Crossword Genius

Panic the way Marines do? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alarm

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'panic' is the definition.
(alarm can mean panic or fear)

'way marines do?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'marines' could be 'rm' (abbreviation for 'Royal Marines') and 'rm' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ala' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alarm that I've seen before include "Safety bell or alert signal" , "Frighten, warning" , "Daunt" , "Deep concern" , "Warning sound or signal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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