British citizen from birth.

OTOH You could join the Army Commando Units (29 CDO RA, 59 CDO RE etc.) as an officer I believe, as these are not security sensitive (the rule is old, certain jobs were always debarred to RI and Commonwealth citizens, like Int Operators, EW sigs etc.)

Bryn

[Big Papa Hapa]

Thanks guys! It's time to get the ball rolling!