Qualifications

The Commissioning Course or Officer's Course is a Course undertaken by aspiring Officers to ensure they are fit to lead a Troop sized element. Those who undertake the course will be selected thoroughly and will rarely pass. Only the best leaders will be capable of being a Special Forces Officer.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Officer's Week
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training

Course Contents:

• Orders process & application of orders
• Troop Battle Drills
• Advanced Planning Exercises

The Royal Marine Senior Command Course is designed to take the experienced Corporal to a position from which they may be considered for promotion to the rank of Sergeant. They will already have proven their potential and will have commanded a section of marines probably on operational duties. Their leadership attributes will have been reported upon for several years by different commanders and they will have gained the recommendation of their commanding officer before being selected for the course. The SCC aims to confirm the required levels of military skills and instructional techniques. Thereafter higher levels of tactics are taught as well as the admin skills of an SNCO.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training
• Completion of Junior Command Course

Course Contents:

• Orders process & application of orders
• Troop Battle Drills
• Advanced Planning Exercises

The Royal Marine Junior Command Course aims to teach and develop the leadership qualities of selected candidates, normally Lance Corporals, who wish to be considered for promotion to Corporal. The JCC provides the grounding for many of the skills required of a junior leader. It includes all elements of Military skills, including field craft, navigation, weapon handling, tactics, fitness and first aid.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training

Course Contents:

• Land Navigation Exercise
• Orders process & application of orders
• Section Battle Drills
• Planning Exercises

The coveted Advanced Parachutist Wings have been a staple identifier of UKSF since World War II. The original SAS pattern parachute wings were designed by Lieutenant Jock Lewes and based on the stylised Ibis wings of Isis of Egyptian iconography. They are worn on the right shoulder. During the second world war, after a qualifying number of active service "jump", they were worn on the left breast above medal ribbons. In more modern times, they're worn on the right shoulder.  Each regiment of UKSF have their own pattern of Wings. Z Squadron allows the ability to attain your virtual Special Boat Service Wings and Special Forces Medic Wings for the regiments respectively.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training

The coveted Advanced Parachutist Wings have been a staple identifier of UKSF since World War II. The original SAS pattern parachute wings were designed by Lieutenant Jock Lewes and based on the stylised Ibis wings of Isis of Egyptian iconography. They are worn on the right shoulder. During the second world war, after a qualifying number of active service "jump", they were worn on the left breast above medal ribbons. In more modern times, they're worn on the right shoulder.  Each regiment of UKSF have their own pattern of Wings. Z Squadron allows the ability to attain your virtual Special Boat Service Wings and Special Forces Medic Wings for the regiments respectively.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training

The coveted Advanced Parachutist Wings have been a staple identifier of UKSF since World War II. The original SAS pattern parachute wings were designed by Lieutenant Jock Lewes and based on the stylised Ibis wings of Isis of Egyptian iconography. They are worn on the right shoulder. During the second world war, after a qualifying number of active service "jump", they were worn on the left breast above medal ribbons. In more modern times, they're worn on the right shoulder.  Each regiment of UKSF have their own pattern of Wings. Z Squadron allows the ability to attain your virtual Special Boat Service Wings and Special Forces Medic Wings for the regiments respectively.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training

Swimmer Canoeist 1 is the highest attainable specialist qualification of the Swimmer Canoeist series. Swimmer Canoeist 1 represents a master diver and a master at maritime special operations. Individuals who are Swimmer Canoeist 1 must be able to teach the topics of diving, small boat operations and maritime interdiction operations.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training
• Completion of Royal Marines' Senior Command Course
• Completion of Special Forces Master Diver
• Completion of Forward Air Controller

Swimmer Canoeist 2 develops on both the skills learned by operators in selection as well as the skills learned in Swimmer Canoeist 3. Swimmer Canoeist 2 highlights the bearer as a senior operator with proficiency in their trade. A Swimmer Canoeist 2 can teach Troop members various subjects and can become an SME (subject matter expert) on the topics involved.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training
• Completion of Royal Marines' Junior Command Course
• Completion of Special Forces Lead Diver

The Swimmer Canoeist 3 course involves training in diving in all conditions, canoeing (often over longer distances), underwater demolitions, beach reconnaissance and surveying techniques. Any man that has reached this stage of selection is in the Special Boat Service but is considered under probation and subject to being returned to unit if he fails to measure up. Swimmer Canoeist is seen as a Specialist Qualification across the Royal Marines and Special Boat Service.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training

Course Content:

• Demolitions
• Breaching
• Combat Swimming
• Small Boat Operations
• Combat Diving
• Maritime Interdiction Operations
• Swimmer Delivery Vehicle Operations

Dive Master is awarded upon completion of the Dive Master Course. This course highlights the operational use of diving as a method of infiltration and particularly the planning considerations around it. A Dive Master should be able to plan and coordinate a Special Forces Boat Team and higher level dive.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training
• Completion of Combat Diver Course
• Completion of Dive Supervisor Course

Course Content:

• Dive Planning
• Troop Dive Exercise

Dive Supervisor is awarded to those who have completed the course allowing them to teach instructional diving. The course consists of theory surrounding combat diving and dive planning. The course will culminate with a dive where course candidates are to teach down diving to a class where they will be assessed on their dive planning in addition to their teaching.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training
• Completion of Combat Diver Course

