Levels of entry
Reservists, like regular personnel, can join as officers or ratings, depending on qualifications. You could be taking the lead on some vital operations, or providing the extra manpower we need all over the world.
Careers / Royal Navy Reserves
Joining options
With opportunities across all branches, including warfare, engineering, logistics, medical and chaplaincy, you can choose one that’s based on your civilian skills, or train for a role that is completely different to anything you’ve experienced before.
Want to know more about the Royal Navy Reserve?
register your interestJoining options
Select the level of education you have, or are likely to have by the time you apply:
Reserve Rating
As a General Entry Rating in the Royal Naval Reserve, you’ll be taking a step out of your comfort zone. A step that will start an adventure. You don’t even need any previous Naval experience, just the commitment to complete your basic training alongside your day job.
Reserve Officer
Go beyond the everyday. Push yourself further. Become a leader. Joining the Royal Naval Reserve as a General Entry Officer is your opportunity to use your skills and interests in a wide range of specialisms and world-class training courses, from mine warfare and submarines, to media or intelligence.
How you’ll develop
After five years, you’ll be able to specialise in an area that suits you, whether you feel at home at sea in the Ops Room, or at shore in a supporting role.
Sea Res
Discover expert seamanship, from maritime tactics to navigation.
Be part of an elite team that undertakes global operations.
Become a valuable member of your crew.
Submarine operations
Join one of our most elite teams on top secret operations.
Spend time on state-of-the-art nuclear submarines.
Maritime trade operations
Help to safeguard our nation’s prosperity.
Travel the world protecting our nation’s interests.
Take part in everything from counter narcotics to anti-piracy ops.
Amphibious warfare
Join Royal Marines Commandos on operations that make a real difference.
Learn the art of amphibious combat, from landing in hostile territory to reaching remote bays unnoticed.
Become an adaptable member of one of our most elite teams.
Mine warfare
Become an expert in mine warfare operations both in the UK and overseas.
Provide integrated support to ongoing operations and exercises.
Take responsibility for your crewmates and keep them safe.
Logistics
Train to become an integrated part of the logistical supply chain in front line support to Royal Navy warships on operations and exercises in the UK or overseas.
Gain transferable skills in supply chain management, leadership and operations.
Featured roles
Other ways to serve
Students and seasonal workers
Add an edge to your studies by joining the Royal Naval Reserve while at university.
You won’t be deployed while in full-time education but your experiences and adventures will provide you with new levels of confidence, assertiveness and communication skills that’ll set you up for your civilian career.
Equally, if you have a job with a seasonal working pattern, you can fill your free time with the opportunities available in the Royal Naval Reserve.
Ex-forces Firefly scheme
A scheme that gives you the opportunity to be processed through a fast track system that takes into consideration your rank and valuable experience.
Royal Marines Reserve
Joining the Royal Marines Reserve means being a part-time soldier, but a fully trained Commando. You’ll do the same Commando course as everyone who wears the green beret.
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