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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 in the process of joining UKCF units and to any full-time individual seeking a permanent operational slot within:

  • A Strike Team (40 Commando)

  • A Troop (47 Commando)

This includes all personnel tracking toward infantry-focused roles, specifically:

  • Core infantry members

  • Infantry-adjacent personnel assigned at Team or Troop level

  • Regimental Aid Post (RAP) personnel due to their direct integration with infantry-led operations

This SOP does not apply to casual or non-operational participants with no intent to hold a permanent operational billet.

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 (Mandatory First Step)

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 may immediately participate in operations as part of:

    • Their unit’s Commando Pool, or

    • Reserves

2. Operational Qualifications

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

  • Fighting In Built Up Areas Qualification

  • Amphibious Assault Qualification

  • Section Attacks Qualification

These qualifications may be completed in any order once Phase 1 CTCRM is complete.

3. Secondary Specialist Qualification

Individuals must also complete at least one (1) General Duties-focused Secondary Specialist Qualification, including but not limited to:

  • 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 & 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

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

  • Completion of entry requirements is verified by the Head of the respective unit’s Commando Pool.

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

Ongoing Attendance Monitoring

Once permanently assigned:

  • Attendance and participation are monitored by the Strike Team or Troop Commanding Officer.

  • Monitoring and enforcement are conducted in accordance with SOP 1 – 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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