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Reservists welcome civilians into the naval engineering family for first time
25 June 2025
Everyone likes to think of themselves as unique. In Royal Naval Reserve terms, Sub Lieutenant David Keasey definitely is.
He’s the first officer in the RNR Engineering Branch to bring his skills from civvy street to the Senior Service – not vice versa.
With a dozen years under his belt at Rolls-Royce in Derby where he’s an assistant chief engineer, he decided to broaden his knowledge, work with leading-edge technology, and enjoy camaraderie and experiences around the world only the Services offer.
Until recently, that would have been impossible. Direct entry as an officer into the RNR Engineering Branch was not allowed.
But now it is and David is the first-direct entry officer in its (relatively-short) history.
“I’ve always had an admiration for the Royal Navy,” says David who is from Nottingham and attends the city’s RNR unit, HMS Sherwood. “That’s stemmed from the world-leading technology it operates and develops, its work around the world, and its world-class status – something that appeals to engineers as much as anyone.”
The Direct Entry pathway for RNR Engineer Officers is modelled on the long-established route for medical professionals.
Applicants with the required qualifications pass through a selection and assessment process to determine how their specific skillset and qualification level fits into the Engineering Branch’s structure and requirements.
“Given my civilian career, there are some areas where I can bring my skills straight to the Engineering Branch and contribute a different sort of experience to the Royal Navy.
“But then there’s also a lot of new learning and training to develop me as a naval engineer, and I’ll bring that experience and insights back to my civilian role.
“I’ve taken part in training which just isn’t possible in civvy street,” David reflects. “I’ve learnt a lot about myself and also a different perspective on leading teams and how to operate under pressure. I’ve carried these lessons into my civilian career and leadership style.”
The branch was established in 2014 to retain the skills and experience of Royal Navy-engineers who didn’t want to serve full time, but still felt they had plenty to offer their nation… while also seeking new opportunities in civilian life.
The RNR Engineering Branch's senior officer, Commander Dicky Barton, said engineers from civilian industry often possessed the experience and skills that the Navy needed – and the direct entry initiative (which was introduced for engineering ratings three years ago) was an excellent way of harnessing those skills.
“I'd like to congratulate Sub-Lieutenant Keasey on being the first to make the direct jump from civilian engineer to being a member of the naval engineering branch,” he added.
“To other engineering professionals out there: if you're ambitious, adventurous and looking to develop your professional skills in unique ways, while working with some of the most advanced equipment in the world, I urge you to consider becoming a naval engineer with the RNR.