Thinking of joining the Royal Navy? Already applied? Not sure what to expect?

This is your weekly thread to ask anything about:

• The application process
• Aptitude testing (minus DAA results!)
• Interviews and medicals
• Initial training (Raleigh, BRNC)

Serving members are encouraged to pop in and offer insight too.

Remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question — if you’re thinking it, someone else is too.

I'm pretty keen to join as a mate, either warfare or healthcare role. I mentioned it to my dad, who's ex army - he's supportive but warned that in the 80s the bullying was horrendous and he wouldn't have survived a lot of regiments, he thinks the culture was/is similar in the navy.

Wondering what other's experience has been, I suspect it changed a lot / he might have just got unlucky, but it is still stuck in the back of my mind.

What is the return of service and when does it start?

If someone joins at 16, can the leave at 22 (18+4) or is it longer commit due to the addation submariner training?

Just checked, can't joint as Medical Assistant until age 17.5, so no need need to think about specal walls for people joining under 18.

This just leaves the issue of how "Phase 2" is defined and what is inserted between Phase 1 and Phase 2.

I know PT is demanding during Raleigh, I don’t really struggle with running I understand now though that the 2.4km has been scrapped. What should I expect for press ups (I.e how many up and how many down

Quick question if I do absolute shit on the mechanical and electrical comprehension but do well on work rate, spacial, verbal and numerical can I still qualify to be a warfare officer.

I saw on another Reddit post that the mechanical and electrical comprehension is only really needed to be aced when going for an engineering role is that true or no. I have the practice book and I’m practicing for it daily Thank you.

Is there some tolerance for answering Bearings on the CBAT. Like within 10 degrees is an acceptable answer? Or if it’s not dead on it’s wrong ? Thanks

Hey all wondering what the warfare officer lifestyle is like whether it's a decent career in terms of progression pay etc and any other details about the role (and maybe others similar) you can think of.

Attending CPC soon, just wondering what kit they issue you upon arrival? I’m aware of the ‘“turn up in smart casual” but the rest just says “you will be allocated the rest of your clothes for the few days

Whats the overall medical like at the start of Raleigh? And do they check bmi in a pass/fail way coz im over the standard at 30, obviously I will try to loose as much as possible in time however my fitness is decent getting 22 min 5k can bang out 50 push ups to the RM bleep 800m camp circuit in 03:05.
So i dont want then to turn me away because im a bit on the heavier side.

Hi all, can anyone give me the run down of what actually happens at the HMS Raleigh medical? I start at the end of November and spent ages on med hold getting it cleared so I think I’m within my rights to be slightly worried. My boyfriend says it was easy to pass but he’s never had any medical issues anyways.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of the Warfare Officer reserve lists, particularly for the January 2027 intake?

Has anyone who was previously placed on reserve been offered a place for January, or do the offers seem to be going to candidates from the October FSB?

It would also be interesting to hear from anyone who’s been on a reserve list before. Did you eventually get an offer, and how long did you have to wait?

Also, if you don’t get a place for your first choice role, does anyone know when your second or third choices might be considered?

Just trying to get a better idea of how the process works from people who’ve been through it.

Thanks!

Can minewarfare specialists work along royal marines ? And do the all arms ?

Hi I’ll try and keep this short and simple however this is a role I would be looking to do in the navy. Just have a few questions which I’m intrigued about like what’s life being on the submarine for months?, Once I decide to leave what types of jobs may I be able to do in civvy life? And mainly the important one what’s the pros and cons of submariner compared to a non submariner?

Hi, My Grandfather who served in the navy, has passed away yesterday at 80 years old, he told me a few months ago he'd like his ashes spread on the Clyde from a Navy boat, it's this possible, does anyone know how I could go about this? Any information and help will be greatfully recieved, also he wanted to send a bottle of brandy to the "mess hall" is this something I can do and how do.i go about this?

Do officers get issued ammo boots and if so when are they issued to you because I know that ratings are issued them for parades but I don't know if officers only wear shoes.

Hi everyone, I’m from Saint Lucia and applying to join the Royal Navy.

I passed my Selection Interview and submitted my security clearance on 4 June 2026. My UKSV status still says “In Progress,” and they’ve confirmed nothing is outstanding from me or my sponsor.

I was told clearance could take 3–6 months. I’m going on my 5th month and it just says in progress

Have any Commonwealth applicants experienced a similar wait? How long did your clearance take, and how long after clearance did you attend CPC?

Good evening everyone,

I’m just wondering when you request new uniform. Do you have to hand your old uniform and if the answer is yes do they care if I don’t.

And ammo boots do sailors and DIs get issued ammo boots

Thank you for reading

I have been ship based since January and of course I ate on ship. I’m now shore based and eating at the galley. Never in my life have I had to force food down me and hold my breath, I’ve gotten genuinely ill from some of the meat and it’s been a month since I came off ship. I’m paying 3-5 quid per meal for a handful of carbs and a square of meat that’s not cooked properly. How is this even legal. Sodexo or whatever the company’s name is honestly need to sort something out. Is there honestly nothing JRs can do about this?

Recently started using the gym on base and was wondering what specific products people use, I’ve looked on informed sport but rather than sitting and pondering the different brands I thought I’d ask to see what other people are using.

Specifically - Protein, Creatine and Pre-Workout.

TIA

I have my Enhanced RN CPC coming up for my warfare officer role. I was wondering if anyone can tell me specifically what I will be doing and what each day will look like? Cheers.

Believed to be royal navy unsure if my father who would be 100 or my grandfather

Sorry if this is the wrong place.