For those that didn't already know, Navy recruits now swear an Oath of Allegiance when they join HMS Raleigh, in line with Royal Marines Other Ranks & the more junior arms of the services, presumably because of something to do with the Armed Forces Act.
The Oath, so I'm lead to believe, was introduced last November & comes in two flavours: Religious or Civil.
Those of us serving do not, so far as I'm aware have to swear a retrospective oath and there is no change in how Queens Regulations are applied.
At first glance, for my part, it seems a pointless break in tradition in order to appease the "purple brigade" & it would be interesting to hear other people's opinions on why an oath is necessary & only applicable to Ratings/Other Ranks, so far as I'm aware.
Does anyone know whether Royal Navy ratings used to swear an oath years ago?
(My apologies if this has been discussed before, but couldn't find anything)
The Oath, so I'm lead to believe, was introduced last November & comes in two flavours: Religious or Civil.
Those of us serving do not, so far as I'm aware have to swear a retrospective oath and there is no change in how Queens Regulations are applied.
At first glance, for my part, it seems a pointless break in tradition in order to appease the "purple brigade" & it would be interesting to hear other people's opinions on why an oath is necessary & only applicable to Ratings/Other Ranks, so far as I'm aware.
Does anyone know whether Royal Navy ratings used to swear an oath years ago?
(My apologies if this has been discussed before, but couldn't find anything)