What Navy Career is Right For You? – Introduction
The Royal Navy has a vast array of career opportunities, each of which will suit individuals in different ways. A career in the navy isn’t for everyone, and not every role will be for you, but there are so many to choose from that you’re likely to find something that works for you. Today, we’re going to take a look at all of the roles available in the Royal Navy, including an outline as well as the requirements for joining. Figuring out what Navy career is right for you can be tricky. To make things simpler, we’re going to be dividing the roles into the following categories:
• Engineering;
• Science and Medical;
• Food and Drink (Catering);
• Logistics;
• Communications;
• Aircraft;
• Weapons.
The goal of this article is to help you figure out what Navy career is right for you.
Engineering Technician – Marine Engineering – Submariner
In this role, you’ll be responsible for keeping your submarine working properly. You’ll have to perform difficult tasks, possibly on highly sensitive operations, ensuring that you and your crew of over 100 people are as safe and effective as possible. You’ll need to avoid detection while performing tasks, including maintaining a water purifier, air circulation system, as well as the submarine’s nuclear reactor.
Salary and Perks:
• £18,000 per year salary once you complete training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually;
• Extra submariner pay for each day at sea once fully qualified;
• The opportunity to travel all over the world.
Requirements:
• No minimum qualifications necessary;
• Minimum age of 15 years and 9 months when applying, and under the age of 37 once you begin basic training;
• Must be at least 16 years old on entry;
• Minimum height of 157cm and have a healthy BMI (body mass index);
• British citizen who has lived in the UK continuously for 5 years before applying;
• Dual nationality is also acceptable.
Engineering Technician – Weapon Engineering – Submariner
This role requires you to work with all kinds of defence technology, including some of the most high-tech weaponry in the world. The role involves working with a range of equipment, from ballistic missiles to radars. You play a significant role in the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
Salary and Perks:
• (see ‘Salary and Perks’ for ‘Engineering Technician – Marine Engineering’ above)
Requirements:
• (see ‘Requirements’ for ‘Engineering Technician – Marine Engineering’ above)
Engineering Technician – Marine Engineering
In this role, you’ll be responsible for making sure that the vessels systems are maintained properly and prepared for an operation. You’ll need to come up with quick and clever ways to solve any issues with the warship that you’re serving on.
Salary and Perks:
• (see ‘Salary and Perks’ for ‘Engineering Technician – Marine Engineering’ above)
Requirements:
• (see ‘Requirements’ for ‘Engineering Technician – Marine Engineering’ above)
Air Engineering Technician
Your job as an air engineering technician is to make sure that airborne operations are all in order. You’ll work closely with advanced aircraft, maintaining them, performing inspections, and servicing, making sure that each craft is ready for action for every flight.
Salary and Perks:
• (see ‘Salary and Perks’ for ‘Engineering Technician – Marine Engineering’ above)
Requirements:
• (see ‘Requirements’ for ‘Engineering Technician – Marine Engineering’ above)
Marine Engineer (Submariner) – Undergraduate Apprentice Scheme
This is an undergraduate apprenticeship, which means that you’ll be paid to study mechanical and manufacturing engineering at degree level. You’ll be able to use what you learn there, as well as your training, to work in elite teams.
Salary and Perks:
• Starting salary of £31,100 per year;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Extra pay once fully qualified;
• Potential to earn over £45,000 per year eventually;
• An undergraduate degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, paid for by the Royal Navy.
Requirements:
• Must be between the ages of 18 and 34 upon entry;
• 5 GCSEs between levels 9 and 4 (if you took GCSEs from 2017 onwards) or 5 GCSEs between A* and C (if you took GCSEs before 2017);
• A-Levels in some kind of engineering discipline, maths, physical science, engineering, or computing. If A-Levels are taken from 2017 onwards, you need 64 UCAS points from STEM qualifications. If taken before 2017, you need 160 UCAS points;
• Minimum height of 157cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British citizen or have dual nationality.
