Applying for the Royal Navy Reserves while at University

Join the URNU, that's what it's there for.

I've had a look, but what's the difference? (Besides obviously one fits around university life)

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You are committed to less training days per year with the URNU than the Navy Reserves, although in all likelihood you'll end up doing as many training days with the URNU as you would be required to with the reserves.

The URNU are more forgiving if you have to miss a training evening or weekend, as long as you go through the correct channels to excuse yourself and you have a valid reason, however the vast majority of Navy Reserve units will have no problem with you excusing yourself from training if you have a valid reason either.

While the URNU are officially part of the Royal Navy there is not even the possibility of active service, so you wouldn't ever have to worry about being called up. However I know that with the Army Reserves (and I would assume the Navy is the same), being a full time student grants you exemption from being called up anyway, so if you joined the Navy Reserves while you were at University then you would not have to serve while you were still at University.

In short while the URNU is targeted as the Student alternative to the Reserves there are very few actual differences. The main difference between the two really will be who you are training with, obviously with the URNU it'll be entirely students around your own age whereas with the reserves you'll have a much greater range of people around you.

Ah yeah, and you'd likely have a harder time getting in to the URNU than you would the Navy Reserves. The URNU, much like the UAS and UOTC (the RAF and Army equivalents), have a very limited number of places and usually turn away a lot of people, so while with the actual reserves if you meet the entry requirements then you'll be in, with the University services even if you meet the requirements there's still a good chance that other people will be selected over you.

Getting your degree is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing about being at uni. The RN made the URNU to fit around doing that, so you can do both. You haven't given any reasons why you think the RNR would suit you better.

Yes I know that...but I didn't state myself clearly. I meant I would enquire about both, considering it would be more difficult to get Into the URNU.

Do you know if the application process/fitness requirements are the same for the UNRU?

Cheers.

Posted from TSR Mobile

Yes I know that...but I didn't state myself clearly. I meant I would enquire about both, considering it would be more difficult to get Into the URNU.

Do you know if the application process/fitness requirements are the same for the UNRU?

Cheers.

Posted from TSR Mobile

If you have an URNU unit near you, apply for that! It's a lot more student orientated and would suit most students better than the Reserves. You'd get to go on their P2000 patrol boats, go on exercises etc whereas in the RNR, you'd spend the first period (can't remember the exact time scale but over 12 weeks) in a classroom going through the task-book. After that, you'd then have to complete basic training and then continue your branch training at the unit. So if you actually want to be hands on etc, I'd go for the URNU!

Thanks! If I go to my recruitment office will they give advise on the UNRU? Or would I have to contact them another way?

Thanks

Posted from TSR Mobile

Yeah, the AFCO should have information or you might be better finding out which is your local URNU and contacting them directly.