What we do

Some of the activities at the Marine Training Corps

What we do at the Marine Training Corps

The Marine Training Corps follows a syllabus which gets more challenging each year. As you learn more about each topic and get better at it, you will go up the ranks and through the star levels until you reach Master Cadet.

Training will be split over training evenings, field days, some weekend camps and courses, and Summer Camp. Parade evenings take place twice a week. This provides training across a number of different areas, which is then enhanced during field days and weekend training camps, where cadets can spend longer periods of time developing a particular skill.

Click the headings below to see what you could be a part of if you’d like to know more about what we do head over to our Contact Page or fill out the application form which can be found on the Join us page

Adventurous training

Adventurous Training is an essential part of the Cadet’s training syllabus and the place where team effort really matters – you’ll build new friendships, and learn to rely on the other people you’re with to get the job done. It also lets you show off your leadership qualities.

Something for everyone

Remember, whatever your personal tastes, nothing is compulsory. There is a wide range of adventurous activities to get stuck into, so if climbing isn’t for you perhaps canoeing is. Sometimes what’s on offer depends on the Unit you attend, but everything you do is supervised by qualified trainers who will ensure you get the most out of it.
Between local activities and visits to camps, you will have the chance to experience kayaking, hill walking, camping, caving, mountain biking, offshore sailing and winter sports to name just a few.

MTC Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA) Course

Cadets and Staff have the opportunity to complete one of the most physically and mentally challenging courses,

the course consists of:

  • Physical Endurance, Stamina Navigation Tactics and Patrolling
  • Communications Skills
  • Advanced Combat Field Firing

Specialist Skills Package week end
a) Specialist OP and Observation Skills

b) Medical Trauma
c) Survival

Advanced Patrolling Skills
Final Surveillance and Reconnaissance Patrolling evaluation
Basic Op Assistant
First aid
Advanced navigation
Close-quarter battle skills
Foreign equipment recognition
Observation post-construction, operation and routine long range communication
Swimming tests Navigation tests

Long-distance marches over arduous terrain carrying heavy loads Navigation

SERE
3 night Ex

 

 

MTC Commando Course

Cadets and staff have the opportunity to complete the course and receive their MTC Commando beret.

To start the course you will be an assessed, you will need to be able to complete :

10-mile speed march in the local area

Bleep test level 8
35 push-ups

35 sit-ups
Retrieve a brick from the bottom of the pool
FA test
3 Night field ex

After this you will start the course, the course is not just physically demanding but also mentally demanding.

Weekend 1 will start with a tab over the Brecon Beacons on the Saturday with medical scenarios this is a pass or fail, anyone that fails the course at any point will be RTU and can apply to join the next course.

 

MTC Jumps Course

Cadets and staff have the option to to complete a NATO jumps course and gain jumps certificates and wings in a number of countries that are a part of NATO.

Cadets Driving Course

The Marine Training Corps has the unique opportunity by running a cadet driving course having military and civilian vehicles for cadets and staff to drive and learn vehicle maintenance.

Self Defence

Some MTC units have started to teach Self Defence once a month to Cadets and Staff.

Self Defence can also be part of weekend training so cadets at units that do not have the specialist instructors don’t miss out.

Leadership

Throughout life, wherever you go and with whoever you interact with, there will be situations when you must step up and take control. It may be an important meeting in your career or it may be a medical emergency you encounter on the street. It could even be when leading a troop of Cadets through an exercise in the field but whatever the situation, having effective leadership skills is vital.

As you become more experienced as a cadet you’ll take on extra responsibilities and have further opportunities to develop your self-confidence and leadership skills.The challenge of teamwork and leadership is the ultimate test for a cadet and could be the greatest achievement of your time with us. If you aspire to be the best, we’ll help you achieve it.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (S.T.E.M)

Throughout life, wherever you go and with whoever you interact with, there will be situations when you must step up and take control. It may be an important meeting in your career or it may be a medical emergency you encounter on the street. It could even be when leading a troop of Cadets through an exercise in the field but whatever the situation, having effective leadership skills is vital.