Engineering Technician – Weapon Engineering
As an engineering technician for weapons, you’ll have to maintain warships’ high-tech weaponry, making sure that it’s functioning properly and ready to go. From working with radars and other defensive systems, to working with missiles, you’ll be an incredibly valuable part of the team.
Salary and Perks:
• (see ‘Salary and Perks’ for ‘Engineering Technician – Marine Engineering’ above)
Requirements:
• (see ‘Requirements’ for ‘Engineering Technician – Marine Engineering’ above)
Biomedical Scientist – Qualified/Student
This role is focused on saving lives, whether that be while you’re in an NHS hospital or in a conflict zone. Biomedical scientists work with a medical team in laboratories, making sure that the crew is looked after and operations are successful.
Qualified – Salary and Perks:
• Starting salary of £30,000 per year;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually;
• Opportunity to travel all over the world.
Student – Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Extra pay for days spent at sea;
• Potential to earn over £30,000 per year after university course and training;
• An undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science;
• Potential to earn a masters degree.
Qualified – Requirements:
• A degree in Biomedical Science;
• Membership in the Health and Care Professionals Council;
• Must be registered as a Biomedical Scientist in Haematology, Biochemistry, Blood Transfusion, or Microbiology;
• Must be between the age of 20 and 36;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be a British or Irish national, a citizen of a Commonwealth country who has held residence in the UK continuously for 5 years before applying, or a dual national.
Student – Requirements:
• 104 UCAS points if A-Levels were taken from 2017 onwards, 300 UCAS points if A-Levels were taken before 2017.
Dental Nurse
Dental nurses are responsible for the dental health of crews on ships, citizens in shore practices in the UK, as well as portable dental units in conflict zones. It might not sound that important, but dental hygiene and health is a vital part of keeping other service-people at peak performance.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Funding for your qualifications;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• 2 GCSE grades from levels 9 to 4 if taken from 2017 onwards. 2 GCSE grades from A* to C if taken before 2017. One of these must be in English Language;
• If already qualified, must be registered to the General Dental Council;
• Must be at least 16 years and 9 months old when you apply, and under 37 years old at the start of basic training;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be a British or Irish national, a citizen of a Commonwealth country who has held residence in the UK continuously for 5 years before applying, or a dual national.
Dental Hygienist
As a dental hygienist for the Royal Navy, you’ll be working in a multitude of environments, from shore practices in the UK to aircraft carriers or warships. You’ll be running your surgery, making sure that you have supplies and that everything is kept in order to make sure that the people you see to are given the best care possible.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £30,000 per year;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Funding for qualifications;
• Potential to earn over £42,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• A diploma in Dental Hygiene. You need to qualify before you start training;
• Registration with a General Dental Council;
• Must be at least 18 years old when applying, and a maximum of 36 years old when you begin basic training;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be a British or Irish national, a citizen of a Commonwealth country who has held residence in the UK continuously for 5 years before applying, or a dual national.
Hydrographic Meteorological & Oceanographic Specialist
This role requires you to use high-tech equipment – gathering data to give your crew all the information that they need to make sure operations go as smoothly as possible. The equipment under your control is used to give information about the surrounding environment, which is vital for operations on warships and aircraft carriers.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually;
• Opportunity to travel all over the world.
Requirements:
• Must be between the ages of 16 and 36;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or a dual national.
Medical Assistant
As a medical assistant, you’ll be responsible for the health of your crew, whether during an operation or in day-to-day duty. On top of this, you’ll be in a rotation to work at NHS hospitals on-land when you aren’t deployed or on a shore base. You’ll get the opportunity to work in a number of different environments, picking up incredible skills across specialisations.
Salary and Perks:
• (See ‘Salary and Perks’ for ‘Hydrographic Meteorological & Oceanographic Specialist’ above)
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 16 years and 9 months when applying, and under 37 years old when beginning basic training;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, a citizen of the Commonwealth living in the UK continuously for 5 years before applying, or a dual national.
