Hi Si,

Great questions, there's a lot of information to pass on here, but I don't want to be too long winded. Also, I dont want to put you off, as if I'm honest the route to becoming an Rm PTI is not an easy one. But then great things are never easy to accomplish: if they were, everyone would achieve them!

In answer to each of your questions:
Q. Will I get a Degree if I do make it as a PTI? And which ones?

A. No, you do not get a degree from becoming an RM PTI. There are opportunities to study in your own time and put the skills and qualifications you gain as an RM PTI into gaining a degree. Usually the 1st year of a degree is written off, and you do the next two years. However, this is done in your own time, on top of your normal job and is not an easy task to achieve.

Q. Will I get loads of coaching awards in various sports and activities? If so what ones?
A.Yes, you will get many qualifications: NVQ in fitness and health, swimming teacher, lifeguard, british weight lifting association instructor to name a few. Then while working as a PTI you will get the opportunity to do "continued professional develoment", where you can become a football coach, rugby coach (actually most ball sports or athletics etc), climbing/abseiling instrutor, kayak instructor, mountain bike instructor, life guard trainer, NVQ assessor, motorboat driver, qualified sailor, kettlebell instructor, spinning instructor etc.

Q. What are the disadvantages of being a PTI?

A. Disadvantages are very hard to describe to you without you knowing how the Marines works and how promotion works. I would say that the disadvantages are not something to worry about at your stage, if at all. Any disadvantages are far far outweighted by the advantages.

Q. What are the progressions in a PTI careers path in the Royal Marines?

A. All PTI can choose to stay as a general PTI, train as a Remedial Instructor (doing a 6month physiotherapy type course to learn how to help injured guys get over their injuries) or train as an Adventurous Training Instructor (a 3month course to become very qualified in Mountain Leading, Climbing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Mountain Biking etc). Each has their own pros and cons and own progression that ties in with the general PT Branch and Royal Marines in general.

The main thing for you to bear in mind is that whereas in the RAF you can join up as a PTI, in the Marines, everyone trains as a Marine first and then does the general Marine job for at least a couple of years before they can specialise as a PTI. To become a PTI you need to be getting A or B grades on your yearly reports to be able to attend a PT aptitude, become promoted and then train as a PTI. Some guys can achieve this quickly, that is a couple of years, however, it could take 5+.

I hope this has helped and you are still inspired to go ahead and reach your goal.

Good luck.

Sean