Volunteer with Marine Training Corps
Volunteering with the Marine Training Corps

Become an MTC Cadet
Become a Cadet with the MTC and you’ll be spending your spare time taking part in adventurous activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, archery and abseiling. OK, you might end up a bit wet and muddy, but wouldn’t you rather be having the time of your life with some great new mates, instead of just sitting in front of a TV or computer alone in your room?
You can get in touch with your nearest MTC Unit and arrange a visit one evening (ideally accompanied by a parent or guardian), to see what goes on during a Training Night. Some Units recruit through the year and others have specific entry dates when a group of new cadets can join and learn at the same time. Why not come along and see if you like it – you don’t have to join, but at least check out what you might be missing.
Don’t be shy about taking that first step – it may be the best thing you’ve ever done. The skills you learn as a cadet can help you stand out from the competition, whether you are applying for college or university, or looking for your first job.
What’s in it for you?
Aside from sports, target shooting, adventure training, camping and great fun? You’ll soon find that being a part of the MTC is its own reward – you constantly see the benefits of your own efforts, building on your achievements and earning Awards.
We have high standards to maintain and you’ll naturally take pride in your uniform and appearance. You’ll be well mannered and self-disciplined. You’ll be joining an organisation of which you’ll be very proud.
Rank: Cadet. Requirements: None – cadets need to be aged 12 Responsibilities: Learn as much as possible about being a cadet and have fun!
(Junior cadets start at the age of 9 untill their 12th birthday.)
Rank: Cadet Lance Corporal Responsibilities: Help cadets with their kit, mentor junior cadets, lead a small team.
Rank: Cadet Corporal. Responsibilities: Learn to instruct cadets, lead a bigger team, take a parade.
Rank: Cadet Sergeant. Responsibilities: One of the senior cadets in the troop. Organise a number of teams. Develop leadership and management skills.
Rank: Cadet Colour Sergeant. Responsibilities: A competent instructor, help with the planning of some training, one of the senior cadets in a group of troops/units.
Rank: Cadet Sergeant Major (15+). Responsibilities: The senior cadet, Responsible for mentoring senior cadets and taking parade.
Rank: Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major. Responsibilities: Only one of the Cadet CSMs in an area will be selected to be the Cadet RSM. They are one of the most senior cadets in the MTC and often take on ceremonial duties in the local area.
Rank: Cadet Under Officer. Responsibilities: This position may be awarded, by the Commandant, to a cadet who is felt to have the potential to be an officer. It is a very rare honour and not many cadets achieve it!
Cadets who reach the age of 18 are legally adults and as such have a duty of care over younger cadets. They are expected to intervene as an adult, regardless of rank, should the situation warrant it. They are also required to undergo a disclosure check. To aid them in the transition from child to adult they complete the Basic Adult Staff Induction Course (BASIC) which outlines their role and legal responsibilities.
All cadets aged 18+ wear rank slides embroidered with the title ‘STAFF CADET’ in addition to their rank, this makes their adult status immediately visible to both cadets and staff.
Core subjects
Drill and Turnout
Military Knowledge
Fieldcraft
Skill at Arms
Shooting
Navigation
Expedition Training
First Aid
Physical Training
Cadet And Community
The MTC is open to everyone, so whatever your nationality, background or ability, whether you’re male or female, you are more than welcome to join us. Our only pre-requisites for joining is that you must be 9 and the maximum age for entry is 17, so if you’re closer to the upper end of the age scale then make sure to contact us to see how we can accommodate you.
What are you waiting for!
All of our Units welcome personal visits by potential cadets (ideally accompanied by a parent or guardian), during Parade Nights – these are held twice a week. Some Units recruit throughout the year, others have specific entry dates. Just come along and see if you like it – you don’t have to join, but at least check out what you might be missing.

MTC Officers
Officers are expected to be good leaders, and whether you’re on a Unit, an Officer attending a camp or a member of Area staff, you’ll be expected to contribute to decision making, have a good knowledge of MTC policy and have good leadership attributes. It may sound scary, but don’t worry – the work of an Officer is incredibly important, and if the role is right for you then you will excel in all of these factors.
The assessment weekend consists of a briefing phase (to prepare you for what tasks may be ahead) and a testing phase.
Over the weekend you can expect to:
Take part in group discussions
Description: Leaderless syndicate groups will be given a number of set topics, including at least one youth-related topic, that they will be asked to discuss.
Purpose: Assessors will be looking at listening and speaking skills, how well individuals communicate with others in the group and how well they put across their ideas.
Take individual timed mental aptitude profile tests
Description: These are computerised verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning tests that give an indication of general intelligence.
Purpose: The tests will provide information on your strengths and weaknesses in different areas and will help the board to allocate tasks at a level that is appropriate for you.
Undertake a Planning Exercise
Description: Prior to the PlanEx all candidates are given a detailed tutorial on how to approach the exercise. Each PlanEx provides a written, non-military, scenario outlining the various challenges you need to overcome (you’ll be asked to look at aims, a variety of factors such as time, speed, distance, resources, weather, and risk; and to identify a number of courses of action which will then allow you to produce a plan). At the start of the exercise, you’ll be devising your own written plan. This is followed by a group phase where you will work with the other members of your syndicate group to generate a verbal group plan. The DS, who has been observing the exercise, then asks each participant to step up and answer a number of questions about the scenario or the plan.
Purpose: The main point of the PlanEx is to see how you can extract information, work out solutions, formulate plans and how you pass this information on to others.
Deliver an individual ‘Lecturette’ in front of your syndicate group
Description: You will be given three topics and given 10 minutes to prepare a five minute talk on one of the topics, which you will deliver to your syndicate group.
Purpose: This task will provide information on your communication and presentation skills.
Have a one-to-one interview
Description: The interview will be conducted by one of the DS and an MTC Officer.
Purpose: Your interviewer will be keen to find out why you want to be an officer and to find out more about you, your skills and your aspirations.
Officers in the MTC are not commissioned by the king.
What next?
If you are currently thinking of joining, then get in touch and come down to a unit to see what we do first hand and to speak with a member of the team.

