About Us

A Little History

Formed in 1904 we are one of the first RMVCC units.

Originally named The Royal Marines Boys Corps open only to the sons of serving Royal Marines until 1922 when the gates were opened to all boys.

During the second world war the RMBC was disbanded but reformed in 1945. After this they were amalgamated with The Girls Ambulance Corps and renamed in 1951 as The Royal Marines Volunteer Boys Corps and later on in 1979 as we are known now The Royal Marines Volunteer Cadets Corps.

In the past Plymouth RMVCC was well known for its band, but times have changed and the cadets no longer want to do the band. We do have a keen interest in the corps of drums where they can learn to play the side drum and bugle.

At present we are more focused on getting the cadets out on Dartmoor as this is what they enjoy but we set ourselves apart from other cadet units by having the skills in the field and on the drill square. As one weekend we could be on Dartmoor in green patrolling and surviving then the next weekend in blue on a parade square showing off with some sharp rifle drill.

Training

Recruit Company

(RCoy)

Here at RMVCC Plymouth we aim to give our cadets the highest quality of training without pushing them into things they don't want to do.

We do not train them to be little soldiers or recruits for the Royal Marines we give them self respect, confidence, discipline and valuable life skills.

The first part of training is in RCoy where they will learn:-

Drill

Which isn't just marching and looking good, it teaches discipline, team work, respect for themselves and everyone around them, presentation and how to follow orders given to them quickly and effectively.

Basic Field craft

For this we take them to Dartmoor and teach them the basics of living in the field such as how to make a bivvy, camouflage and concealment, how to cook and eat rations and some walking across the moor. We also teach the importance of The Country Code.

Basic Navigation

Map reading is an important part of the training as we are often on Dartmoor and there aren't many sign posts the best way to get around is by using your map and compass. we teach all cadets how to identify their current position on the map and the basic techniques for getting from A to B.

Corps History

We also teach them a little about the history of the Royal Marines so they have a basic understanding of why people are impressed just to hear that you are a Royal Marines Cadet and what it means to wear the cap badge of the Royal Marines.

After passing out the cadets then go into their separate companies dependant on age or interest

Alpha and Bravo Company

(ACoy) (BCoy)

Corps of Drums

(CoD)

The CoD is for all ages who want to play the Drum and Bugle. They will also learn the same skills as all the other cadets

but their training will be more focussed towards the Drum and Bugle. Please see Display Groups.

BCoy is for ages 9-13

ACoy is for ages 14-17

Here they will expand on what they have learnt in RCoy and put these skills into practice on Dartmoor and will have the opportunity to learn new skills and maybe work their way up through the ranks.

Any cadet has the chance to become a:-

Lance Corporal

To get this you need to show your company commander that you have the ability to follow orders and take charge when needed.

You will then be selected to attend the junior NCO's course where you will be tested on the basic skills that were learnt in RCoy and be taught the basics of giving a lecture and taking a squad for drill. On completion of this you will be awarded your second stripe making you a Corporal.

After you have proved your self as a corporal you will be selected for the senior NCO's course which is a real test of your ability to learn and command where you will be tested on everything you have learnt to a high enough standard that puts you in the instructional rank of Sergeant where you will be expected to show professionalism in everything you do, representing the RMVCC to a high standard

After this you get promoted purely on merit from Sergeant to Colour Sergeant then to WO2 which is the Company Sergeant Major.

Then if you prove to "BE WORTHY" you will be promoted to WO1 which is the Regimental Sergeant Major, as the highest rank any cadet can reach and is a very rare and is extremely respected by everyone.

On 7th June 1761 the Marines captured Belle Isle and it is believed that for their gallantry they were awarded the “Laurel Wreath” to be displayed on the corps crest. As such an important part of Royal Marines history we have the “Belle Isle badge” which is based on the Royal Marines “Kings badge” which is awarded to the best recruit in the kings squad.

If you prove yourself to be the best in Recruit company you will have the chance to earn the Belle Isle badge. This doesn't mean you have to be the best at map reading or the best at corps history, its a good all round performance that earns this prestigious award.

If you try hard enough and get awarded the Belle Isle badge it will be worn on all uniforms for the whole time you are a cadet.

Belle Isle Badge

Kings Badge

We also offer additional training and opportunities for those cadets who are interested.

These include:

Drill display team

Ten Tors

South Moors rivers

Annual camp

Where we go away for a week and do various adventure training activities which can include.

Rock Climbing

Abseiling

High ropes

Swimming

Mountain biking

Horse riding

Orienteering

Surfing

Coasteering

Kayaking

Sailing

Archery

Raft building

Quad biking

And many more