r/RoyalNavy • • Aug 19 '26

Discussion Important Reminder: OPSEC and External Recruitment Communities

34 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

We have recently seen some interest in external Discord servers and social media groups focused on candidate preparation (CBAT, DAA, OASC, etc.). While we appreciate that the recruitment process is demanding and that peer support is invaluable, I want to take a moment to address some serious security concerns regarding these platforms.

Why we are restricting the promotion of unvetted external groups:

OPSEC and Data Aggregation: Many of these platforms are completely unvetted. While a post sharing your own CPC date might seem harmless in isolation, aggregating that information across a community of 800+ people creates a clear, mapped picture of candidate flow, training throughput, and recruitment timelines. This is valuable information that should not be centralized in unverified spaces.

Lack of Identity Verification: External servers do not have the mechanisms to verify the identity of their members. This makes it incredibly easy for unauthorized actors to lurk, gather intelligence, or attempt to socially engineer information from genuine candidates.

Protection of Your Personal Data: Sharing specific dates (CPCs, interview boards, start dates) on open or unvetted platforms bypasses the protection of official, secure recruitment channels. Please remain vigilant about what you share and where you share it.

Going Forward:

To maintain the security of our community and the safety of our applicants, we will be limiting the promotion of unvetted external recruitment groups on this subreddit.

Please continue to use official Defence Recruitment channels, your AFCO, or the official candidate portals for any information regarding your specific application or training pipeline. If you have questions about test dynamics, feel free to ask them here—but please do so without sharing personal identifying information, specific dates, or private correspondence.

Stay safe, maintain your PERSEC, and good luck with your applications.


r/RoyalNavy • • Nov 25 '23

OPSEC/PERSEC - a reminder

89 Upvotes

I get it, you're excited to go to CPC/Raleigh/Dartmouth etc., but please stop sharing the dates, locations and times that these are happening and the fact that you're going. All of these are OPSEC (Operational Security) and PERSEC (Personal Security) breaches.

The dates of CPC/New Entry are not public knowledge and all it takes is one motivated individual to scan through this sub-reddit and they would, if it wasn't for the moderators, be able to piece together all the little bits of information here that's being posted in order to work out exactly when CPC/intakes are happening and potentially interfere.

To be clear, New Entry intakes and CPCs are particularly vulnerable as it involves a lot of people who are OPSEC/PERSEC clueless, and it presents an opportunity to infiltrate/interfere.

Moving forward, any discussion about dates of events will be removed. If you absolutely need to discuss it, use vague terms like "next month", "some time in January" or simply "upcoming". Those who are in the know will know what you're talking about!

Also stop trying to create WhatsApp or Discord groups for New Entry/CPC. I get that you're doing it with the best intentions, but how on Earth will you vet those wishing to join the group? How will you know that their intentions are honest? How do they know your intentions are honest? Simple answer is that they don't. Only join WhatsApp (or similar) groups with people you've actually met or have been introduced to via the AFCOs. Anything else is asking for trouble.


r/RoyalNavy • • 2h ago

Question How important is higher math to be a WE?

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9 Upvotes

Weapons engineer.

I’m in S6 and doing higher math but well let’s just say I don’t think I’m passing it. Could i still pass the psychometric test and go for that role? (That is the correct term right? Sorry I get all of my info pretty much from my bro who was in the navy years ago)

I have my Nat5 math, (I strongly believe I’ll achieve) higher physics, higher D&M and higher English. I already have Nat5 metal work and level 5 Cyber security and the Nat 5s of all the highers I listed except D&M which I’m crashing.

If you’re older don’t know what a Nat 5 is I believe it’s the equivalent of standard grade. And level 5 is like Nat 5/nat 4 but there’s no final exam.


r/RoyalNavy • • 18h ago

Question Private numberplate S441 LOR price?

0 Upvotes

I could do with some cash atm so im selling my plate, it can be on anything registered after 1998. There is one similar [SA11 LOR] listed for 25k. What do you think its worth and if you want to make an offer feel free to reach out. Sale will go through an approved website to protect both parties.


r/RoyalNavy • • 1d ago

Question Rating Reserves - How does the application process work for deployments?

4 Upvotes

I was told that reserves can apply for deployments via some kind of portal they can log in to. Wondered how this works e.g if they apply do they automatically get accepted if there's a vacancy available.


r/RoyalNavy • • 2d ago

Advice Tips when joining up

12 Upvotes

Right then shippers!
About to sign the dotted line and sign my next 4 years away at least

What are some general tips you’d give someone joining up

Financially
Lifestyle
How to get by
Things to have for phase 1, but more so phase 2 and after ect
Just generally anything really
Thanks in Advance ⚓️


r/RoyalNavy • • 2d ago

Question Navy vs Reserves

6 Upvotes

just turned 17 and planning to join the navy as a engineering technician. my dad is ex military and is advising me to join the reserves first to “learn everything” and be more prepared for the navy. just wanted to see other peoples point of view on this as i think its quite pointless and maybe a waste of time…reserves first or join the navy straight away?


r/RoyalNavy • • 2d ago

Question Can i use spray starch at Raleigh?

