Imagine a club like no other
The Royal Naval Reserve is always looking for new members. Commit to 24 days out of the year and break out of the ordinary.
Royal Naval Reserves
Take your skills and experience to the next level with access to training facilities, new qualifications, and travel opportunities - all without leaving your day job.
Want to know more about the Royal Naval Reserves?
Register your interest
Live the adventure
You'll get the chance to train, travel, and try things you only ever imagined.
Gain qualifications
You'll earn professional qualifications to support your career for years to come.
Train with the best
You'll be one step ahead with access to top-notch tech, facilities, and equipment.
See what's out there
You'll discover what's beyond your doorstep while deployed on operations.
Meet new people
You'll get to know everyone in your local unit and enjoy regular training together.
Keep your day job
You'll be able to balance your daily life with evening and weekend training.
I've done some incredible things in my time here - climbing, biking, sailing...even an annual skiing trip. Joining has honestly been the best thing I've ever done.
Meet our members
Get the facts from other Royal Navy Reservists to see what makes the experience so special.
Why join the Reserve?
Our members join the Royal Naval Reserve for many reasons. Some want the challenge, others want to stay active. Some want to make a difference, while others want the skills. You decide what defines your purpose.
What's it like as a Reservist?
Being a Royal Navy Reservist is like joining an exclusive club. Our members are looking for something more and get basic military training along with highly transferable skills and regular meet-ups with their local unit.
How will I develop in the Reserve?
The Royal Naval Reserve is an excellent choice for members who want to stretch their skills and experience. It’s a chance to boost your leadership and teamwork, make fitness part of your routine, and meet new people.
Frequently asked questions
You generally need to complete 24 days each year to meet your annual commitment, which can be made up of evening and weekends. 12 of these days will be dedicated to Continuous Training which can take place on land or at sea.
You do not need any skills or qualifications to join as a General Entry Rating Reserve. Some specialist roles, like those in the Medical & Healthcare profession, will require existing qualifications. No matter how you join, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue higher qualifications or train in something completely different to your civilian job.
Training is divided into 12 days of Non-Continuous Training (NCT) and 12 days of Continuous Training (CT).
NCT includes midweek training evenings and occasional training weekends, for which you will be paid. These are designed to boost what you learned in basic training, with defence drills and adventure activities to keep you at peak fitness.
CT is your operational training, which can include an accelerated course or an overseas exercise. These often take place in a single 12-day block or two 6-day blocks and can take place on land or at sea.
If you’ve left the Royal Navy or the Royal Marines in the last three years, you’ll be eligible to apply through our Firefly Scheme. It’s a fast-track scheme that considers the valuable experience and skills achieved during your service career.
New members welcome
Join for just 24 days a year with no annual fees.
In fact, we'll pay you.
In fact, we'll pay you.
Joining options
You can begin with no specialist experience, start in a role that matches your professional expertise, or join as a recent service member of the Armed Forces.
Life in the Reserve
The Royal Naval Reserve is about getting out of the ordinary. You’ll have regular training evenings, plus opportunities for travel and deployment at sea.
Joining process
No matter which route you take, you’ll submit an Expression of Interest to get started on eligibility checks and get you on the right path to joining.
Apply now
Find your place in the Royal Navy. Make friends for life, learn new skills and experience the world.
Got a question?
Need help finding your ideal role?
Our virtual recruiter is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day.