As you become more experienced as a cadet you’ll take on extra responsibilities and have further opportunities to develop your self-confidence and leadership skills. The challenge of teamwork and leadership is the ultimate test for a cadet and could be the greatest achievement of your time with us. If you aspire to be the best, we’ll help you achieve it.

Shooting

     

Whatever level you are as a cadet, you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at military skills and drills including shooting.

One of the most exciting activities you’ll get to do as a Cadet is shooting. It is the main activity that differentiates the MTC from most other youth organisations as we have a much wider scale of weapon systems to train with. Learning about shooting will teach you a number of key skills, the most important of which are discipline and safety awareness. It also brings with it a great sense of achievement.

As a cadet, you will learn to shoot accurately using a range of Rifles, Pistols (single shot, semi-automatic), Shotguns and other weapon systems but you will not be allowed to shoot any rifle until you have demonstrated a full understanding of the use of the rifle and the vital safety procedures.

Marksmanship goes a long way back in the history of Cadets and is one of our most popular activities. Think you can concentrate on distant targets and fire with consistent accuracy? It’s not easy. It requires focus, concentration and a very steady hand.

We’ll teach you to handle a variety of weapons safely. Basic firing is always done lying on your stomach (the prone position) at static targets. Progress through the syllabus and you’ll experience different types of weapons, and firing positions and could even take part in shooting competitions if you really prove your skills.

Ranges come in different shapes and sizes but all are in controlled conditions with full training on any weapon that you handle – safety is our top priority. To start with you’ll be firing at targets that are fairly close – around 25m away. As you advance through weapons and your skill builds, you will fire at targets 100m or more away.

Skill at Arms

This is another great subject that will teach you self-discipline as you learn how to handle weapons in a safe and responsible manner. You will start at a basic level using air rifles, Airsoft and paintball rifles.

All handling and use of weapons or ammunition in the MTC is directly supervised by adult instructors who have received in-depth training.

We use a variety of weapons as part of this training where you will learn a number of disciplines, including target shooting, rifle drill, shooting on rifle ranges, shooting clays and the practical use and care of rifles whilst on fieldcraft exercises.

All aspects of safety both to yourself and others will be taught first before you are allowed to handle a weapon. You will also have to pass a weapons handling test which shows that you have the skills and knowledge to safely handle a weapon.

Sports

Feeling competitive?

As an MTC cadet you can take part in sports at different levels, Whatever you do it will help improve your physical fitness levels and your team skills. If you’re good enough at your favourite sport we’ll notice, and can help you take it to the next level.

There are frequent tournaments between Units taking part and other groups, where the best players are selected to represent the MTC.

Work hard, play hard

Mixing work and play is at the heart of being in the MTC. Getting stuck into sport is fun, and you’ll build friendships and learn how to use your strengths to best effect a team. And it doesn’t stop at the sports we’ve mentioned.

Most Units runs loads of different sport activities. You’ll be playing for fun but we’ll encourage you to unleash your competitive side. Don’t worry if you don’t think sport is your strength. You don’t have to be the next Olympic star, just take the opportunities and enjoy yourself!

Parade and drill

Drill is the term used to describe a formal parade where you are able to move quickly in formation from one place to another. This may sound easy but when there is more than one person, marching, turning and saluting at the same time can be pretty difficult to master.

What’s the point of drill and parade? You may think it doesn’t have much to do with things like adventurous training, or leadership. That’s not the case at all! It shows how disciplined and organised you can be as an individual, remembering instructions and carrying them out accurately. More importantly, it shows your ability to work in a team and is a way of displaying the high standards of dress and behaviour which MTC cadets are renowned for.

You will learn how to march and be part of a team. This important subject allows you to gain a better understanding of how you fit in and operate as part of a team. It is also excellent for teaching self-discipline and for developing a sense of pride.

You will learn how to form into a squad, then progress to turning and saluting at a halt. Once you have mastered these moves separately we put them all together, marching, moving, turning and saluting on the march.

