Be on the front line, in times of peace, and in times of conflict

What is the Warfare branch?

  • The Warfare branch is about expert seamanship, above and below the waves. We have specialists who analyse, plan and execute essential global operations
  • Every mission is carried out with meticulous precision. That means using our expertise in everything from meteorology to mine clearance and tactical seamanship
  • You’ll use cutting-edge communications, weapons and defensive systems, whether you’re on combat operations or providing humanitarian aid
  • Your team’s set of specialist skills ensures we’re ready for anything. You might be identifying a potential threat, or using tactical knowhow to manoeuvre the ship
  • Whether you’re looking for a leadership role, or just want to be part of a professional ship’s crew, you’ll focus and get the job done, even in the most challenging conditions

What's it like?

It’s our job to protect our nation’s interests. In the Warfare branch, you’re right on the frontline, doing just that. From the Persian Gulf, to the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll be in the thick of the action, using sophisticated equipment on some crucial operations. Whether you’re the Mine Clearance Diver who guarantees the safety of everyone on board, or the Warfare Officer who leads a team of professional sailors, life in the Warfare branch is all about being hands-on and calm under pressure, providing our vital defence capabilities.

A day in the life: Warfare

Claire, 23

Warfare Specialist

I’m right in the thick of it in the Warfare branch. It’s hands-on and can be full on, but that’s part of the buzz – it’s why I love it. It beats sitting behind a desk by a mile.

Where can I work?

Royal Navy ship at sea.

Aircraft carriers, assault ships, destroyers or frigates: this is our backbone. It gives us our global impact, from combat missions to humanitarian aid.

Royal Navy submarine at sea.

The world-renowned silent service, protecting us from beneath the waves. It’s responsible for highly classified, stealth operations – and Trident.

Royal Navy ship at sea.

From fuel to food: what we need, when we need it, wherever we are. This fleet of civilian ships provides global support to the whole Naval Service.

Find your warfare role


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Cryptologic Technician

Cryptologic Technician

You’ll be vital to the ship’s intelligence operation, transforming raw data into indispensable analysis.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 16 - 39
  • Education: GCSEs
  • Salary: £23,000+ Minimum you'll earn after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £56,383 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Free medical and dental care
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Hydrography and Meteorology Specialist

Hydrography and Meteorology Specialist

You’ll use advanced equipment to provide information about local tides, currents, sea depth and even the seabed.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 16 - 39
  • Education: No qualifications
  • Salary: £23,496 Your minimum salary after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £58,000 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Travel all around the world
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Mine Warfare Specialist

Mine Warfare Specialist

You’ll find mines using mine-hunting sonar, and deal with them using a remote-controlled disposal vehicle.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 16 - 39
  • Education: No qualifications
  • Salary: £23,496 Minimum you'll earn after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £56,383 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Free medical and dental care
Find out more
Seaman Specialist

Seaman Specialist

You’ll gain the specialist skills needed to steer the ship, act as lookout and communicate with other ships.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 16 - 39
  • Education: No qualifications
  • Salary: £23,496 The minimum you’ll earn after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £56,383 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Travel All around the world
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Warfare Specialist (Submariner)

Warfare Specialist (Submariner)

You’ll decide on the level of threat posed by detected vessels to make key decisions.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 16 - 39
  • Education: No qualifications
  • Salary: £23,000 The minimum you’ll earn after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £68,000 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Travel all around the world
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Cadet Deck Officer (RFA)

Cadet Deck Officer (RFA)

You’ll gain all the seamanship and leadership skills you need to provide logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy.

The role at a glance
  • Age: Minimum age of 17 years 6 months to apply, 18 years to commence employment
  • Salary: Over £16,000 starting salary during training
  • Holiday: 7 days of paid leave for every month served on board ship
  • Benefits: World-class comprehensive training programme
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Meteorology Officer

Meteorology Officer

From the Caribbean to the Antarctic, you’ll lead the way in collecting, processing and analysing vital information.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 18 - 39
  • Education: Degree
  • Salary: £31,000 your minimum salary from day one
  • Holiday: 6 weeks paid holiday
  • Progression: £38,500 earning potential after two years
  • Benefits: Travel all around the world
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Mine Clearance Diver

