Specialisms in RNR after phase 1

[NavyNew1]

Hi,

I have searched the site looking for information but maybe looked in wrong place.

I have seen a bit of information about the different specialisms I can choose as a RNR Rating on the navy website (Aviation, Medical, Warfare etc) but am keen to get more on info.

Do certain units only do certain ones, or can you choose any and stay at your local unit?

Do you get more information about each before making a choice?

They all sound interesting (except chaplaincy).......

Thanks in advance

 

[Branch-Hopper]

I have answered this one, fairly recently, in a slightly different format.

The RNR is not formed in the same image as the AR. The unit you join is responsible for administrating you, your welfare, and basic and core training. Once you have passed through the INT phase, and completed the two-week confirmation course at RAL then, and only then does your branch take over. Units are NOT branch/trade specific as you would expect t find in the AR.

You will get briefs on all the branches available to you before going to RAL. It's one of the advantages we have over our regular colleagues - they choose branch at the AFCO; we get to have a look, as it were, before committing.

Your branch is responsible for all operational training. Be aware, of the ones you listed; aviation is x regulars only, medical is for those already trained by NHs/previous service, and Chaplaincy requires an appointment by, er, another higher authority!

Having said all that a change is afoot, and I have to confess that I don't have the date of its implementation. Very shortly all Lower Deck entry will be automatically streamed to the Sea branch on competing Phase One. Once qualified in light weapons, ship and boat handling and RAS you WILL go to sea, probably in an OPV, This will be months, not weeks. Then, and only then, will selection to the other branches be available.

In essence the RNR is returning to its roots - to help the RN put floaty things to sea.

 

[NavyNew1]

Thanks for this, very informative.

From what you say, I would be left with the choice of engineering or warfare after going to sea.

Once I’ve chosen my branch do I still attend my local unit for drill nights or not?

I did originally apply as an RNR GE Officer but was advised that you now need a B in English GCSE (not C) due to backlog of candidates.

May be best anyway as with zero naval experience a few years as a rating will stand me in good stead, maybe I’ll even stay as one

 

[Branch-Hopper]

a) From what you say, I would be left with the choice of engineering or warfare after going to sea.

b) Once I’ve chosen my branch do I still attend my local unit for drill nights or not?

a) Not engineering, that's x RN only too. However Warfare is split into a number of sub specialisations and also Logistics branches so still plenty of choice. Get in first, worry about sub-spec later.

b) Yes.

 

[SONAR-BENDER]

// Querying/pedantic head on//

Is 'specialism' even a real English word, or one invented by and then borrowed from the Elmers?

Surely it should be 'specialisation'.

//Time for pills and back to bed//

 

[NavyNew1]

Hi all,

Separate point, when would be opportune moment to declare an interest in commissioning?

I applied as a Reserve GE Officer but they recommended I switch to Reserve GE Rating due to length of training and backlog due to COVID

I think it will likely be hugely beneficial to do it this way, and having never experienced either may really like the lower deck, but wondered if I need to notify anyone during my training as a rating?

Thanks

 

[Branch-Hopper]

Hmm,
As I understand it your initial training is much the same anyway. After all drill and ironing are not rank specific skills! Well, until you make skipper and have your own steward, at least.

If you are commissioning material than your training staff will see it in your attitude and demeanour. They will then recommend you for AIB. The staff reports that are written on you influence the decisions to send you forward, in that regard I believe there to be no difference between us and our regular colleagues.

Sitting at the front of your class with your hand up asking "please Chief can I be an officer" will not endear you to anyone. However, when in a career aspiration interview with your Divisional Staff there is no harm in expressing your interest to be recommended for CW (or whatever we call it this week).

Does that help?

 

[NavyNew1]

It does thanks @Branch-Hopper

I was told I’d be attending Raleigh for 2 weeks as a rating rather than BRNC for 2 weeks (officer training). I assume you get some additional bits at BRNC?

I think I’ll get my head down, pass all training and see where I am.....

 

[BreathingOutOnTheWayUp]

Querying/pedantic head on//

Is 'specialism' even a real English word, or one invented by and then borrowed from the Elmers?

You are not alone SB. That one had me puzzled me, too.

Google-foo result = https://wikidiff.com/specialisation/specialism




Mmmmmm - - - - Zzzzzzzzz

 

[Branch-Hopper]

It does thanks @Branch-Hopper

I was told I’d be attending Raleigh for 2 weeks as a rating rather than BRNC for 2 weeks (officer training). I assume you get some additional bits at BRNC?

Yep there are some additional weekends too.
There are (I think) at least two where you have "do-not-fall-off-a-picket-boat-and-drown" weekends.

If selected for officer training you might consider doing the condensed course, called accelerated officer program, which is held over eight weeks in the summer. The time table is designed to capture those in full-time education and do the lot in one hit. This, of course, depends on what you do in civvy street.

Reservists start officer training at BRNC

The latest batch of Royal Naval Reserve Officer Cadets have begun eight weeks of intensive training at Britannia Royal Naval College.

www.royalnavy.mod.uk

 

[itsonlyme]

Hi there,
I have recently signed up for a General Entry Rating and I have an interview on Monday. I am flummoxed by the phase two training (specialisms). I just wanted to check with someone who knows what they are talking about if I was able to specialize in warfare and head in the direction of Deck Officer as I do not want to say this in my interview and have them tell me I can't. If I am not able to do this could you attempt to put me in the right direction.
Thank you very much.

 

[Branch-Hopper]

@itsonlyme

The rating branch have recently closed to Comms (CIS), so strike that one out. This leaves, in general terms, Seaman, Logggies, info ops, intelligence, Maritime Trade Ops, Mine Warfare & Diving.

Whilst the RNR is pretty hot on pushing appropriate candidates to the wardroom we don't have any "deck officers". The 24 training days a year simply would not give enough currency to support the requirements of the MCA. Having said that officers are now being used on the fisheries patrol; I think they are tasked with stealing lobsters from legitimate fishing vessels to supplement the wardroom menu.

I would suggest that you aim to go seaman rating - plan to do a tour at sea on OPV's - then get a feel for what sort of officer you might want to be.

If you require more detail best to do this by PM.