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Warfare
Ready to take the next steps?
Warfare

Ready to take the next steps?

Ready to take the next step?

It's great that you're interested in joining the Warfare branch of the Royal Navy. This is an opportunity to take your place at the heart of our operations; planning, analysing and executing them, all over the world. That might mean using the latest tech to unearth the information we need or using your training to make a key tactical decision. 

Before you can get started, you'll need to complete your full application. We understand that can sometimes be tricky, but don't worry, we're here to help.

Need support?

If you're struggling with your application, either due to a technical issue or because you're unsure what information to supply, we have a dedicated recruitment team who can provide all the advice and guidance you need. Just get in touch with us using the details below.

What's it really like?

Life in the Warfare branch is one that's never short of excitement and adventure, but that doesn't mean it's more dangerous than any other Royal Navy career. Because you're involved in every operation, you'll learn new and transferable skills from the day you join. Finding it hard to imagine? There are serving personnel waiting to answer your questions.

Wondering if you're ready?

Joining our world-class team in the ops room or on the bridge might seem a big deal. It is. But that doesn't mean you have to be the finished article as soon as you apply. If you come with the right attitude and motivation, we'll provide all the support you need to become a key part of the Warfare branch.

Get in touch with us today

Chat with our virtual recruiter, 24/7

Your route to the Royal Navy

Step 1

Complete your application form

Your first step on the recruitment journey is to complete your full application form, which you can find in our Recruitment Portal. We have emailed you a link to the Recruitment Portal. If you can't find the link, please check your spam folder or give us a call so we can send it to you again.

Step 2

Arranging next steps with your AFCO

Once you've submitted the application form on the Recruitment Portal, you can expect to receive a call from your local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) to arrange your next steps. Depending on your circumstances, some stages may take longer than others. We’ll make sure that you are kept involved and informed throughout the whole recruitment and training process. 

Find your local AFCO
Step 3

Defence Aptitude Assessment

The Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) is a multiple-choice test that all recruits sit. It tests your general intellectual ability, and how well you do shows your capacity to cope with the technical and academic aspects of training for the role you've chosen. 

Practice the DAA
Step 4

Interview

We'll invite you to a formal interview to assess your suitability for a career in the Royal Navy, and specifically the role that you have chosen. This is much like any other job interview, so you should prepare accordingly and ask your AFCO for help if required.

Preparing for interviews
Step 5

CPC or AIB

Once you've been given an entry date, you'll need to attend assessments at either the Candidate Preparation Course (CPC) if you're applying as a rating, or the Admiralty Interview Board (AIB) if you're applying as an officer.

This is a four-day induction to life in the Royal Navy, which includes assessments of your Fitness and your Medical eligibility, it is a pass or fail course. 

The AIB is a competency-based assessment that confirms that you’re physically and mentally ready to become a Royal Navy Officer.

Tell me more
Step 6

Basic training

Once you've passed all the stages, you'll also need to pass a Security and Reference Check. After that you’ll be given details about your provisional place at either HMS Raleigh (if you're a rating), or Britannia Royal Naval College (if you're an officer). Your local AFCO will buy your train ticket to help you get there, provide some joining instructions, and tell you what kit you need. After Basic Training, you'll then begin the professional training that’s unique to your role.

What will training be like?