Mine Clearance Diver

You’ll identify mines or other explosives and dispose of them, whether they’re in shallow water or out at sea.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 18 - 37
  • Education: No qualifications
  • Salary: £23,496 Minimum annual salary after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £56,383 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Free dental and medical care
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Physical Training Specialisation Direct Entry

Physical Training Specialisation Direct Entry

You will be the person responsible for organising and delivering sporting, fitness and adventurous training opportunities,

The role at a glance
  • Age: 18 - 35
  • Education: GCSEs
  • Salary: £23,496 The minimum you'll earn after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: Gain recognised qualifications, including fitness instruction, sports coaching and officiating, adventurous training and the possibility of studying for a degree or UKSCA accreditation
  • Benefits: Travel all around the world
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Qualified Communications and Information Systems (RFA)

Qualified Communications and Information Systems (RFA)

Using highly sophisticated equipment, it’ll be your job to guarantee the safe communication of operationally-vital information.

The role at a glance
  • Age: Minimum age of 17 years 6 months to apply, 18 years to commence employment
  • Education: GCSEs
  • Salary: £28,600 – £32,399 Experience Dependant
  • Holiday: 7 days of paid leave for every month served on board ship
  • Progression: BTEC gain a Level 2 BTEC Diploma in Communications
  • Benefits: Pension membership of a Civil Service Pension Scheme
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Qualified Deck Officer (RFA)

Qualified Deck Officer (RFA)

From fuel to food, you’ll be central to the operations that provide essential supplies to the Royal Navy, all over the world.

The role at a glance
  • Age: Minimum age of 17 years 6 months to apply, 18 years to commence employment
  • Salary: Over £37,700 starting salary
  • Holiday: 21 days of paid leave for every month served on board ship
  • Progression: £86,000 potential to earn over this amount as a Captain
  • Benefits: World-class comprehensive training programme
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Qualified Seamanship Specialist (RFA)

Qualified Seamanship Specialist (RFA)

You’ll be central to the Replenishment at Sea operations that keep the Royal Navy’s warships moving, all over the world.

The role at a glance
  • Age: Minimum age of 17 years 6 months to apply, 18 years to commence employment
  • Education: MCA Certified
  • Salary: £29,500+ starting salary
  • Holiday: 21 days of paid leave for every month served on board ship
  • Progression: World-class training and development
  • Benefits: Potential to travel around the world
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Royal Navy Police

Royal Navy Police

Maintain the vital service discipline that keeps every Naval mission on track.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 17 - 39
  • Education: GCSEs
  • Salary: £23,496 Minimum you'll earn after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £56,383 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Free medical and dental care
Find out more
Warfare Intelligence Officer

Warfare Intelligence Officer

Being in Intelligence means that you work with all disciplines within the Royal Navy and other services to deliver Intelligence to Commanders on operations.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 18 - 39
  • Education: A-level and/or BTEC
  • Salary: £31,000 Your minimum salary from day one
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £38,500 your approximate salary after two years
  • Benefits: Free medical and dental care
Find out more
Warfare Intelligence Specialist

Warfare Intelligence Specialist

You'll deliver fused Intelligence products and provide advice on emerging situations and deliver bespoke briefings to senior officers

The role at a glance
  • Age: 16 - 39
  • Education: No qualifications
  • Salary: £23,496 Minimum you'll earn after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £56,383 earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Free medical and dental care
Find out more
Warfare Officer

Warfare Officer

You’ll contribute to the success of every mission, and make key strategic decisions on some of the most advanced warships in the world.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 18 - 39
  • Salary: £31,000 Your minimum salary from day one
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £38,500 Your approximate salary after two years
  • Benefits: Travel all over the world
Find out more
Warfare Officer (Submariner)

Warfare Officer (Submariner)

In charge of sonar, tactical systems or communications, you’ll lead a team that acts as the eyes, ears and defence capabilities of its vessel.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 18 - 39
  • Education: A-level and/or BTEC
  • Salary: £31,000 Your minimum salary from day one
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £44,000 Your approximate salary after two years
  • Benefits: Get Submariner pay each day at sea when fully qualified
Find out more
Warfare Specialist

Warfare Specialist

You’ll detect threats to your ship, identify targets and make crucial tactical decisions.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 16 - 39
  • Education: No qualifications
  • Salary: £23,496 The minimum you’ll earn after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £56,383 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Free medical and dental care
Find out more

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