What's the training like?

Officer training comprises two parts: Phase One - Basic Training and Phase 2 - Professional Training. Basic Training, also known as Initial Naval Training (Officer) (INT(O)), is conducted at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), Dartmouth, and is a 30 week course that provides comprehensive induction into Naval life as an Officer.

OFFICER TRAINING

INT(O) will challenge both your mental and physical resolve. You will be trained and tested throughout key stages of the course, during which time you will get to experience the varying roles and responsibilities of an Officer in the Royal Navy. Phase 2 training is specific to your chosen specialisation, and its length is dependent on the branch and role you chose.

INT(O) is a physically demanding course, particularly in the first 15 weeks of Militarisation; you will need to ensure that you have adequately prepared prior to your arrival at BRNC. Keep up the good work you have done thus far in your preparation for the PJFT by following the Royal Navy Fitness Plan. Please note that this plan is a guide as to the nature of physical exercises that you will likely be subjected to during your training. You should aim to be at your peak physical condition when you arrive on day one at BRNC in order to stand yourself.

Phase 1.1: Militarisation

This fifteen-week course gives you all the basics, and includes:

  • Fitness tests and medical examination
  • Field-craft skills, map reading and survival techniques
  • Leadership training, Naval general training, weapon training, ceremonial training, physical training, basic first aid
  • Basic seamanship, navigation and boat handling
  • Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Damage Control training
  • Battlefield Studies Package conducted in Normandy, France
  • Four-day, assessed practical leadership exercise on Dartmoor

Phase 2: Marinisation

A second fifteen-week course that enables you to apply your learnings from Phase 1.1 to a maritime environment. It includes:

  • Further leadership training and introduction to advanced planning in the form of the Maritime Tactical Estimate
  • Tuition on topics such as Strategic Studies and Maritime Operations
  • Extensive boat handling training and further navigation training
  • 3 week Initial Sea Acquaint onboard a Royal Navy Warship
  • Critical Thinking presentations and assessments
  • Four-day, assessed maritime practical leadership exercise

Phase 2: Professional Training

Once you have essential military and maritime command skills under your belt, it’s time to become a specialist in the officer role you’ve chosen. Through a combination of time at sea and time in the classroom, this is when your Royal Navy career really starts to come into its own.

All you need to do now is find the role that fits your skills and ambitions.