Turnout is the term used to describe how to wear your uniform and personal equipment correctly. Your appearance is an important part of being a MTC cadet. We will teach you about each part of your uniform and how to take care of it, ensuring smartness at all times.

It will be your responsibility to always look smart and tidy when in uniform.

As a cadet, you’ll participate in various forms of drill, such as:

  • Foot Drill
  • Basic Drill (both quick & slow time)
  • Banner Drill
  • Band Drill

    With a few years of experience, and if you’ve attained a Non-Commissioned Officer rank, you could pass on your knowledge and experience to other cadets, instructing them on how to participate in a drill squad, taking charge of a drill squad yourself, or even playing a major part in the ceremonial drill. Being a Standard Bearer at a Remembrance Day parade is a real moment of pride and achievement for a cadet.

team-building / Teamwork

It is important for cadets to participate in team-building activities, including trust games, as it may improve their
leadership abilities in a peer setting by allowing cadets to practice communication skills and positive group
dynamics. Trust in others and trust in the leader are key leadership attributes and they may assist cadets in leading in
a peer setting. When members of a team trust each other, accomplishing any task is usually easier. If cadets
cultivate trust and protect the trust that others offer and share, cadets may increase the confidence others have
in them and this should increase their own self-confidence.

Team building exercises we do:

Paintball

Air Soft 

Escape Room days

Capture the Flag

Scavenger Hunting

Leadership Tasks

Days out

 

Music

Whatever your standard or choice of instrument, you are welcome to join.

Getting involved in music is a great way of socialising and of promoting the MTC wherever you play to the public. 

  • Musician Badges are Awarded on the basis of musical ability

    Eligibility
    Play an instrument to the required standard. This can include singing or being a member of a choir.
    There are 3 ways to qualify for a Musician Badge:

    • Pass a recognised music board examination at grade 3 (practical)
    • Provide an expert witness testimony (for example a school music teacher) to state that an instrument can be played to grade 3 standard
    • Assessment by a competent person to state that music ability has been demonstrate
Fieldcraft

Fieldcraft is one of the most popular cadet activities. Fieldcraft and Military Knowledge are unique to the MTC as we have instructors for all 3 armed services.

You will start by learning the basics of personal camouflage and how to move as an individual in the field, then go on to learn how to work together as a section in the field, before eventually commanding your own section.

Working as a team to patrol an area at night and deal with a mock ambush situation is one of the most exciting exercises you will experience.

Fieldcraft is taught throughout the year but during annual camp you will get to live out in the field over a number of days. Working as a team to patrol an area at night and deal with a mock ambush is one of the most exciting exercises that you’ll experience during your cadet training.

Teamwork and communication are both skills developed in fieldcraft exercises that are readily transferable to everyday life.

Cadets and the Community

Learn how you form part of a much bigger picture in your community

The Marine Training Corps plays an active role in the local community. A major part of the training for any cadet is citizenship training and the topic forms part of the MTC Cadets syllabus. Through participating in community projects you will build an understanding of how community functions and the difference you can make now or in the future.

At the very basic level, it may involve your attendance at the annual Festival of Remembrance Parade in your town or village.

As you gain more experience and move through the progressive training syllabus you move on to bigger and better projects which may involve helping to rebuild a local children’s play area, clearing rubbish from riverbanks or planting trees and visiting elderly residents in rest homes to give them company.

First Aid

First Aid is offered to all adults and cadets within Marine Training Corps.

We require a number of our adults to undertake First Aid qualifications to ensure that there is suitable First Aid provision in place for all the activities we carry out. In addition, all cadets receive training in lifesaving first aid skills to enable them to cope in the event of an accident or incident.

Our qualifications are split into youth and adult qualifications. It is part of the cadet’s core syllabus that they will all undertake progressive training which eventually leads to a St. John Youth First Aid qualification.

As we aim to set our cadets up for lifelong success, once they finish the youth programme, our cadets have the option to undertake an adult First Aid in workplace qualification, which is the same qualification offered to all our Cadet Adult Volunteers.

