Officer with A Levels

Jon · Post by **Jon** » Wed 05 May, 2004 11:33 am

Is there anybody about who is planning to become, currently is or is in the processing of becoming an officer with just A Levels and no degree?

Ive always planned to go in as a recruit but over the past few weeks ive considered going in as an officer but im not sure about it, as I have not got a degree. I finish my A Levels in June and should get the neccessary 140 UCAS points at least, but im not sure if A Levels are enough and dont want to have to go through the process only to fail at the end. I know the Marines wants more than qualifications - character, aggression, leadership etc - but I dont know if a lack of degree will be detrimental to me.

Im planning to book an info session at the AFCO, but Im after first hand experience and reassurance from anyone that can help. Thanks in advance.

druadan · Post by **druadan** » Wed 05 May, 2004 12:17 pm

Not a problem at all. So long as you get as far as POC, you're grades don't make a difference...you may be asked why you don't want to go to uni during your interview, just have some good answers lined up and you'll be fine. You're still expected to perform in every aspect of POC and AIB to the same level as the graduates though, obviously!! I almost went this route (with just A-levels), before deciding I was simply too young and wanted to enjoy the life of being a Marine rather than worrying about all the extra responsibilities of being an officer. I also went through the first stages of Army Officer application on just A-levels before deciding RM was the way forward (keep that quiet though can you!!

)

saffer · Post by **saffer** » Wed 05 May, 2004 4:02 pm

I have just A-Levels, and started a degree but dropped out. I now have my POC in a week and a half!
If you pass POC and dont get recommended for AIB or if you pass POC and fail AIB you still have direct enrty in to RM training.
If you fail POC then you can take a PRMC a month or so down the line.

But the answer to your question, yes there is.

saffer · Post by **saffer** » Wed 05 May, 2004 4:04 pm

18 - 2nd Lieutenant Direct Entry on appointment 14,494

19 - 2nd Lieutenant Direct Entry on appointment 15,664

20 - 2nd Lieutenant Direct Entry on appointment 18,323

21+ 2nd Lieutenant Direct Graduate Entry on appointment 20,680

bootneck · Post by **bootneck** » Wed 05 May, 2004 4:29 pm

Officer and A Levels in the same sentance = Take Cover!!

Jon · Post by **Jon** » Wed 05 May, 2004 7:10 pm

Cheers for the help. Good luck saffer, hope you do well

Some good reassurance there. I'll phone the AFCO as soon as possible to get some good info and, if that goes well, ill give it my all.

James-L · Post by **James-L** » Mon 10 May, 2004 11:45 am

I'm sure I read somewhere that the Royal Marines only take on 2 potential officers without degree's in the whole of the country. I was seriously considering this until I thought I'd like to have a couple more years as a civie

saffer · Post by **saffer** » Mon 10 May, 2004 12:06 pm

My AFCO didnt say any thing about this, and I have read just about all the info there is on the subject regarding A-levels and officer entry.
This is the first I have heard about limited number of A-level only candidates.

Maverick00 · Post by **Maverick00** » Mon 10 May, 2004 1:19 pm

I would doubt that very much, but remember the places available are heavily over-subscribed so they can afford to be picky....

Jon · Post by **Jon** » Mon 10 May, 2004 3:20 pm

Just for clarification, I am supposed to contact the Officer Career Liasion Centre (nearest is in Manchester) arent I, and not the AFCO?

Maverick00 · Post by **Maverick00** » Mon 10 May, 2004 4:52 pm

Depends what info you want. If its to start the process then yes, they will point you in the right direction.

Jon · Post by **Jon** » Tue 11 May, 2004 9:44 am

Seems a bit pointless really. Ive just been told im going to fail one of my A2s (PE) for not doing the work, and im not one the strongest student in the other subjects either (history and geography). Bloody school!

Spence · Post by **Spence** » Fri 09 Jul, 2004 11:39 am

Hey guys,
Last year I went through the motions to becoming a regular bootneck at 16, however I was defered for a year because of asthma when I was younger. Because of this set back I decided to continue my A-Levels and apply as an officer. I have just recently had an interview for this and I was told that considering I was so young, even the majority of the graduate candidates weren't fit to clean my boots (not to be blowing my own trumpt). Just make sure your knowledge on the Marines is top notch, you are the fittest man you know, have a good grasp of psychometric puzzles and you won't go far wrong.

-Spence

mike_B · Post by **mike_B** » Fri 09 Jul, 2004 12:14 pm

I hate to 'butt-in' on an RM conversation, but there's no way I could let this one rest.

Spence - You have been for one interview and you now think you are shit-hot. Graduates aren't even fit to clean your boots??? What the hell are you on about? Surely this guy can't be for real?

I can't wait to hear how you get on on POC.

I really don't hope all RM POs are as clueless as he.

Mike_B

*I know a bit about RM as an officer because I'd started the application process a while back - but then saw the light and am going for Para Reg.

Spence · Post by **Spence** » Fri 09 Jul, 2004 12:26 pm

I apologise, I can understand how that might have sounded.
I do not think I am Shit hot, I still have a long way to go and would be a fool to think otherwise. I was merely passing on what was told to me by the Officer interviewing me as an example on how a degree is not necessary, as long as you put the work and effort in.

I apologise once again for what could be concidered a very egotistical remark, I hope I can be forgiven.

As for the rest of my application I shall keep you all posted.

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