At a glance
You’ll be in the heart of the action, making key strategic decisions on board some of the most advanced warships on the planet. You’ll lead a specialist team to ensure we have the capabilities vital to protecting our nation’s interests.
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.
Start your application
As part of your application process, we’ll help you find the most suitable role based on your skills and experience.
Register interest£34,676
Your minimum salary from day one
£41,000
Your approximate salary after two years
6 weeks
Of paid holiday every year
Free
Medical and dental care
Management
Opportunities early on
Travel
All around the world
My job is pretty intense, which is why I love it. There’s never a dull moment, and being responsible for the safety of everyone on board is so rewarding.
What you can do
Profession details
Joining the Royal Navy as a Warfare Officer means taking the lead on decision-making across our vessels and managing the dedicated soldiers that shore up our frontline capabilities. You’ll be more operationally active than most, coordinating teams and analysing data to guide your strategic decisions. Warfare Officers can work broadly across teams or specialise in meteorology, intelligence, or the Submarine Service. No matter what, you’ll play a leading role in our defence strategies.
- Contribute to the success of every mission, using your skills as a seaman, and as a leader, to operate in all conditions. Keeping the crew safe is your remit, so when the unexpected happens, everyone looks to you.
- Be a key part of some essential operations. You might be on a Type 45 Destroyer conducting anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean, or escorting a mine hunter that’s sweeping the Persian Gulf.
- Take on real responsibility from day one, using your knowledge and experience as a professional sailor to tackle anything, from navigation, to planning boarding parties.
- React to ever-changing situations, using your tactical skills to achieve a successful outcome, whatever the operation.
- A starting salary of over £34,676
- Salary rising to around £41,000 after just two years
- An excellent pension scheme
- Six weeks of paid holiday every year
- Free medical and dental care
- Extra pay for every day spent at sea
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
- You’ll need to be aged 18 to 39 (You can start your application from 15 years and 9 months old however you must be at least 18 years old on day of entry to basic training)
- 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 Language and Mathematics
- You must be a United Kingdom national, or Commonwealth citizen, or Dual National. Dual Nationality restrictions do apply. Submariner roles are restricted to United Kingdom nationals only.
- Minimum height of 145cm for General Service, 157cm for Submarine Service
- A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 28 (between 17 and 27 if under 18)
- An ability to thrive on responsibility and lead from the front
- Confidence making key decisions in high-pressure situations
- Calmness under pressure and a love of teamwork
- A passion for life at sea
Career Progression
From responsibilities to pay, find out where this role can take you.
First Year
Initial Naval Training at Britannia Royal Naval College
Second Year
Gain maritime experience to learn the role of a Warfare Officer through navigation and leadership training onboard Royal Navy platforms and in shore establishments
First promotion – Lieutenant
Achieved after just 3.5 years of joining; further develop your warfare skills and lead your team as an Officer of the Watch on the Bridge in your first assignment as a Warfare Officer. Explore options to begin specialist training as a Navigator, Mine Clearance Diving Officer, Mine Warfare Officer, Fighter Controller or Hydrography expert
Second promotion – Lieutenant Commander
Achieved as little as 4-5 years later; after honing your specialist skills through plenty of experience at sea, learn to fight the Ship from the Ops room as a Principal Warfare Officer. Excel here and potential selection for Command awaits
Joining Process
From picking your profession to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as an officer.
- Register your interest
- Complete your application
- Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
- Interview
- Candidate Preparation Centres (CPC)
- Admiralty Interview Board (AIB)
- Start training
Register your interest
Find the right profession and entry level for you, make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria, and register your interest online.
Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive an email with more details about your chosen profession, along with an invitation to speak with our friendly recruitment team about any questions or concerns you might have.
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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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