The Royal Navy is the oldest, yet the smallest, of the three armed forces and therefore entry is becoming increasingly competitive. If accepted, you will sign up on an open engagement of 22 years, but you will have the right to leave after completing two and a half years service, should you so wish. Following this they will join their parent establishment for specialist training. The basic selection test for entry consists of four sections - reasoning, literacy, numeracy and mechanical comprehension. Artificer apprentices have further technical selection tests.
All ratings have opportunities to be selected for promotion to officer rank.
Officers There are four main types of officer in the Navy. Applicants are usually aged between 17 and 23. Seaman Officer , whose main responsibility is the smooth general running of the ship Engineering Officers , who deal with air, marine and weapons engineering Supply and Secretariat Officers , who deal with supply and stores, welfare, personnel work and catering Instructor Officers , who deal with education and training All potential officers need to appear before the Admiralty Interview Board. As well as a formal sit down interview, applicants have to take a number of practical and written tests. The whole process is pretty demanding and competition is fierce.