Q, What Is The Royal Naval Reserve?

The RNR is a part time organisation, which complements the Royal Navy in times of war, conflict and in peacetime where there is a requirement by the regular service. Entry into the RNR is the same as for the regular service.

Q, What Is The Difference Between Officers And Ratings?

Most entrants to the RNR join as ratings.The exceptions to this are ex-RN officers, Merchant Navy officers and some medical officers, including nursing officers. Ratings undergo New Entry training before they are entered in a particular specialisation. Once trained, they can be considered for promotion to the commissioned ranks (i.e. officer).

Officers provide the higher management structure and will generally be responsible for the welfare and training of a number of ratings.

Q, Are There Age Limits For Recruits?

16 years of age to 40 (45 if ex-RN). For those under 16 years old, consider the Sea Cadets, the youth organisation based on the Royal Navy or your school may run a CCF(RN) section. For more information, look at the Sea Cadets website... www.sea-cadets.org

Q, How Long Do I Have To Join For?

Service in the RNR is dependent on whether you are a rating or officer. Ratings join for 5 years and can 're-engage' at the end of each period, this means you continue in 5 year spells). Ratings 'retire' from the RNR at age 45. Officers do not have to re-engage, and retire at 50 but may extend by mutual agreement.

Q, Can Women Join The RNR?

Women can join the Royal Navy Reserve and serve in all specialisations. Currently, women make up about 30% of the RNR

Q, Would A Criminal Record Stop Me From Joining?

Not necessarily. With reference to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, RNR staff will advise individual applicants regarding spent and unspent convictions. The severity of the offence committed governs the time of the rehabilitation period, which has to be completed before an applicant can be processed for entry into the service.