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The Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) is a part time organisation, which complements the Royal Navy in times of both conflict and peace. Entry requirements for the RNR are the same as those for the regular service.

Ship's Company on HMS Puncher, University Royal Navy Unit LONDON

Entrants to the RNR join as ratings, except for ex-RN officers, Merchant Navy officers and some medical (including nursing) officers. Ratings undergo New Entry training before they are entered in a particular specialisation. Once trained, they can be considered for promotion to the commissioned (i.e. officer) ranks.

Recruits must be 16 to 40 (45 if ex-RN) years of age.

Ratings join for 5 years and can 're-engage' at the end of each 5-year spell. They 'retire' at age 45. Officers do not have to re-engage; they retire at 50, but may extend by mutual agreement.

There is no ceiling on recruiting. Typically, over 500 reservists are recruited per year. Currently, women make up about 30% of the RNR and they serve in all specialisations. A candidate must be a British citizen, or a citizen of a Commonwealth country, or a citizen of the Irish Republic. The Naval Service is fully committed to the application of equality of opportunity for all its employees within the framework of the law, irrespective of gender, race, ethnic origin, religion or social background.

The fitness requirement is the same as for entry into the regular Royal Navy, because reservists may be expected to serve alongside their regular counterparts at any time. There is no actual physical test required before joining the RNR, but to cope with the physical aspect of training it is advised that certain standards are reached (e.g. run 1.5 miles in under 11 minutes if male, 13 minutes if female).

HMS Puncher in Exeter Canal

New entrants to the Armed Forces undergo intensive training, which is physically demanding and mentally taxing. New entrants must be of a robust constitution and free from debilitating disease or injuries that reduce mobility too much. All entrants have to pass an exacting medical examination.

Training is fun and can be challenging and rewarding. Most training takes place during drill nights at the Reserve Training Centre or during weekends. More demanding training takes place within the Royal Navy and is directly oriented towards the reservist's operational role. Some exercises and training are conducted abroad. Generally, because training only takes place one night a week, it takes between 2 to 4 years to become fully trained.

The RNR does not offer any sponsorship, but for each training evening attended in the unit, a payment is made. Students find this form of income useful and it also provides a social environment. Another option is to join a University Royal Naval Unit.

Starting pay is about £27 per day. Also, travelling expenses are paid to the Reserve Training Centre on a training evening. A tax-free bounty is payable each year providing the annual training commitment - normally 12 days operational role training and 12 days 'drills' or support activity - completed. Currently, the tax-free bounty starts at £330 for the first year rising to £1290 for the 5th and subsequent years.

The Princess Royal on board HMS Puncher

The RNR no longer controls its own ships but many opportunities exist to go to sea with the RN once you are fully trained. Some reservists go on to join the Royal Navy and find the initial training easier than their counterparts. There is also the possibility of short-term full-time contracts, called Full Time Reserve Service, which can be from 3 months to 3 years serving in the RN.

Netball Team, University Royal Navy Unit LONDON		Rugby Team, University Royal Navy Unit LONDON

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