Junior NCO Cadet Instructors Cadre (JCIC) Lcpl-Cpl

The Junior NCO Cadet Instructor Cadre (JCIC) is an integral part of Red Star training and all cadets at this level take the course. It is designed to teach the cadets how to instruct new entrants and Red Star cadets in Drill and Turnout and military knowledge, navigation, skill-at-arms and fieldcraft.

The JCIC has two purposes. Firstly it initiates the senior cadet into the techniques of instruction; and secondly, it assesses the cadet’s ability as a potential instructor, with particular reference to his or her possible selection to undertake the Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre at Green Star level.

Senior NCO Cadet Instructors Cadre (SCIC) Sgt +

The Senior NCO Cadet Instructor Cadre (SCIC) is a Green Star optional subject designed to increase your knowledge of the techniques of instruction, first introduced on the Junior Cadet Instructor Cadre (JCIC) and give you an early experience of the art of leadership.

To qualify for the SCIC you must have sound knowledge of all subjects up to and including Red Star level and you must have proved, by your performance on the Junior Cadet Instructor Cadre, that you are a potential instructor.

You will learn how to instruct up to and including Green Star standard cadets in drill, turnout and military knowledge; skill-at-arms; fieldcraft; and navigation.

Navigation

Teaches a range of practical skills that are useful in everyday life.

You know how to navigate to your local shops or friends house but what happens when you’re in the middle of nowhere? This valuable skill will teach you how to read a map and use a compass for navigation.

Starting with the very basics of understanding how a phone box is represented on a map all the way up to back-bearings and resections. This is an essential skill for when you’re out in the field. These skills are also very useful if you want to do orienteering or take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Military Knowledge
Learning about how the military functions and the role it has played in world history are an important part of your cadet training.

In this topic, you will learn about the customs and traditions of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. You will also gain an understanding of the structure of the services as well as learn about the UK rank structure.

There may even be the opportunity for you to expand your military knowledge by going on a battlefield tour in Europe, annual camp and visits to military areas.

RYA Level 2 Powerboat

Level 2 will give you the skills and background knowledge needed by the competent powerboat driver and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. The course aims to teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats. It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations. The course can be taken at an inland or coastal location. It may be conducted in a variety of boat types, both planing and displacement. The certificate issued will be endorsed to show the type of boat in which the training took place.

Communications & Information Systems

One skill that is vital to whatever you do in life is the ability to communicate clearly, confidently and effectively, and that is what is at the heart of signals training in the MTC. It’s a topic that is growing more popular by the year and involves learning how to use some pretty impressive kit.

There are also further courses and training at higher levels where you can gain experience of other systems such as the Army Bowman tactical communications system.

Seamanship

Basic Seamanship – The programme contains:

Bends & hitches for all compulsory elements

Safety and Distress at sea

General Rigging

General Ropework

Chartwork – Paper / GPS / Electronic 

Tides

Buoys

Lights and Daymarks

Sound Signals

Rule of the Road

Steering Rules

Passage Planning

Parts of a Ship

Expeditions

Unforgettable experiences and life-changing challenges where you will learn as much about yourself as you do others.

Expeditions are a central part of MTC life, so you could find yourself spending a few nights camping in a national park here in the UK or on an ambitious trek through the Himalayas. Every year many expeditions are planned at Unit and national levels.

You’ll start off with some training on how to prepare clothing and equipment. You’ll learn how to safely carry a load and identify a suitable route as well as what makes an ideal campsite. In addition, you will be taught how to pitch a tent and cook a meal on a camping stove.

Your first expedition will probably be close to home, but as you progress through the syllabus you’ll venture further afield, and possibly even overseas.

Catering
The Catering courses covers different aspects of food preparation theory and practise as well as the opportunity to develop professional service skills. The specialisation is very hands-on and involves a lot of practical skills such as cooking, tasting and planning the catering for events.
Cadet Aviation Proficiency & Flying

The Aviation Training Package have been designed to introduce cadets to the aviation environment and build confidence in the air.

