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Careers / Life in the navy
Work life
Careers / life in the navy

Work life

Often demanding, sometimes testing. It’s about as far away from a typical 9 to 5 as you can get. That's why we’ll give you everything you need to be the very best.

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Getting the job done

Getting the job done means working in extraordinary circumstances. But at the Royal Navy, we're only as good as our people. Whether you're at sea, or based on land, you'll be stretched physically, mentally, and emotionally. A lifestyle and a profession, we're here to help you live it to your best potential. World-class training. Industry-leading qualifications. Hands-on experience. The skills and experience we offer mean you can succeed beyond the Navy – and thrive within it.

Your first year

As a rating

All ratings start their careers with ten weeks of basic training at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint, near Plymouth. It’s your comprehensive introduction to the Royal Navy, that really puts you through your paces. You’ll learn an enormous amount and change just as much. Following your Passing-out parade, you’ll begin Professional Training for your chosen profession. This is where you start learning your trade, before being assigned a posting where you start putting it into practice.

First day

From lots of paperwork, to a new haircut, there’s a huge amount to take in. It’s time to start getting to know people, who will probably feel equally nervous. Remember, you’re all in the same position and our training teams are there to support you.

First week

An introduction to drills, discipline and lots of physical exercise. You’ll be constantly on the go, from kit preparation (which involves a lot of ironing) marching and circuit training, to lectures and lessons.

First month

With constant instruction, your Naval skills will start improving (from drills to weapon handling), your fitness levels will be up to standard, and you’ll begin feeling like you’re a part of the Royal Navy.

Passing-out

You’ve officially earned your place in the Royal Navy. The Passing-out parade is a great day for family and friends to celebrate your hard work and everything you’ve achieved.

First year

You’ll start to really get your teeth into the professional training that’s specific to your chosen profession.

As an officer

All officers start their careers with 29 weeks of training at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth. It’s your comprehensive introduction to life as a Royal Navy Officer, focusing on practical military and maritime skills, as well as the leadership, teamwork, command, and management skills. It’ll be as challenging as it is rewarding. Following your Passing-out parade, you’ll begin the specialist training for your chosen profession. This is where your Royal Navy career really begins to take off, and you can put what you’ve learned into practice.

First day

There’s a huge amount to take in, naturally. It’s time to start getting to know people, who will probably feel equally nervous. Remember, you’re all in the same position.

First week

You’ll start to settle in to your surroundings, living arrangements and the new team around you. Nerves are natural; everyone gets them.

First month

Things will start to settle down after week three’s infamous Frantic Friday. You’ll start to feel like you’re getting to grips with the Royal Navy, and the sense of achievement that goes with it.

Passing-out

You’ve officially earned your place in the Royal Navy. The Passing-out parade is a great day for family and friends to celebrate your hard work and everything you’ve achieved.

First year

Your branch- and role-specific specialist training will be intensive, with regular lectures and practical work to complete, as well as regular assessments to pass.

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Work life is a little different in the Marines

Life in the Royal Marines will always present you with challenges, but you’ll never experience anything like the 12 months that take you from civilian to proud owner of the green beret.
Learn more about the royal marines
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Working up through the ranks

If you show potential and have the drive to work hard, you’ll have all the structure and support you need to progress quickly.
Learn more about career progression

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Find your place in the Royal Navy. Make friends for life, learn new skills and experience the world.

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