PART ONE: BACKGROUND

1.0     Introduction

This article provides an overview of the Royal Marines Skill at Arms (SAA) instructor course.

The Royal Marines Skill at Arms (RMSAA) course is the entry level instructional course for all Royal Marines ranks requiring a SA B (90) Qualification.

The course is also a prerequisite for any Royal Marines junior non-commissioned officer (JNCO) who may be required to deliver weapon handling lessons to officers and other ranks (trained Marines or recruit Marines).

1.1     Aim

The aim of the RMSAA course is to train a JNCO to become a RMSAA Instructor in order to:

  • Provide instruction in the delivery of skill at arms, field-craft and minor tactics training;
  • Plan conduct and safety supervise Live Fire Marksmanship Training (LFMT) and Transition to Live Firing Tactical Training (TLFTT) on No Danger Area (NDA), Limited Danger Area (LDA) and Full Danger Area (FDA) purpose built ranges.

1.2     Location and Duration of Training

The RMSAA course is delivered by the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, located at Lympstone in the south west of England.

The RMSAA course is 5-weeks in duration with, usually, four courses per year.

PART TWO: ENTRY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

2.0     Entry Standards

To be eligible to apply for the RMSAA course, an individual must:

  • Be a substantive Corporal or to have passed an equivalent Junior Command Course (awaiting promotion);
  • Have passed the audiometric test;
  • Be current and competent on all current troop level weapon systems; and
  • Have passed the basic fitness test (BFT) and combat fitness test (CFT) with a good level of field and load carry fitness.

2.1     Syllabus

The RMSAA course syllabus includes:

  • Developing confident operation of all troop weapons;
  • Developing instructional techniques in skills at arms, field-craft and minor tactics; and
    Achieving the SA B, (90) and M (07) qualifications

2.2     Examinations and Qualifications Gained

During the RMSAA course, individual will undertake a number of examinations and gain the following qualifications upon successful completion of the course.

  • Mutuals (Teaching Practice);
  • Progress Written Tests, Pamphlet 21 open book test and final written test;
  • Plan and conduct on purpose built ranges;
  • Range qualifications SA (B) (90); and
  • Dismounted close combat trainer (DCCT) operator.