Medical Assistant – Submariner
This position is similar to the Medical Assistant position described above, but you’ll be doing your job on a submarine. You could be isolated from a warship or shore for extended periods of time, meaning that it’s up to you to make sure that you and the rest of the crew are healthy.
Salary and Perks:
• (See ‘Salary and Perks’ for ‘Hydrographic Meteorological & Oceanographic Specialist’ above)
Requirements:
• (See ‘Requirements’ for ‘Medical Assistant’ above)
Mental Health Nurse – Student
Just as it’s important for on board medics to keep everyone in peak physical condition, it’s vital to have mental health specialists making sure that service people are mentally prepared for duty and life. The student path for this role involves earning a qualification that will have you ready for the role.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year once qualified;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £31,000 per year after training and university;
• Paid to study at university;
• 0% interest on the House Purchase Scheme.
Requirements:
• 104 UCAS points at A-Level if taken in 2017 or later. Prior to 2017, 280 UCAS points at A-Level are required;
• 3 GCSE grades between 9 and 4 if taken in 2017 or later. Prior to 2017, 3 grades between A* and C are required;
• Must be between the age of 17 years and 6 months and 36 years old;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Mental Health Nurse – Qualified
This is similar to the ‘Mental Health Nurse – Student’ role discussed above, but you’ll be entering at a qualified level. This means that you’ll already have got the degree required to perform the role, but you’ll still have to do basic training.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £31,000 per year after training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £50,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• Bsc/Msc or a BA in Adult Nursing;
• RGN/RN (Adult) on sub part 1 or sub part 2 of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, or a Registered Nurse Mental Health on sub part 1 or sub part 2 of the Nursing and Midwifery Council;
• Must be between the ages of 20 and 36;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Naval Nurse – Qualified
Naval Nurses ensure that those under their care are in good condition, whether that’s in a NHS hospital on shore, delivering humanitarian aid during a crisis, or assisting your crew on board. Not only this, but you’ll also be responsible for the supervision of less experienced medical personnel. This path to becoming a Naval Nurse requires already possessing a relevant degree.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £31,000 per year after training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £50,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• (See ‘Requirements’ for ‘Mental Health Nurse – Qualified’ above)
Naval Nurse – Student
This is similar to the ‘Naval Nurse – Qualified’ role discussed above, but will involve you studying for a degree as well.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of up to £18,000 per year while studying;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £31,000 per year eventually;
• 0% interest on the House Purchase Scheme.
Requirements:
• (See ‘Requirements’ for ‘Mental Health Nurse – Student’ above)
Operating Department Practitioner – Qualified
As an ODP, you’ll be responsible for saving the lives of fellow crew members and other service people. Working in the surgical theatre, you’ll be part of a team that delivers live-saving surgery all over the world. This is the qualified route to becoming an ODP, meaning you’ll already need to appropriate degree before applying.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• If taking A-Levels in 2017 or later, 88 UCAS points including two non-overlapping subjects are required. If you took your A-Levels before 2017, 220 UCAS points are required;
• Must have a DipHE or a BSc in Operating Department Practice;
• Must be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council;
• Must be between the ages of 20 and 36;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Operating Department Practitioner – Student
This is similar to the qualified ODP role, but you’ll have to study for a relevant degree as well as complete training.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of up to £18,000 per year while studying at university;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £31,000 per year after university and initial training;
• 0% interest with House Purchase Scheme.
