Volunteer as an Royal Navy Reservist
As a Royal Naval Reservist, you will play a vital role within the Royal Navy that will require dedication, ambition and enthusiasm. No matter what your background, if you have a sense for adventure the Royal Naval Reserve has a role to suit you. Not only will you, as a Royal Naval Reservist help the Regulars with operational commitments, it will provide you with the opportunity to develop new skills, experience new things and meet likeminded people.
In East Anglia, we have one Royal Naval Reserve unit based in Chicksands, Bedfordshire – HMS Ferret. It is a Naval Intelligence Unit located within the Joint Intelligence and Security Unit.
Who can join the Royal Naval Reserve?
To be a Royal Naval Reservist you must be reliable, have honesty and integrity and be of a good physical and mental stamina. You need to be between the ages of 16-40 (45 for ex-Royal Naval personnel) and be a citizen of the UK, Commonwealth or Republic of Ireland for at least 5 years and have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.
What is the commitment?
Your commitment as a Royal Naval Reservist is to complete 24 days of training each year made, divided into Continuous and Non-continuous training. Your Continuous training is 12 consecutive days and your Non-continuous training includes 3 training weekends and 12 training nights each year.
What are the rewards for Reservists?
Royal Naval Reserve training will provide you will skills such as leadership, self-discipline and ability to work within a team; all skills that will help you progress in your civilian career. The opportunity to make friends for life and experience adventure that may not have been possible before. On top of all of that you will be entitled to a tax-free bounty of £395 in your first year rising to £1556 a year after 5 years providing you meet the training requirement.
All pay rates are dependent on your rank.
Find out more at the Royal Naval Reserve website
