Being a Warfare Specialist in the Royal Navy means you’re the person who identifies our targets, and our threats. Whether working in the Operations Room or on the ship's Weapon Systems you will be the heartbeat of the war-fighting effort. This job comes with serious responsibility, get it wrong and the ship could sustain damage, get it right and the enemy is defeated.
Warfare Specialist
You’ll detect threats to your ship, identify targets and make crucial tactical decisions.
Start your application
This role is classed as a RBP Warfare Rating. As part of your application process, we’ll help you find the most suitable role based on your skills and experience.
Register interest- £26,334 - £62,073
- No qualifications
- Surface Fleet
- Warfare
- Rating level
Role details
There are four sub-specialisations for Warfare Specialist:
- Abovewater Warfare Tactical: You will work with some of the most advanced and sophisticated RADAR and Computer Systems on the planet.
- Abovewater Warfare Weapons: You will be trained to operate state-of-the-art weapon and missile systems.
- Electronic Warfare: You will operate specialist equipment to assist to intercept and analyse electromagnetic (RADAR) emissions to determine their identity.
- Underwater Warfare: You will become the Royal Navy's 'Submarine Hunters', trained in how to operate the most advanced SONAR systems.
- A starting salary of at least £25,200
- Increasing up to £62,073 as a WO1 basic pay depending on skills and experience as your career progresses
- An excellent pension scheme
- Six weeks of paid holiday every year
- Free medical and dental care
Qualifications you'll gain
- Attain a Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship
- Study for GCSEs, A-Levels, NVQs or a degree
- Gain specialist vocational qualifications as your career progresses
Skills you'll develop
- The ability to work accurately and calmly under extreme pressure
- Become a master at analysing complex information, using your tactical knowledge to produce concise and insightful reports
- You must be aged 16 to 39
- No qualifications are required for this role
- 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 Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 28 (between 17 and 27 if under 18)
- An ability to thrive in high-pressure situations; we will teach you to thrive in a high-pressure situation
- Teamwork
- A passion for life at sea
- A real sense of adventure, with a high level of physical and mental fitness
As a Warfare Specialist I get to operate state of the art equipment, weapons and I also get to travel the world with people I am proud to call my friends.
Career Progression
From responsibilities to pay, find out where this role can take you.
Day one
Start basic training for ten weeks at HMS Raleigh.
First year
Complete phase two professional training and join your first unit at sea.
First promotion
Complete your taskbook and pass annual tests to become Able Warfare Specialist 1.
Joining Process
From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as a rating.
- Register your interest
- Complete your application
- Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
- Interview
- Candidate Preparation Course (CPC)
- Start training
Start your application
Find your place in the Royal Navy. Make friends for life, learn new skills and experience the world.
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