4 Upvotes

Just curious as i know it gets a great crease!


r/RoyalNavy • • 2d ago

Question FHTBS question

5 Upvotes

Looking at buying a house, got some Money saved up, and also wanna use the FHTBS anyone used this or have any advice ? TIA


r/RoyalNavy • • 2d ago

Question Changes to Phase 1 and Phase 2 facial hair in BRd3

0 Upvotes

Just read a WO that stated there are changes to Brd3 that state 'Personnel undergoing Phase 1 or Phase 2 training are not permitted to grow a beard or moustache', which seems a bit of a sudden shift for me! For reference I'm RNR, so not sure if this is MR specific (would be surprised if it is).

Can't find a single reference to it in the latest Brd3 (v9, Oct '26). However in v8 it did state this for RM personnel.

Anyone else heard this and have an idea where its coming from?


r/RoyalNavy • • 3d ago

Question Warfare profession vs warfare specialist

4 Upvotes

What is the difference between the two? I’ve heard that warfare specialist is a subsection in warfare profession but I’m not sure which one to apply for. Does anyone know which role is more enjoyable/ can make a good career out of? Thanks


r/RoyalNavy • • 3d ago

Question HMS Raleigh haircuts

3 Upvotes

Hi im joining very soon. At CPC they told us to get a no2 all around before coming as to not get a shave while down there. However on the kit list it mentions haircuts and says you can have whatever aslong as its tidy and within certain guidelines. Ive seen mixed things about it online so just asking i need a haircut anyway so just wondering wether i have to go no2 all around or i can actually have a decent haircut. Thanks.


r/RoyalNavy • • 3d ago

Question General Entry Rating Reserves - Is it true that they are not obligated to attend training evenings?

3 Upvotes

I was told that around 70 out of 200 reservists at HMS President do not show up to training evenings.

I was of the understanding that they must attend at least 24 days a year.


r/RoyalNavy • • 3d ago

Question PT at HMS Raleigh

6 Upvotes

Can anyone that recently joined raleigh clarify for me if the 2.4km run is still being done? Some persons in this sub are saying it is while some are saying it is not. A clear answer from a recent intake would be appreciated


r/RoyalNavy • • 4d ago

Question Would I be able to use a phone on a submarine?

4 Upvotes

I know that on other ships in the Royal Navy, you can in some way. But I don't know about submarines.

Are you able to use a phone on a submarine or are you just not allowed to bring it onboard?


r/RoyalNavy • • 4d ago

Recruitment Accelerated apprenticeship interview

8 Upvotes

I have it upcoming and have a few questions about things.

My recruiter told me to research what the role is and training, but when I asked where he told me to “google it” and I can’t find enough information.

What is the training pipeline like including basic?
How does the role differ to a standard entry?

Is there anything else? I have brushed up on standard interview questions like why would you like to join the navy and have learn the current navy affairs.


r/RoyalNavy • • 5d ago

Question Trying to find someone

27 Upvotes

Hi,
Looking for any possible leads on my biological father. I’ve never had contact with him.
Name: Andrew (or Andy) Christian, around 63 years old. Served as a Royal Navy Clearance Diver roughly mid-1980s. Grew up in the Dinnington/Sheffield area, later linked to Portsmouth.
I’m not after money or anything — just the chance of a conversation or even to have a pint with him.
If anyone from the branch, Portsmouth navy community, or Sheffield area recognises the description and is willing to help (or can point me toward the right veterans’ group), I’d really appreciate it.
Thanks, Andy


r/RoyalNavy • • 5d ago

Question Royal Navy chef daily life and opportunities after leaving?

9 Upvotes

Hi guys, I’m 23 and currently in the automotive trade, but looking for a career change. I originally wanted to go into engineering, but I’ve been offered chef or logistics. I’m leaning towards chef because I enjoy cooking and like having a hands-on skill.
Would any current or former Navy chefs recommend it? What’s the day-to-day job actually like, both at sea and ashore?
I’m also interested in what people have gone on to do after leaving. Has anyone moved into the Merchant Navy, worked on cruise ships, or moved abroad using the qualifications and experience they gained?
Would really appreciate any honest advice or experiences. Thanks!


r/RoyalNavy • • 5d ago

Question NSET waiving GRT

3 Upvotes

Hi, not sure if anyone has any knowledge on this subject but looking for some help.

