Top Ten Questions

1.How Long will my child have to sign up for?

The length of service will depend on the role your son or daughter is doing and which part of the Royal Navy or Royal Marines they are working in, but they always have the option to request to leave, and then need to work their notice period of 12 months.

2. What if my child wants to try the Royal Navy before committing?

The Royal Navy runs a four-day Acquaint course every week that gives prospective candidates a taster of what life will be like during initial training and on a ship or submarine. For more details speak to a Royal Navy Careers Adviser.

3.What about the Royal Marines?

The Royal Marines run a week long “Look at Life course” at the Commando Training Centre (CTC) Lympstone. You will have a taste of the physical and mental attributes required to successfully complete Commando training.

4.Can Women join the Royal Navy?

Women can join the Royal Navy and serve in all branches except as a Royal Marines Commando.

5.Why are women not allowed to serve in the Royal Marines

It is government policy that women cannot serve in a front-line unit, such as the Royal Marines. But we do have women who serve in the Royal Marines Band Service.

6. How long is the training?

It varies, depending on the branch being entered. For a Royal Naval Rating, initial training takes nine weeks and professional training can take between five weeks and four years. Training for Officers varies depending on which branch you are in. Royal Marine’s Officer training is 54 weeks and 32 weeks for Commandos.

7. How long are they away?

Most deployments are about six months in length. Some ships go for shorter periods, such as those doing fishery protection work.

8. What is your policy on harassment?

It is MoD policy that all military or civilian personnel, regardless of rank, grade or status, have a right to protection from harassment and a responsibility to ensure that their working environment is comfortable and non-threatening and that the dignity of others is respected.

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9. What’s your policy on bullying?

Complaints about bullying and mistreatment are not seen as a weakness. Bullying in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines is not tolerated. All complaints are thoroughly investigated and anyone found guilty of bullying will be dealt with accordingly.

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10. If there is an emergency, how can I get in touch with my son or daughter?

Ships at sea and units ashore, both in the UK an abroad, have satellite phones, which can be used in an emergency. To find out more please to RNCom