royal navy interview - will they ask why I do not want to be an officer?

Why do you want to join the Navy?

They probably won't ask, and probably won't care what your answer is if they do.

There's no reason why an officer career would be any longer than a rating's.

Just tell them the truth, or a redacted version of it. If you are joining to fiddle with huge machines - tell them that. If it's to travel - tell them that.

Im applying for the royal navy currently. I passed the running test in a good time (10 mins) , and have some good a-levels (inc. maths and physics)


I have my interview soon, and im worried they might ask why I havnt applied to be an officer instead? (reason being i dont wanna be in the navy 20 years, but i cant tell them this )

do you think they'll ask this / what excuse can I give? :/

One of the main roles of an officer is to be a leader, if they ask, just reply that you do not feel comfortable in being a leader and would therefore prefer to be a rating. However, it is your decision at the end of the day and therefore give them an answer which reflects why you want to join the RN as a rating. But just for your information, do not let the time of service influence you in this decision, you would serve around the same length of time as both an officer and a rating.

I wouldn't say that.

Just tell them that you want to travel the world.

One of the main roles of an officer is to be a leader, if they ask, just reply that you do not feel comfortable in being a leader and would therefore prefer to be a rating. However, it is your decision at the end of the day and therefore give them an answer which reflects why you want to join the RN as a rating. But just for your information, do not let the time of service influence you in this decision, you would serve around the same length of time as both an officer and a rating.

thanks, i understand the time span is the same, but if im planning on leaving aged maybe 24/25 , then if I was training to be an officier i would only just have finsihed uni a year or so before this

Well why are you joining the Navy then? I hope you realise what commitment your letting yourself in for? And you don't need to go to University to be an Officer.

Im joining because it is a job I would love to do, just not for life

Im joining because it is a job I would love to do, just not for life

Out of interest, what role? I know someone who is a 'writer' and I myself am considering joining as a warfare officer.

Good luck!

Ok, I'm assuming your 18/19. You've said you want to leave about 24/25. So assuming you pass all your assessments, which will take about a year, depending on what job you want to go for, you'll have a possible 2 year wait to actually start your basic training, by the time you've passed all of that, you'll be 21/22 and you'll then have to serve your minimum service which will take you past your stated leaving age.

There's nothing wrong with joining the armed forces for the short term. I'm sure large numbers aren't thinking of much more than 3-6 years. Loads of people are only into the training. The recruiters know this, and I can't imagine that it would have any bearing whatsoever.

On the other hand, aversion to leadership isn't a good trait to manifest. Even if it's true, I wouldn't give any excuse to think twice, especially when armed forces jobs are fairly tight. In an emergency, anyone might have to take charge of a situation.

The contract for joining the RN/RM is as follows:-

If you are under 22 you will get a contract up to your 40th Birthday, if you are 22 or over your will get an 18 year contract.

Once you have sign your contract you are committed to doing the first 28 days, you then have the option to give 2 weeks notice up to 6 months. After the 6 months have passed you will then have to do your return of service. This is the length of your training plus 2.5 years, from this point up to the end of your contract your can then give 12 months notice. So this means your are likely to do a minimum of 4 to 4.5 years.

Check out the website - www.royalnavy.mod.uk
Source(s):
Myself - RN careers advisor

meteorlogy



its still better than doing the degree first, im not saying i MUST ABSOLUTLEY leave aged 25, but im saying i dont wanna still be there at 40

I'm assuming you've read this? http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/Careers/Explore-Opportunities/Job-Finder/Roles/~/media/Files/CNR-PDFs/Hydrographic%20Meteorlogical%20and%20Oceanographic%20Specialist.pdf

And the best way to get this knowledge is from your AFCO but I think your going to be disappointed. Going into the Royal Navy is a career, not a job.

You do realise that, while the length of service does depend on the role you undertake, the standard length of service is 12 years?

What's that got to do with the price of fish? It doesn't matter what you sign on for if you can get out with notice after your time bar. Just because everyone signs on for 20 odd years, doesn't mean that they do it.

You’ll generally join us on a full career, which is 18 years or to age 40, whichever is later. You may have the opportunity to serve beyond this, depending on what you want and the needs of the Royal Navy. If you want to leave, you can send us your request one year before completing your specified return of service.