RM reserves, good or bad thing?

[Bootneck Officer]

Cheers for that.

[Black Rat]

I know it's not a good analogy but is a University degree worth any less because it was granted by the Open University?

The Regular Corps and the R.M.R. are the same but different and compliment each other.

Comparisons are unnecessary and invalid, we are all part of the same family within the Corps (or were!).

[Chester]

Listen, before this starts to lose the point, I am not anti-RMR. Nor have I said anything that indicates the RMR are less than professional

Really ? Perhaps this might jog your memory

So if you want to join the Corps, join the real, professional Corps.......

This is because the bulk of the Brigade are around the world at present, conducting operations, or on exercise. That is, doing the job. If you want to join them, join the professionals

Sounds a bit elitist to me.......

[John_D]

It never ceases to amaze me how we can all end up shooting ourselves
in the feet, when I noticed that an officer had signed in onto this forum
I though good now we can show the official RM site that we are worthy of a mention on their site,plus the young up and coming Royals could get some of the answers they could not get through the official site,
But what happens when the officer makes a mistake,everyone has to have a go at him,lets face he is human like the rest of us and is entitled
to make them now and again, so come on lads give him a break.

Aye
John_D

[faddius]

Are we not missing the point of this post? It seems to have degenerated into tautological 'who is better argument'...

The roles played by the RMs and the RMRs are the most important distinguishing factors. Obviously in peace time and low volume/ low intensity conflict there is little demand for RMRs in the theatre as the RMs manpower capacity is not affected, but when the s*** hits the fan and manpower demand exceeds normal RM capabilaties the RMR step in and provide additional professional assistance.

In order for the RMRs to step-up to the challenge they are trained to a 'sufficient' standard in order for them to successfully execute their professional roles. In the RMR, 'sufficient' standard is a standard head and shoulders above most full time units. Although RMR training lacks the intensity level of the RM 30 weeker and training, their role is as reservists and as such train in an intensivity level suitable in order for them to maintain a professional civvie-street career.

~James

[Bootneck Officer]

This is hopefully my last post on this topic.
The comment 'join the professionals' should not intimidate anyone in the RMR. It means 'professional' - ie full time. If it sounds élitist to you, then I suggest you become a little less sensitive - I am sure you are a very professional man in whatever job it is you do as a profession.
The previous comments seem to redeem some sense onto this page. That is, as explained in the first place - the RMR is different in training and role from the regular Corps. That is what I originally stated. If you disagree, then dig out.
The RMR to me is something that the Corps is proud of - as an excellent pool of reserve manpower, evidently different from the TA etc. I have always believed that. Where I differ from the respondents on this page is the fact that they believe the training and product is the same as the average regular Royal Marine. That is utter nonsense. It is not rude or anti-RMR to say that, and is based on my experience in both the RMR and the Corps.
Of course, more sensitive Rubbers will post more comments up claiming that I am élitist and anti-RMR. Not at all, I just like to make sure that prospective Marines know there is a distinction - which there very definitely is.
Other people who have done RMR and Regular training may disagree with me -that is your shout.
One point that I have taken onboard is that the RMR are extremely sensitive about their status.

[Bootneck Officer]

By the way John D,

Thanks for the kind words, but I'm lost about what the mistake was?
If some RMR guys think they are being slated because I, a mere regular RM Officer has the audacity to think I can give an opinion about the RMR, and its equivalence to regular training, then I am very sorry.

Cheers anyway

[John_D]

Maybe "mistake" was the wrong word,if it was accept my apology,the
theme you are all on about, I am not qualifies to debate on because after
42Ys out of the service, training techniques have changed, but if I was to
select your mistake it would be disclosing your rank,as there are those
who can,t resist having a go at senior ranks.

I myself stick by what I said in an earlier passage
Welcome on board.

