Rejoining and CIS Branch

I was in the RNR (not URNU) for a while when at University 6-7 years ago and have since graduated, married etc etc.

Can anyone tell me whether it is acceptable to rejoin the RNR if you have previously served in it and if so do you have to do the NE course again (not a problem if you do, just wondering).

Also, does anyone have any more information about the CIS Branch, the information of the website is quite limited.

 

Hmm, not too sure about this - you'll need to speak to your local AFCO and get them to check the latest BR60. Alternatively give your local RNR unit a ring and talk to the CWTR (while they still have one) and get them to look into BR60 for you.

This one I can answer with a little more certainty, assuming that you're talking ratings CIS rather than occifer CIS.

CIS is short for Comms and Information Systems and is a new branch to both the RN (the RN is running its first CIS career course in the very near future) and the RNR. In a nutshell the CIS role is to provide strategic information to the command, both signal messages and other information systems - basically think old-school sparker with the addition of computers and data networks.

Within the RNR it has been recognised that many ratings have IS skills through their civvy employment, e.g. systems admin, network admin, system architects, etc. Therefore the RNR CIS sub-spec is aiming to exploit these skills to get people in post ASAP. Technically, the sub-spec is slightly over-borne so recruitment into it is closed - however, if you've got strong IS skills (esp Unix) a case could be made to get you into the branch.

If you PM me, I can give you contact details for the SO2 who is over-seeing the development of the ratings' training ably supported by two ex-comms CPOs (one of them me!).

 

Why have you posted this question Twice?

 

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.

Having said that, and noting your CIS interest, it would probably be based on a 'what can you bring to the party?'.

CIS is or at least was a sub-spec of C4ISR and most CIS personnel are IT professionals in civvy street.

It may also be worth looking at the TA as well as much CIS work is purple in any case.

 

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.

*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!).

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.

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.

 

Very few TA units have kit where civilian ICS skills are useful. Does RNR actually get to play with IT kit? Also do all RNR units have this trade (I'm based in West Yorks)

 

What's the score with recruitment of ex-regulars?? The RN site indicates that:

"Former RN Senior Ratings, under age 45, who meet the minimum educational requirements and who are considered suitable by the Commanding Officer of the RNR Unit they are applying to join, may be referred direct to the Admiralty Interview Board. If successful, direct entry as a Commissioned Officer may be authorised by Director Naval Reserves"

Is this the only route for SRs other than having to revert to AB or LH? I can see reasons for this in some of the RNR specific branches but from is the RNR CIS branch not directly comparable with the RN Comms (soon to be CIS) branch

Personally, I fully intend to go back to the RNR when I leave the RN but the prospect of being a JR again would probably put me off

 

I know of a couple of ex-RN SRs who came into the RNR as SRs, but in one case an A/CPO had to go back to PO (due to lack of complement billets) and picked up his buttons again within about 2 years.

CIS is still getting off the ground, with most employment at the moment being "C" as opposed to "IS" but this may be changing, so I'd guess any RN comms SR should be welcome with open arms, again subject to the specialisation having vacancies at the time. Your current rate, and when you would be looking to join the RNR have an affect too.

In all cases, approach your local RU in the first instance followed very quickly by getting the Comms PSI to contact the SO2 CIS (MR) at CMR.

If you want further info, let me know and we can take this off-line and discuss further.

 

It will and they do in varying numbers where "they" are the main RUs and not the satellite units.

 

Whats RU? Not used to Navy speak

 

Reserve Unit, or more correctly RTC, Reserve Training Centre.

Flags

 

Sorry Flags - more INcorrectly RTC. Reserve Training Centres are no more as it did not reflect what happens in unit.
Reserve Unit has been the correct terminology for over a year.
Howerver, don't hold your breath, we'll probably have a new designation the next time there's a new staff paper from CMR

 

As in they don't train and they're certainly not at the centre?

I stand (sit actually) corrected.