Requirements:
• If taking A-Levels in 2017 or later, 88 UCAS points including two non-overlapping subjects are required. If you took your A-Levels before 2017, 220 UCAS points are required;
• If taking GCSES in 2017 or later, 2 grades between 9 and 4 are required (including English Language and Maths). If you took your GCSEs before 2017, 2 grades between A* and C are required;
• Must be aged from 17 and a half up to 36;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Radiographer – Qualified
As a Radiographer, you’ll be responsible for making sure that the Royal Navy personnel around you are diagnosed properly, making use of CT and ultrasound scanners – as well as other medical equipment. You’ll be working in a variety of environments, from rotation in an NHS hospital, to on board Royal Navy vessels, to deployment in crisis areas. This route into the radiographer role requires you to have already studied the relevant degree before applying.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £30,000 after completion of initial training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually;
Requirements:
• Must possess a BSc or MSc in Diagnostic Radiography;
• Must be a member of the Health and Care Professions Council;
• Minimum age of 20 years old, maximum age of 36 years old;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Radiographer – Student
This is similar to the ‘Radiographer – Qualified’ role outlined above, with the exception that this route includes completion of a relevant degree.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £30,000 per year after university and initial training;
• 0% interest with House Purchase Scheme;
• A BSc in Diagnostic Radiography upon graduation.
Requirements:
• If taking A-Levels from 2017 onwards, 120 UCAS points including two non-overlapping subject areas are required. If A-Levels have been taken before 2017, 300 UCAS points are required;
• If taking GCSEs from 2017 onwards, 5 grades between levels 9 and 4 are required, including English Language and Maths. If GCSEs were taken before 2017, 5 grades between A* and C are required;
• Must be aged from 17 and a half up to 36;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Chef
Being a chef in the Royal Navy is nothing like being a civilian chef. Sure, you’ll need to know how to cook, but catering on board a vessel goes beyond that. The situation will vary from cooking nutritious meals to keep crew members at a physical and mental peak, to cooking high-end cuisine for politicians and other VIPs.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually;
• Receive funding for necessary qualifications.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 15 years and 9 months upon application, must be under the age of 37 when beginning basic training;
• Minimum age of 16 years old on entry;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Chef – Submariner
This is similar to the above Chef role, but you’ll be performing your duties on a submarine. You’ll have to make sure that your crew is well-fed on a day-to-day basis, so that they can do their jobs properly.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• £5,000 upon earning your ‘Dolphins’;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually;
• Extra pay for days spent at sea once fully qualified.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 15 years and 9 months upon application, must be under the age of 37 when beginning basic training;
• Minimum age of 16 years old on entry;
• Minimum height of 157cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Hospitality
As a member of the Hospitality team, you’ll be responsible for looking after personnel and diplomats alike. This is because many alliances between nations and organisations are created and prolonged by the Royal Navy, whether on board a vessel or on shore. You’ll be responsible for making sure that guests and personnel are comfortable and looked after.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 15 years and 9 months upon application, must be under the age of 37 when beginning basic training;
• Minimum age of 16 years old on entry;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Hospitality – Submariner
On a submarine, the Hospitality role is slightly different as you’ll oversee the wardroom. Other than this, your role will be quite like that of Hospitality staff on a warship: making sure that dignitaries and crew alike a comfortable.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• £5,000 upon earning your ‘Dolphins’;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually;
• Extra pay for days spent at sea once qualified.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 15 years and 9 months upon application, must be under the age of 37 when beginning basic training;
• Minimum age of 16 years old on entry;
• Minimum height of 157cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Supply Chain Logistician
This role involves being responsible for ensuring that supplies are being sent to the right places. Without people fulfilling this role, service people wouldn’t be fed well or equipped properly to do their job.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 15 years and 9 months upon application, must be under the age of 37 when beginning basic training;
• Minimum age of 16 years old on entry;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Supply Chain Logistician – Submariner
This is similar to the above Supply Chain Logistician role, but you’ll be required to perform your duties on a submarine. You’re responsible for making sure that the submarine is stocked with all of the equipment and other supplies necessary for it to function at its peak, as well as everything required for your crew to live and serve on board.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• £5,000 upon earning your ‘Dolphins’;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually;
• Extra pay for days spent at sea once qualified.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 15 years and 9 months upon application, must be under the age of 37 when beginning basic training;
• Minimum age of 16 years old on entry;
• Minimum height of 157cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Writer Logistician
As a Writer, you’ll be responsible for Human Resources (HR) on board the vessel. You’ll have to take care of financial and legal matters, as well as paying attention to the performance of crew members to see who’s ready for promotion.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually;
• Qualifications paid for.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 15 years and 9 months upon application, must be under the age of 37 when beginning basic training;
• Minimum age of 16 years old on entry;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Writer Logistician – Submariner
In this role, you’ll be dealing with everything that a Writer on a warship does, but with the added responsibility of working in the Silent Service. While on a submarine, you’ll learn how to control the submarine, control damage sustained to the vessel, and organise special forces for deployment.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• £5,000 upon earning your ‘Dolphins’;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually;
• Extra pay for days spent at sea once qualified.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 15 years and 9 months upon application, must be under the age of 37 when beginning basic training;
• Minimum age of 16 years old on entry;
• Minimum height of 157cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Communications and Information Systems Specialist – Submariner
In this role, you’ll be using advanced radio and satellite equipment with command centres off-vessel. You’ll have to communicate with command regularly, making you a centrepiece in a tactical operation. You’ll also need to be able to do this without detection, meaning that you’re responsible for the safety of others and the success of operations.
