General Eligibility Criteria:
You must be under 45 and have left the Naval Service (or another service) within the last 5 years (or 3 years if Fleet Air Arm).
The roles and structure of the Maritime Reserves are different to the Regular Naval Service so please note that previous service does not automatically guarantee acceptance into the RNR or RMR. Requests are considered on a case by case basis.
If you’re still serving , inform your Career Manager of your intention to apply for entry to the Reserves. If there is a requirement, your Career Manager can start the transfer process . This can take about 8 weeks, but will vary depending on your Release medical details and the currency of your SC and RN Fitness Test.
If you have already left or served in another military force, you should contact your nearest RNR or RMR Unit to start your application process.
Interested? We may have a place for you
Junior Rates/Other Ranks
- Logistics
- Operations branches – especially Minewarfare, Communications, Electronic Warfare and Above Water Warfare
- Other ranks prepared to learn new skills, possibly in an initial lower rank
Officers
- Operations officers up to the rank of Lieutenant Commander/ Major/Squadron Leader
- Officers with experience of media operations, operational logistics or intelligence or with foreign language skills
- Junior RNR officers qualified as Bridge Watchkeepers
- Junior officers prepared to learn new skills, possibly in an initial lower rank.
Endorsements
“I left the RN in December 2005 as a Lieutenant Logistics (SM). Having spent 23 years in the Service the RN was in my blood and I still wanted to be part of it but with a reduced commitment.
I knew that I would miss the camaraderie and being part of a unique team; I decided to join the RNR and was accepted one month after discharge and joined the Submarine Ops specialisation.
Within my unit I am the Junior Officer’s Training Officer where I help mould junior officer’s careers at an early stage. There is also the added financial incentive that can make up for reduction in earnings after leaving the Service. I highly recommend the RNR to any ex-service personnel.”
“I left the RN in December 1998 having completed 22½ years’ service and reaching the rank of CPO(OPS)(R).
My last draft was spent as a member of the Permanent Staff at an RNR unit working alongside Reservists and it was here that I had my first real interaction with a group of people I’d been told helped out now and again.
My view changed quickly during my time at the unit and I saw the Reservists from a different perspective: hard working, reliable but above all a team of dedicated people who wanted to give their all and make the most of the opportunities on offer. I joined the RNR a year after leaving the regular service.”