Life as an Officer

Your Place in the Team:

The Royal Navy is divided into a number of different areas, each responsible for a particular aspect of our operations. These are called branches. When you join as an officer you’ll be part of one of these branches according to which job you chose.

Warfare:

As a Warfare Officer either on ships or submarines you’ll need to be a strong leader, tactician, seaman and navigator to handle your ship safely in all conditions and represent the Captain on the Bridge as an Officer of the Watch. There are many opportunities to sub-specialise within the branch and if you show the potential, you may be selected to command a ship or submarine yourself.

Engineering:

From sensitive electronics and information systems to massive gas turbine engines and nuclear weapons, you’ll be responsible for some truly incredible kit when you join one of the 6 officer roles within the Engineering Branch. These range from Marine Engineer to Air Engineer to Weapon Engineer/Information Systems Officer as well as Training Management Officer.

Logistics:

Every day, over 30,000 people need food, supplies and administrative support to keep them operationally effective. As a surface Logistics Officer it’ll be your overall responsibility to make sure a ship has everything it needs to be effective, including personnel. As a Logistics Officer on a Submarine you are responsible in ensuring that the crew has everything they need for a covert mission that could last for several months.

Medical:

Care doesn't get more 'front line' than this. Serving with the Royal Navy is a chance to practice hands on medicine in sometimes extraordinary circumstances.  Within the medical branch there are 4 officer roles, from Medical Officers to Nursing, Dental and Environmental Health Officers.

Aviation:

The Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, delivers air power and air support from the sea and shore bases. Its helicopters can operate in all environments, day and night, over the sea and land. There are 4 officer roles within aviation, from Pilots to Observers to Air Engineer and Air Traffic Control Officers.