Salary and Perks:
• £18,000 salary per year;
• 6 weeks paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year;
• Opportunity to travel all over the world.
Requirements:
• (see ‘Requirements’ for ‘Engineering Technician – Marine Engineering’ above)
Communications and Information Systems Specialist
This role requires you to perform routine maintenance on communications and intel-gathering equipment. You need to ensure that messages being sent to and from your vessel are undetectable and cannot be intercepted. Off-vessel command relies on communication systems to coordinate with your crew, so you are absolutely vital.
Salary and Perks:
• (see ‘Salary and Perks’ for ‘Engineering Technician – Marine Engineering’ above)
Requirements:
• (see ‘Requirements’ for ‘Engineering Technician – Marine Engineering’ above)
Communications Technician
As a Communications Technician, your job is to help gather intelligence that is paramount to the success of operations as well as day-to-day duty. You need to be able to analyse data thoroughly and under time constraints so that missions are as successful as possible. In a sense, you’re the eyes and ears of the vessel you’re working on.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £32,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 16, maximum age of 36;
• If you’re taking GCSEs in 2017 or later, you need English Language and Maths at grades between 9 and 4. If you took your GCSEs before 2017, you need English Language and Maths at grades between A* and C;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Aircraft Controller
In this role, you’ll be responsible for monitoring and directing air movement around the site you’re deployed at. You’ll have to coordinate with pilots and other air crewmen to ensure that jets and helicopters are moving as safely and efficiently as possible.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Time and funding to study GCSEs, A-Levels, and higher education;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 15 years and 9 months upon application, must be under the age of 37 when beginning basic training;
• Minimum age of 16 years old on entry;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Air Crewman
Air Crewmen work in teams on Merlin helicopters, taking part in operations as well as day-to-day duties. You’ll be sent on all kinds of missions, including surveillance and combat. After joining the Royal Navy as an Air Crewman, you’ll be streamed further into one of two roles: Anti-Submarine or Commando.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• If you’re taking GCSEs in 2017 or later, you need 2 GCSEs at grades between 9 and 4. If you took your GCSEs before 2017, you need 2 GCSEs at grades between A* and C;
• You must score highly on the Flight Aptitude Tests (FATs);
• Minimum age of 15 years and 9 months upon application, must be under the age of 37 when beginning basic training;
• Minimum age of 16 years old on entry;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Naval Airman – Survival Equipment
In this role, you’ll be tasked with making sure that the equipment used by fellow personnel is in working order. This equipment tends to be sensitive and vital for safe operations. This means that you’re contributing to the success of any mission, even though you aren’t serving on the frontline.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 15 years and 9 months upon application, must be under the age of 37 when beginning basic training;
• Minimum age of 16 years old on entry;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Naval Airman – Aircraft Handler
As an Aircraft Handler, it’s your responsibility to ensure the safety and security of aircraft when they aren’t in the air. Working with jets and helicopters, you’ll be expected to perform your duties in all kinds of environmental and tactical conditions. Essentially, it’s up to Aircraft Handlers to work with flight crews to make sure that jets are secure and ready to go.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 15 years and 9 months upon application, must be under the age of 37 when beginning basic training;
• Minimum age of 16 years old on entry;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Warfare Specialist
Warfare Specialists are responsible for using technology to identify targets and threats. A lot rests on your expertise, as you’ll need to run operations or even control weapons themselves. This means that your decisions and actions will decide the outcome of operations and conflicts – whether you or your enemy is defeated.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 16 years old, maximum age of 36 years old;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Mine Warfare Specialist
Your job as a Mine Warfare Specialist will be to keep the routes taken by Royal Navy vessels clear of mines, so that they can continue to travel safely. This is vital not only for armed forces, but for civilian ships too, as having fewer mines in the sea makes travel safer. You’ll use equipment to detect mines, and then coordinate with mine clearance teams.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 16 years old, maximum age of 36 years old;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or dual national.
