We know that as a former Royal Navy Officer or Rating, you have a unique wealth of skills and experience. And the Royal Naval Reserve still have a real need for that expertise. If you left the Royal Navy under two years ago and were fully-trained, you would be eligible for the Firefly Scheme, a fast track process that takes into consideration your rank and valuable experience.
Ex-regular Forces Reserve
Use your existing experience and expertise to make a vital contribution to essential global operations.
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- No qualifications
- Surface Fleet
- Royal Naval Reserve
- Rating level
Role details
- Use your Naval background to open up specialist jobs that will provide opportunities to serve at sea, as well as ashore.
- Use your existing discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills to get the most out of civilian and military life.
- Travel the world, experiencing a wide range of new environments. You’ll be making a vital contribution to the essential operations that help us protect our nation’s interests.
- Extra pay and allowances if you’re mobilised
- Annual tax-free bounty subject to meeting the minimum training commitment
- Paid leave in proportion to the number of training days attended
- Automatic membership of the non-contributory Armed Forces Pension Scheme
- Expenses and allowances when training
- Continued access to the Royal Navy’s superb sports and fitness facilities
Qualifications you'll gain
- Continuing your professional military education
- Professional and vocational qualifications depending on your chosen branch and role
Skills you'll develop
- Enhance your professional military skills
- Opportunities to pass on your skills and experience through leadership, mentoring and instruction
- You’ll need to be aged 16 to 56 for a Rating role and 20 to 56 for an Officer role (You can start your application from 15 years old however you must be at least 16 years old (for a Rating role) and 20 years old (for an Officer role) on day of entry to basic training)
- Qualification requirements vary depending on the role
- Motivated to continue service
- A desire to be part of a team
- A need for adventure
- Maintained physical and mental fitness
I remain fully engaged and committed and actively encourage those who have left or are leaving the RN to consider the RNR.
Career Progression
From responsibilities to pay, find out where this role can take you.
Day One
Complete your militarisation and marinisation training within 10 weeks at HMS Raliegh. This initial stage of development for young officers, designed to build the leadership, discipline, and core military skills required for naval service, before then moving onto Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth for another 30 weeks to further develop these skills.
Professional Training
Develop your chosen profession skills at your respective training establishment dependant on your profession.
First Year
Learn management theory, develop your own style of leadership and experience your first time at sea practicing your role.
First Promotion
Become a Sub – Lieutenant, advance you skills with further training, have an increased responsibility.
Second Promotion
Become a Lieutenant, lead a department and report directly into command.
Joining Process
If you have previous military service you can join the Royal Naval Reserve through one of three ways:
Start your application
Find your place in the Royal Navy. Make friends for life, learn new skills and experience the world.
Got a question?
Our virtual recruiter is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day