Course Content:

• Dive Planning
• Special Forces Swim Team Dive Exercise

The Combat Diver Course is awarded to those who have completed an instructional dive and understand the basics of combat diving. Upon completion of the course, holders can participate in special forces over-the-beach operations. The holder will be priorities for OTB operations such as beach reconnaissance or a Maritime Interdiction Operation's Dive Asssault Force.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training

Course Content:

• Dive Theory
• Combat Dive Exercise

Forward Air Controllers (FAC) are highly trained specialists who provide a vital link between air and ground forces. Their primary role is to communicate with attack aircraft and call in attack runs on targets on the ground. An FAC, or Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), as they are known is U.S. and NATO circles are trained to call in air support from jets, helicopter gunships and armed drones. Forward Air Control is a skill learned by many Special Air Service and Special Boat Service troopers and operators respectively.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training

Course Content:

• WIP

Ground Mobility Specialisation encompasses all areas of Motor Transport operations and management/lead on Combat Logistic Transport. Ground Mobility has been a core of Special Operations since the founding of the Special Air Service. Ground mobility is often a useful infiltration method and allows Special Forces elements to get from point A to point B at a sustainable pace. During their continuation training, operators in the Special Forces are to learn about all vehicle classes and relevant SOPs/TTPs. Operators are expected to be well versed in driving, gunning and navigation.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training

Course Content:

• Introduction to Ground Mobility
• Equine Tactical Training
• Ultra Light Class (All Terrain Vehicle/Motorbike) Mobility Training
• Light Class Mobility Training
• Medium Class Mobility Training
• Heavy Class Mobility Training
• Driver Duties Training
• Weapon Systems Operator Duties Training
• Navigator Duties Training
• Convoy Operations
• High and Low Threat Profile Operations

The Heavy Weapons course covers the manning and operation of medium range Anti Tank launchers, Grenade Machine Gun and Heavy Machine Gun Weapon systems. Operators will become proficient in the usage of these weapons to effectively enable attacking elements when using them. Heavy Weapons are not to be confused with support weapons such as the General Purpose Machine Gun.
 

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training

Course Content:

• Armoured fighting vehicle recognition
• Generic enemy forces (basic forces)
• Operate the Heavy Machine Gun weapon system (HMG)
• Operate the Grenade Machine Gun weapon system (GMG)
• Battle procecure
• Javelin weapon system operation
• Fire control
• Live firing exercise

During Special Forces Continuation Training, operators will undergo the Mortars course. This course focuses on using and firing the M6 60mm handheld mortar and the L16 81mm mortar. Mortars can be used to support friendly attacking forces as well as harass enemy in operations. They are best described as an indirect fire weapon which is capable of providing accurate high explosive, smoke and illuminating rounds out to their respective maximum ranges of 3800m and 5650m.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training

Course Content:

• Introduction to Mortars
• Exercises in offensive and defensive environments
• Exercises operating in rural and urban environments
• Culminary exercise providing fire support for an attack

Combat Intelligence (CI) Specialists collate information and intelligence to directly support United Kingdom Special Forces and wider Defence Intelligence operations. CI Specialists inform and assist Commanders to understand the situation in the operating environment, using a wide range of information, and collection assets.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training

Course Content:

• Fundamentals of intelligence processes
• Human and Terrain Analysis
• Collection Capabilities
• Target Package Creation

The UAS specialisation provides operators, instructors, and battlespace managers to operate UAS platforms in high-risk tactical situations. The UAS platforms employed can be used in a FIND, LIFT and STRIKE role and give UKSF Troops & Squadrons a mission critical, battle-winning capability. The course is often undertaken by Special Forces Communicators and Joint Effects Cell members to allow for better support to the element they are supporting.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training

Course Content:

• Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Systems
• Operation of the AR-2i Darter
• Operation of the Mavic
• Operation of the Black Hornet
• Operation of the RQ-11b Raven

The Royal Marines Scout Sniper course (formerly Platoon Weapons Class 3) is one of the most arduous and prestigious sniper courses in the world. Royal Marine Snipers are masters at observation and marksmanship. NCOs and Marines undertaking the course will be able to operate as unit level snipers in operations, capable of providing long range precision fire and advanced fieldcraft techniques. A Scout Sniper is tasked with seeking information on enemy dispositions, ground and other relevant detail in support of a commander's plan.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training

Course Content:

• Advanced marksmanship techniques
• Stalking and advanced fieldcraft techniques
• Camouflage and concealment techniques
• Static and mobile observation including recognition of foreign weapons, AFV and aircraft
• Statoc and mobile navigation including the use of aerial photography.
• Judging distance
• Sniper knowledge
• Construction and manning of observation posts and hides, both rural and urban
• Reconnaissance techniques
• Counter sniper techniques

Operator Medic - not to be confused with Military Annual Training Test 3 - is a course that can be undertaken by Operators in the Special Boat Service. Once an individual has passed the course they are expected to have a better understanding of combat medicine and a responsibility to carry more medical equipment. Operator Medic is an easy qualification and one does not need to be in that role in the team to hold the qualification.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Special Forces Briefing Course
• Completion of Hills Phase
• Completion of Pre-Jungle Continuation Training
• Completion of Tactical Jungle Phase
• Completion of Continuation Training
• Completion of Employment Training