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Warfare Officer (Submariner)
Job Role

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.

TechnologyWeaponsManagementStrategicTacticalWarfare
  • £31,000 - £110,500
  • A-Levels / college qualifications
  • Submarine Service
  • Warfare
  • Officer level

At a glance

You'll be the boat’s eyes and ears, deep below the surface. That means taking charge of sophisticated sonar, tactical kit and communications systems. You’ll be in a position of real responsibility from day one.
Warfare Officer Submariner inspecting equipment on a Submarine
My job involves navigating or controlling the submarine, getting involved in the war fighting aspect, planning operations and tasking. It’s demanding but I really love the challenge of being a Submariner.

Ben

Warfare Officer (Submariner), Warfare Branch

Role details

What you’ll do

As a Warfare Officer (Submariner) it’s your job to provide the boat’s eyes and ears, deep below the surface. That means taking charge of sophisticated sonar, tactical and communications systems, using your advanced maritime training to keep your crew safe. Whether you’re using your first-class navigation skills to help maintain our nation’s nuclear deterrent on a Vanguard-class submarine, or passing crucial tactical information directly to your Captain on hunter-killer operations, you’ll be in a position of real responsibility from day one.

Your role

  • From starting as an Officer of the Watch, to becoming the Principal Warfare Officer, you’ll marshal a team of dedicated sailors in a unique and challenging environment.
  • Use all the maritime skills you acquire during training, to keep the crew safe, which is your primary responsibility. That might mean negotiating a tricky underwater canyon, or even identifying and neutralising a potential threat.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to the Warfare Specialists who are busy listening to, and reporting on, what’s happening around the boat. They’ll be doing a vital job, and supplying all the information you need to do yours.
  • Stealth is a submarine’s primary weapon, and you’ll be key to ensuring the boat remains undetected, wherever you are in the world, and whatever the operation.

Pay & benefits

  • A starting salary of over £31,304,
  • Approximate salary £44,456 after two years
  • A £5,000 bonus for earning your ‘Dolphins’ - the mark of a Submariner
  • Additional pay starting at over £1200 per month at sea once qualified as a Submariner
  • An excellent pension scheme
  • Six weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Free medical and dental care

Skills for life

Qualifications you'll gain

  • We’ll make a significant contribution towards GCSEs, Masters degrees, and everything in between
  • Gain internationally recognised professional qualifications as your career progresses

Skills you'll develop

  • Gain the unique naval leadership and management skills that are highly valued by civilian employers
  • Develop an in-depth knowledge of life as a professional seaman, from navigating and manoeuvring, to more advanced war-fighting skills

Eligibility

  • You’ll need to be aged 18 to 39
  • You’ll need a minimum of 72 UCAS points. These can be accrued from either GCE A/AS levels (or equivalent) or National Diplomas (e.g., BTEC)
  • You’ll need at least 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (9-4) (or Scottish equivalent), which must include English and Mathematics
  • You must be a United Kingdom citizen or British Dual National. Dual Nationality restrictions do apply
  • You must have lived in the UK for 5 years continuously prior to application
  • A minimum height of 157cm
  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 28 (between 17 and 27 if under 18)
  • Pass the Naval Swimming Test

Skills & Interests

  • An ability to thrive on responsibility and lead from the front
  • Confidence making key decisions 
  • Calmness under pressure and a love of teamwork
  • A real sense of adventure

Joining Process

From picking your role to the first day of training; everything you need to know as an officer

Career Progression

From responsibilities to pay, find out where this role can take you.

Got a question?

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