ATP introduces cadets to aeronautical concepts including the primary and further effects of controls, lift
vectors and airfield procedures . There are 4 elements to the Basic Aviation Training Package:

  1. Cadet Aviation Familiarisation Course (FAM)
  2. Ground school
  3. Part Task Trainer (PTT)
  4. Airborne sortie(s) at an Air Experience Flight (AEF)

Following on from the basic ATP, there are 3 elements to this training to further develop cadets aviation knowledge:

  1. Ground school elements will revise primary effects of control and introduce attitude maintenance and selection and cockpit drills
  2. PTT training will focus on trimming, normal approach and circuit, undershooting and overshooting approaches
  3. Airborne sorties at an AEF will demonstrate FRC drills, datum attitude and stability, medium turns and the approach and landing.

It’s our aim to get you airborne as often as possible, as a passenger in a light aircraft, a glider or on-board Service aircraft.

Cadets Flight Navigation Training

 

The CFNT provides 5 hours of flying training at an Air Experience Flight (AEF) There are 2 elements to this
training:

  1. Experience aspects of applied flying
  2. Experience aspects of applied navigation
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

 

Pre-Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Cadets aged 10-14

There are 4 Sections to complete.
Volunteering Section Attend 75% of training nights over a 3 month period and participate in a fund raising, charitable or community event / project.
Skill Section Complete 1 of the following: Map Reading. Basic Radio Communications.Play an instrument to the required standard
Physical Section Select the approved physical tests and show improvement over a 3 month period.
Expedition Section Complete blue star Cadet Initial Expedition Training.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award

Description Complete all 4 sections with a further 3 months in either the Volunteering, Physical or Skills section.

Volunteering Skills Physical Expedition
3 months 3 months 3 months 2 days / 1 night
Eligibility Minimum age of 14 years or Year 9 in England or equivalent in Scotland

Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award 

Description Complete all 4 sections. For Direct Entrants a further 6 months must be completed in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skill section
Volunteering Skills Physical Expedition
3 months One for 6 months and the other for 3 months 3 days / 2 night
Eligibility Minimum age of 15 years or Year 10 in England or equivalent in Scotland

Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award

Description Complete all 4 sections. For Direct Entrants a further 6 months must be completed in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skill section
Volunteering Skills Physical Expedition
12 months One for 12 months and the other for 6 months 4 days / 3 nights

Residential Undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for 5 days and 4 nights

Eligibility Minimum age of 16 years

Employability Skills Workshops

The Employability Skills Workshop helps to develop Cadets important employability skills and improve awareness of, and access to, the opportunities available to young people post-GCSE by introducing them directly to colleges and employer networks.

skills including:

  • Creating a good CV
  • Interview skills
  • Personal skills assessments
  • Networking abilities
  • Understanding what employers are looking for.

The training, mentoring, advice and guidance offered on the workshops allows participants to realise, develop and articulate their full potential to prospective employers helping improve their chances when applying for employment and apprenticeships.

BTEC qualifications

 

We offer a range of BTEC qualifications to suit all ages and abilities.

Cadets can enrol on a BTEC Level 1 after week 5 of first joining, progressing to a BTEC Level 2 in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community.

BTEC’s from the MTC can go on your UCAS Forms

The cadet syllabus is designed to be progressive so that cadets can build upon the foundation of previous star levels and advance at their own speed through their time in the MTC. Additionally, the syllabus offers an elective element, giving cadets the freedom to choose the path that best suits their interests.

All training provided to cadets must be aligned with pertinent to their needs. Although the relevance of certain lessons may not be immediately apparent, they can still provide valuable experiences to cadets. For example, the reason cadets learn a section attack is not to prepare for an actual attack, but to develop teamwork, communication, leadership, and physical fitness skills.

The syllabus is designed for progression in the timeline shown below; this timeline is approximate, and no rigid timescales are imposed on a cadet:

  • Basic Training. 4 – 5 months.
  • RED. A further 15 – 20 months.
  • GREEN. A further 12 – 15 months.
  • GOLD. A further 13 -15 months.
  • MASTER. A further 8 – 10 months.

What we do at the Marine Training Corps

What we do at MTC
What we do at MTC