The_Other_Side said:
As has been mentioned, if you were less than 5 years since leaving you could probably rejoin at the rank/rate you left at. Post 5 years, I believe it's more of a start again option.
From BR60, "
Ratings with RN,QARNNS,RNR or QARNNS(R) service are normally exempt all New Entry Training requirements." and "
Ratings will, where possible, retain their former rate provided their break in Service does not exceed 5 years." so not quite a total start from scratch.
The_Other_Side said:
Having said that, and noting your CIS interest, it would probably be based on a 'what can you bring to the party?'.
*Ding* - nail hit firmly on head - if original poster has strong civvy IS skills, advancement in CIS could be relatively quick (once we've sorted out the career courses etc!).
The_Other_Side said:
CIS is or at least was a sub-spec of C4ISR and most CIS personnel are IT professionals in civvy street.
Yes and no - CIS is still C4ISR, however its ratings are drawn from a range of civvy backgrounds including IT. Don't forget the "
C" in CIS stands for
Communications and as such many CIS ratings, especially SRs, are ex-Comms rates both T & G (hint, look at my posting name!). There's still a need in the Fleet for CIS ratings to supplement MCOs on surface platforms, support the FSU organisation (effectively a small ship's MCO) and to support the comms organisation of RFAs too.
The_Other_Side said:
It may also be worth looking at the TA as well as much CIS work is purple in any case.
Agreed, however if the original poster was a Comms Rate in his/her former service and has civvy IS skills, then the RNR would be a better option since it would:
a) not require new entry rigmarole;
b) allow for exploitation of Civvy IS skills;
c) allow previous comms experience to be re-used.
All these should permit the original person to get to LH level at least relatively quickly.