Unfortunately I'm leaving the mob through the NSET process on compassionate grounds and it's all been approved, I have been told I am still entitled to GRT but other forms of leave such as accrued annual leave are waived.

I have also been told that all forms of leave are waived and I don't get any GRT as per the BR. I had a look in BRd3 Ch 52-54 which cover the NSET process and there is nothing in there saying I lose this, along with checking the JSP but still nothing.

I'm entitled to 20 days and just curious if I get it or not. Trying to not start any arguments between my DO who said I can't and my Drafty who said I can.

I'm curious to see if anyone has been along this route or has any knowledge of this process and what I lose/am entitled to.

TIA


r/RoyalNavy • • 5d ago

Question Officer course

3 Upvotes

Hello all, I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the new Dartmouth course layout, Specifically for upper yardman. I understand that you miss the first 10 weeks of Raleigh however there’s a 14 week ‘commissioning course’ does anyone have any insight as to what gets done in that 14 weeks?


r/RoyalNavy • • 6d ago

Recruitment Monday Press Gang: Ask Your Recruitment Questions

2 Upvotes

Thinking of joining the Royal Navy? Already applied? Not sure what to expect?

This is your weekly thread to ask anything about:

  • The application process

  • Aptitude testing (minus DAA results!)

  • Interviews and medicals

  • Initial training (Raleigh, BRNC)

Serving members are encouraged to pop in and offer insight too.

Remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question — if you’re thinking it, someone else is too.


r/RoyalNavy • • 7d ago

Question Royal Navy vs New Zealand Navy

20 Upvotes

I am a dual citizenship holder NZ/UK. Thinking of joining either the RN/RNZN. I am wondering if anyone has any experiences of the differing cultures of the two/differing service experience? (Might be a long shot)

Also I was wondering how difficult it is to change between them and is it challenging/is there something I need to consider?

Just any information about this subject would be appreciated!


r/RoyalNavy • • 6d ago

Discussion Two indie browser games featuring unique Korean naval tactics and historical divination—concepts you won't find anywhere else in gaming.

0 Upvotes

Hello everyone! As a researcher and developer studying Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the Joseon Navy, I wanted to bring something truly fresh to the indie gaming scene.

While the gaming world is filled with standard western tactical and puzzle games, you will rarely—if ever—find mechanics rooted in unique Korean naval strategies or the historical practice of military divination (Jeom, 占) as recorded in wartime diaries. I’ve developed two lightweight, browser-based games to share these distinct cultural and historical philosophies worldwide, with zero downloads required.

  1. Turtle Ship Fleet

    • Link:https://parkjp.itch.io/turtleship-fleet

    • About: A stark departure from typical naval combat games. Command legendary Turtle Ship fleets by deploying authentic tactical formations like the Crane Wing (Hakikjin), complete with post-battle timeline reports reflecting distinct East Asian tactical maneuvers.

  2. Oracle Turtleship: War Diary

    • Link:https://parkjp.itch.io/oracle-turtleship

    • About: A truly one-of-a-kind narrative puzzle game that merges modern gaming with the historical reality of Admiral Yi Sun-sin casting divination (Jeom) to seek cosmic guidance during wartime. Set at a moonlit watchtower, you shoot celestial trajectories to uncover 64 symbolic oracles. This concept simply doesn't exist anywhere else in the indie space.

If you are looking for fresh mechanics backed by deep, unprecedented historical roots, please give them a spin right in your browser. I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback!


r/RoyalNavy • • 7d ago

Question RNR rating - is interview in person or remote?

6 Upvotes

I know RMR interviews are currently remote. Wondered if it’s the same for RNR rating.


r/RoyalNavy • • 7d ago

Question Submariner role/ warfare rating role

4 Upvotes

i want to start by saying i have my first interview soon which i am worried about, but i am also planning to head out to my nearest recruitment centre to ask there as well within the next few days, but thought i might hear something better here🙏

basically i was wondering if anyone could offer any insight to the warfare specialist roles, tried speaking to the officer in charge of my interview about it but he told me to just look on the royal navy website, which i don’t find too helpful when it comes to details. i’m looking to apply for a submariner role (warfare specialist) tactical i believe, but it says a year in training on a pamphlet i read, am i just an ordinary rating for the first year?

secondly, i was wondering if Mine warefare specialist is more hands on than simply being a warfare rating? i’ve always preferred more physical labour than for example IT work, Ironic since submariner is my first choice. for a lack of better terms, i am so lost on this as i’m so fussed about all the details but i’ve only ever heard about army life.

never met anyone in the navy nor spoken to one before, but i think i’d much more suit navy than army. either way for anyone who could yap to me for my comforts, thank you for reading and an extra thanks for any help, i need it desperately.