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Attendance, Training Commitment & Unit Readiness Standards

Overview

This SOP outlines the minimum training, qualification, and attendance standards required for individuals seeking to become full-time operational members of the United Kingdom Commando Force (UKCF).

It establishes a clear and consistent pathway from joining UKCF, through participation in the Commando Pool or Reserves, to permanent assignment within an infantry-focused Strike Team or Troop.

These standards exist to ensure operational readiness, fairness, and consistency across all UKCF formations.

Scope of Application

This SOP applies to all individuals who are joining / are a part of UKCF as a full time member and are seeking a permanent slot in one of the following formations:

  • Strike Teams (40 Commando)

  • Troops (47 Commando)

  • Aid Posts (UKCF-wide)

This is currently directed at all personnel who are on track to join an infantry or infantry-adjacent* formation.  This SOP does not apply Reserve members with no intent to hold a permanent slot.

*Infantry adjacent roles are typically groups or formations that directly support infantry operations.

Entry Requirements – Permanent Assignment Eligibility

Before an individual may be permanently assigned to a Strike Team or Troop, they must complete all of the following requirements.

1. Phase 1 CTCRM Training

All individuals must first complete the Phase 1 CTCRM Training Course.

  • Phase 1 CTCRM must be completed prior to any further qualification progression.

  • Upon completion, individuals will be assigned to their respective units:

    • Commando Pool
    • Commando Reserves - If they are assigned to reserves the remaining requirements do not apply.
  • After completing Phase 1 CTCRM individuals are allowed to join operations.

2. Operational Qualifications

Following completion of Phase 1 CTCRM, individuals must complete the following three (3) Operational Qualifications:

  • Fighting In Built Up Areas (FIBUA) Qualification

  • Amphibious Assault Qualification

  • Section Attacks Qualification

These qualifications may be completed in any order. 

3. Secondary Specialist Qualification

Individuals must also complete at least one (1) General Duties-focused Secondary Specialist Qualification. This includes:

  • Combat GPMG & LMG Qualification
  • Combat Marksman Qualification
  • Combat Grenadier Qualification

  • Combat Team Medic Qualification

This requirement applies equally to infantry members and RAP personnel assigned at Team or Troop level.

Training Ownership & Delivery

Phase 1 CTCRM Training

  • Hosted and coordinated by the G7 CTCRM Team

  • Responsibilities include:

    • Course scheduling

    • Attendance coordination

    • Course delivery

Operational, Primary & Secondary Specialist Qualifications

  • Hosted and coordinated by the G7 Skills & Drills Team

  • Includes:

    • All Operational Qualifications

    • Secondary Specialist Qualifications

To support timely progression:

  • Each Operational Qualification will be hosted at least once per month.

  • Courses are scheduled to allow expedient eligibility for Strike Team or Troop assignment.

  • Courses like Advanced Medical Treatment or Combat Communications are hosted on request.

To encourage attendance and throughput, G7 Skills & Drills are expected to coordinate with:

  • The Company Sergeant at 40 Commando (Head of the Commando Pool)

  • The Officer Commanding, 47 Commando (Head of the Commando Pool)

Training Data & Record Keeping

Completion of all training and qualifications must be recorded on Unit Commander.

  • Responsibility for accurate data entry lies with the assigned Directing Staff (DS) for each course.

  • Training data serves as the authoritative record for assignment eligibility.

Failure to record completed training may delay or prevent permanent assignment.

Assignment Verification & Authority

Entry Requirement Verification

The head of each respective unit's Commando Pool is in charge of verifying the completion of the relevant entry requirements before assigning them to a permanent positions.

Individuals are not to be permanently assigned to a Strike Team or Troop until all outlined requirements are met and recorded. 

Ongoing Attendance Monitoring

Once permanently assigned to a Strike Team or Troop, the formations Commanding Officer is responsible for the monitoring and enforcement of further development.

This is to be done in accordance with the Command Responsibilities & Accountability Framework.

Ongoing Attendance Requirements (Post-Assignment)

To retain a permanent Strike Team or Troop slot, individuals must maintain:

  • Two (2) Operations per month

  • One (1) Strike Team / Troop or Company training per month

Attendance is tracked via Unit Commander and assessed on a rolling monthly basis.

Failure to meet these requirements may result in:

  • Development action

  • Reassignment to Pool or Reserves

  • Removal from operational assignment

All exceptions are handled through the appropriate chain of command.

Relationship to Other SOPs

This SOP is supported and enforced through:

  • Command Responsibilities & Accountability Framework

  • Leadership Development & Chain of Command Engagement

Summary

Permanent assignment within UKCF operational formations is earned through training, commitment, and consistent participation.

By clearly defining entry requirements and attendance standards, UKCF ensures that Strike Teams and Troops remain capable, fair, and operationally ready while providing motivated individuals with a transparent pathway to full-time participation.

Created By:

Maj. W. Scott
OC, UKCF

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