Royal Navy Reserves

[LosingGrip]

Can anyone offer any advice on the Navy Reserves?

Around ten years ago I was in the process of joining the Army. Lost six stone, never been fitter, but change of personal circumstances meant it wasn't the right thing for me at the time.

I'm now considering the Navy Reserves. When I say considering I mean a day or two thinking about it!

I've got a job I love and wanted for years. But ive got that 'what if' in the back of my head.

I've got another year of my probation left with my job so won't be really looking at it until next year.

I'll be 31 when I apply at least.

Have I left it too late? I'm not sure what role im interested in yet. I have zero qualifications other than some basic GCSEs and a college diploma in Media Studies...

Any advice would be great .

[Jonmx]

Not too much to add, but why the RNR specifically? If you were previously looking at the Army (sounds like you enjoy fitness etc) then the Royal Marine Reserve could be a happy medium. I was TA for a few years and my personal experience of the Naval lot was that they were a little odd (no disrespect to any boaty types on here).

[98elise]

As above, whats the motivation to join the RNR?

I was in the RN for about 8 years, it's very different to the Army.

[MaybeOneDay]

Join the Royal Marine Reserve (RMR) mate.

Have you ever given this any consideration?

[LosingGrip]

Thanks for the replies .

Marines isn't for me at all. And im certainly not into fitness ha. That's part of the reason why I want to work towards something like this.

Why am I looking at the Navy? Saw something on Channel 5 and it looked good! Also I like boats!

I realise if I do go for it and get an interview ill have to say a better reason for any interviews!

[dai1983]

What do you do for your main job and what skills could you take to the RNR?

How far away is your nearest RNR station?

I'd just go for it and join the RN or even better the RFA. Always short of people especially engineers.

Currently doing a Phase 2 RN course at 37 after transferring over from the RM. Everyone else on my course is 17-25 and most of them are OK. I do have my own room and get treated differently by the staff though which helps a little bit.

I imagine the RNR has more mature people and quite a few with previous time in the RN.

[Matt_N]

LosingGrip said:

Thanks for the replies .

Marines isn't for me at all. And im certainly not into fitness ha. That's part of the reason why I want to work towards something like this.

Why am I looking at the Navy? Saw something on Channel 5 and it looked good! Also I like boats!

I realise if I do go for it and get an interview ill have to say a better reason for any interviews!

Boats or ships?

You could end up as a sun dodger or skimmer depending on what you say!

[phumy]

98elise said:

As above, whats the motivation to join the RNR?

I was in the RN for about 8 years, it's very different to the Army.

Sailors drink, drink, drink so much more I know, i was one.....hic

[Cpl nobby nobbs]

Matt_N said:

Boats or ships?

You could end up as a sun dodger or skimmer depending on what you say!

I was doing some work on HMS Bulwark a good few years ago and made that mistake. Not being on many ships prior to this point I said "this is an awsome boat" or something like that. Anyway he put me straight in no uncertain terms.
Won't make that mistake again.