Could the URNU's benefit from more from being more of an active recruiting tool though? The UOTC follow a military syllabus which allows a more seamless transfer into the TA; I think they also have the option of being awarded the military or civilian equivalent qualification. The way they are structured also allows their final years to complete TA modules which they can take forward. The UAS follow a flying skills syllabus which gives them recorded, practical flying experience which they can then can also take forward; for example the Q101 form for AIB asks for any flying experience in detail. However- what do you get from the URNU in terms of practical, military qualifications? Errrr..... CMI Level 5 is available but again the UOTC are able to claim the relative military qualification. Could it be possible for the URNU do to this? Is there even a Naval equivalent to CMI?
The URNU follow the RYA Yachtmaster syllabus that students are able to qualify in but it is not compulsory and the packs are provided at your own expensive (heavily subsidised). Why not make it compulsory? We do have 'URNU task books' to fill out but what good are these to a RNR unit? Would they care if I took my task book along to a joining interview even? But then CO's are faced with the contradiction of not appearing to be a recruiting tool whilst providing students with a fulfilling experience. What if the RYA Yachtmaster was compulsory and you failed? 'Don't let the door hit you on the way out fella' or 'never mind shipmate just crack on as usual'. But then they don’t want to scare people away by acting as if the URNU is another part of university- where you have lectures and exams. The URNU is seen as an escape from that. Part of me says fair enough but then part of me well actually so ******* what. You get paid, you wear the uniform, you bloody well do something useful whilst part of the unit. You get so many privileges, so much time and effort spent on you the least you can is gain something for YOURSELF out of 2-3 years of being in the URNU. The counter argument is- ‘just because I’m in the URNU doesn’t mean I want to have a career in the maritime/nautical field. But what about those that do? Does it matter if it’s in the RN, RNR, RFA, civilian shipping companies etc? And if you don’t go into a maritime organization afterwards? Then you have just gained a subsidised qualification that can be used for your own personal pleasure.
I can’t speak for other units but mine was pretty good at getting people to sea- dates were advertised in advanced and the Coxswain was pretty clued up on balancing people on how much they had done throughout the year to make it fair for everyone.
Would it be possible for the URNUs and RNR units to share hulls? Don’t know, I’m not qualified to say so. I guess it would be hell of a commitment required from the URNU COs and maybe remove them completely from the units. But are they being employed as Captain HMS... or OiC... URNU? I understand the dual command part but with extra commitment would this still be possible? I am not saying this means the RNR should not be going to sea in P2000! 2 Captains per hull? RNR trained COs?
I don't profess to be completely clued up on the workings of either to UOTC or UAS so I hold my hands up if I have got anything wrong. For what it is worth I think the university military units are fantastic. I have done things with them that most other students societies could not offer- and free to boot. We consistently raise large amounts of money for local and military charities over the year and take part in the annual November ceremonies. I had a brilliant time and the skills and leadership experience I gained have really helped me.
I have heard of countless examples or students getting up people’s noses by acting like cocks in uniform by thinking they are more than they are. But when you tell students they are honourary junior officers and give them the privileges that go along with that (staying in the wardroom, midshipman pay, officer uniform etc) you are bound to get the odd twat who goes too far. Most people I knew where incredibly humble of their ‘status’ and would never dream of doing some of the things I heard about. A shame when it happens but there you go.
I have just written down all this as it came into my head. Whilst I like the idea of URNU to RNR being made more of a seamless option would the RNR even want this? Could it even be done?
Does the URNU have to accept that in light of the SDSR and the general economy that they HAVE to be more of a recruiting tool than they are and more ‘militaristic’ in their approach to students? Or do we say well for a few million we get to teach undergraduates about the need for and about the Navy, fly the white ensign where big ships can’t normally go and provide Lieutenants with a command position before they go onto PWO training?
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