Adult Instructors
Adult Instructors or NCOs in the MTC can be found in the ranks of Acting Sergeant, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant and Sergeant Majors. NCOs are in charge of drill, discipline and uniforms on their Unit, making sure that staff and cadets are upholding the high standards.
As an NCO you’ll have the unique opportunity to get stuck in with the wide variety of activities that the MTC has to offer. You’ll set a standard for cadets and staff and will be a shining example to all those under your care.
The MTC is constantly adapting, taking up new challenges and planning for the future. And a huge part of that planning is you. As the backbone of a MTC Unit we’re always on the look out for high-calibre individuals to become volunteers, helping to run the activities that play such an important role in the lives of our Cadets.
All kinds of people make up our volunteer staff, coming from a range of backgrounds and interests
The most common volunteer posting in the MTC is Sergeant Instructor – it’s a varied role allowing you to use your skills where they best fit and you don’t need any formal qualifications.
Your role on the MTC Unit is vital to the success of our cadets. You’ll see your dedication and effort pay off in the achievements you inspire amongst our Cadets. But it isn’t just the cadets that benefit – you’ll get involved in many activities and have the same kinds of opportunities as cadets to develop your leadership skills and have as much fun as the cadets do!
And it doesn’t stop there. If you choose, you may apply to become a Staff Sergeant or an Officer.
We rely on our instructors to help us run the Units as effectively as possible. Being well organised is an obvious must, ideally with good managerial and administrative skills, and an ability to listen to problems and deal with them tactfully and appropriately.
How do I get started?
A good first step is to find your local Unit, Once you’ve contacted your Unit you will be invited to meet some of the volunteers there. At this stage, you will be interviewed by some experienced volunteers, such as the Unit commander, or Area staff officer. This will also give you the chance to ask more questions and get a better understanding of how the organisation runs.
If you decide that you’re interested in getting involved, you will complete some basic security and vetting (DBS) checks. Some initial training is offered, to give you an understanding of the role you will undertake.
Are there opportunities for progression?
Once you’ve settled into your new Unit, there are lots of opportunities to progress. Volunteers who decide they would like to take on more responsibility can apply for a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) or an officer in the MTC.
How does volunteering benefit my career?
There is often a cross-over of skills and experience. When you join you may bring professional experience, and we can help you learn and develop in new areas. You can develop qualities such as leadership, skills like project management, problem-solving and decision making – with lots of practical examples for your CV. You can also gain Qualifications in ILM Level 3 in Leadership & Managemen , City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Education and Training, and BTEC awards.

Uniformed Staff
After a probationary period as a non Uniformed member, staff in the Marine Training Corps have the opportunity to progress into uniform either as an Instructor (NCO) or down the management role as an Officer.
Progressing into a uniform can be an incredibly beneficial and exciting experience. Uniformed staff are expected to commit to around 12 hours a month this is a part of training nights and extra weekend activities. Uniformed staff will always be found on Units but also at Area and National level, where they will take on roles in which they are a Subject Matter Expert, such as shooting, sports, aviation, media and more.
Routes Into Uniform
Both routes into uniform begin with a discussion with your Line Manager. The uniformed life isn’t for everyone, or you may have specific interests that would be suited for one role and not the other, so it is important to figure out what’s best for you before putting in an application.
If you wish to become an NCO, after speaking to your Unit Commander you will put in your paperwork to Headquarters. After an interview with the Regimental Commander and Regimental Sergeant Major, you will officially be appointed as an Acting Sergeant and will receive a letter telling you when you are allowed to begin wearing your uniform. Within one year, you must attend an NCO Staff Course in order to drop your ‘Acting’ rank.
If you wish to become an Officer, after completing all of the necessary paperwork you will have an interview with the Regimental Commander and an Area Staff Officer. If successful, you will then attend the Officer Training Program.

Non Uniformed Staff
When you join the MTC as a member of staff, you’ll begin at the rank of CI (Civilian Instructors) as you begin to find your feet and develop your interests.
Being a CI is a varied role and your interests outside of the organisation and skills picked up from your working life will be vital and beneficial in helping cadets to develop and grow.
You’ll be able to teach cadets, go on camps, take cadets on activities and so much more. There are some activities that you won’t be able to take part in, such as leading Drill, but you’ll still be fully integrated into the organisation.
The CI role is ideal for those who would like to be a part of the organisation but may not be able to give a lot of time – as a CI, there are no time commitments and can attend the Unit as much or as little as you would like. You don’t wear a uniform but instead will be given a polo shirt.
Our volunteers say they gain a huge sense of achievement from helping young people realise their potential, so why not give it a try?

Chaplains
The Marine Training Corps’s vision for chaplaincy is to provide appropriate pastoral care for all personnel within the MTC, irrespective of religious belief or status. If you’re a minister or priest of any religion you can apply to become a chaplain at any of our MTC Units up and down the country.
Where appropriate to meet the needs of cadets from non-Christian faiths, clerics from other religions may also be appointed. As a Chaplain within the MTC you don’t wear a uniform.
Your role in the MTC is in offering guidance and leadership to cadets and members of staff on moral and spiritual matters. The commitment expected of a chaplain is a regular monthly visit to your unit and from time to time it will be appropriate for you to extend an invitation to the Unit to parade to your church and share in the worship.
The real rewards and satisfaction come with the job itself – helping young people fulfil their potential. Get involved and see how you can make a difference.