Aye
John_D

[Brian E]

I think this discussion is going pear shaped!
The RMR cannot be expected to be to the same standard as the regular Corps.. It they were it would be a sad reflection on the training and the quality of the personnel in full time service.
I have always thought of the RMR:as a reserve force who can readily fit into supporting the Corps. in the event of a national emergency.
The strengths of the RMR are:-
Understanding marine language. or "Talk the Talk"
Familiar with marine drill, codes of dress, weapons and military discipline.
In an emergency they could be drafted into replacement troops by a short intensive training programme; followed by on hands training with a RM unit.
Perhaps their greatest strength is enthusiasm. "One volunteer is better than two conscripts".
These are my views and are in no way a response to any previous comments.

[Rubber]

As from prior experience i know the regular style of training and also reserve training. I can not belive that this conversation still goes on about being a 'DAGGER'.
It seems that people must lead mega lives to discuss something like this. Is it such a macho thing to say you will never be as good as me...!
You do get crap in the reserves, but i also know that you get it in the units aswell.
You will find that RMR reserves are attached to units that are now serving around the world.

Just to say to the bootneck officer 'send me your CV when you leave the corps'.

[Bootneck Officer]

Evidently, you are also missing the point.
I don't have much more to say on this subject, except that I would not
try to prove my machismo online, on a website.
Why would you like to see my CV - are you a Recruitment consultant?
I would not fear showing it to you or anyone else. As it happens, I leave the Corps in 3 weeks. My CV has earned me 4 shortlisted interviews with
blue-chips, out of 4 applications.
I don't think the 'big outside world' represents as big a threat as in former years to those leaving full-time service - especially when you have a First degree, a Masters, and an Interpreter's qualification.

Cheers for the attempt at patronisation anyway,

Maybe about 15 years too late.

Out.

[Black Rat]

Not sure what Bootneck Officer is trying to say or prove.

Be careful in that big bad world, no matter how blue the blue chip, theres always someone out there in your new enviroment willing to tell you, youre not always what we think we are cracked up to be. They will be half your age, twice as ambitious and four times better at doing the job!

All the very best in Civvy street, and take it from me, a degree is worth the vellum its written on, and shortlists mean nothing, its coming first that counts and attitude is all.

I hate to see this site becoming a slagging board, lets stop the rot before it starts.

And again all the very best of luck, I mean it, let us know how you get on.

[harry hackedoff]

Lighten up, lads for f*&$s sake,
first thing, I hate you, Black Rat for saying exactly what I feel, bastard! This isn`t a slagging board,if you agree or disagree with an opinion on here-fine.Just don`t be offensive, some of the above posts are. I wellcomed B.O. onto here, indeed I sent him a p.m. saying so, and I`m glad he is on.
I`d like more officers to post stuff, because it all adds variety. It`s not "us and them" it`s just"us". By "us" I mean the bigger US, the whole family.
To answer John D, I don`t think it was a mistake for "BOOTNECK OFFICER" to reveal his rank, indeed I admire him for it, but maybe a more user-friendly name would have helped.
I wish you well out here,it certainly is differant. If you don`t mind me asking boss, what name did you use, previously?


yours( as in everybody`s)Aye

Harry

[Andy O'Pray]

Having been the USM of RMR Bristol in 1974 and USM of RMR Scotland 1980, I feel that I can speak with some authority on this subject. The Royal Marines reservist is well aware that the training that they undergo does not equate to a regular recruit training, however, the RMR recruit gives up much of his spare time to achieve the highest level possible. The PSI's will not forward a recruit on a course unless they are sure that he has achieved the required standard for an RMR marine.

I have found that the dedicated reservist seems to find time to take courses in order to improve their standard of training. Reservists applying to serve with the Corps on a short term basis are carefully selected by the permanent staff. Reports that I have received highlighted the enthusiasm that had been shown by the reservist and how well they fitted in with the regulars.

The Royal Marines is not the reservists chosen career, but they did choose to give up their spare time to train as a reservist, in the knowledge that they could be called upon to serve. I feel that the RMR is a positive addition to, and part of the Corps.

I can think of easier ways to spend my spare time.