Warfare Specialist Tactical – Submariner
In this role, you’ll need to use highly sophisticated technology radars in order to identify threats and targets. On submarines, you’ll be part of the Silent Service, so you’ll have to be discreet whilst handling sensitive information. The intel you gather will inform the decisions of your superiors, meaning that you need to be on the ball at all times.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• £5,000 upon earning your ‘Dolphins’;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Extra pay for days spent at sea when qualified;
• Potential to earn over £48,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 15 years and 9 months upon application, must be under the age of 37 when beginning basic training;
• Minimum age of 16 years old on entry;
• Minimum height of 157cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or dual national.
Warfare Specialist Sensors/Sonar – Submariner
In this role, you’ll need to be able to use all kinds of equipment to gather information on the environment, as well as oceanographic conditions around the vessel. During operations, you’ll be using these skills and technology to identify, target, and track adversaries. You’ll become an expert in underwater acoustics, allowing you to keep the submarine as ‘silent’ as possible whilst also being able to function fully.
Salary and Perks:
• (See ‘Salary and Perks’ for ‘Warfare Specialist Tactical – Submariner’ above)
Requirements:
• (See ‘Requirements’ for ‘Warfare Specialist Tactical – Submariner’ above)
Mine Clearance Diver
Being a Mine Clearance Diver involves learning two different skills, and using them together. First, you’ll learn to be an expert diver, meaning that you can explore the ocean underneath the surface. Secondly, you’ll be trained in the disposal of mines, allowing you to deactivate or safely destroy otherwise dangerous devices. Combined, you’ll be able to coordinate with Mine Warfare Specialists, traverse the sea, then identify and dispose of mines. It’s a tough role, but an absolutely vital one to the safety of those on board Royal Navy vessels.
Salary and Perks:
• (See ‘Salary and Perks’ for ‘Warfare Specialist Tactical – Submariner’ above)
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 18 years old, maximum age of 32 years old;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or dual national;
• Preference is given to those with prior diving experience, but this isn’t a formal requirement.
Seaman Specialist
As a Seaman Specialist, you’ll be working directly with the vessels that you’re deployed on. You’ll be responsible for all sorts of tasks, such as navigating, steering, working as a lookout, communications, and bringing your ship into port.
Salary and Perks:
• Salary of £18,000 per year after training;
• 6 weeks of paid holiday per year;
• Potential to earn over £32,000 per year eventually.
Requirements:
• Minimum age of 16 years old, maximum age of 36 years old;
• Minimum height of 151.5cm and healthy BMI;
• Must be British or Irish national, Commonwealth citizen living in the UK for 5 continuous years before applying, or dual national.
Conclusion
Now you can see all of the roles that the Royal Navy has to offer newcomers. Hopefully, this means that you can figure out what Navy career is right for you. Check out our expert tips on how to join the Royal Navy once you’ve decided on a Navy career which is right for you.
