Growth of the Navy

The Navy grew considerably during the global struggle with France that started in 1690 and culminated in the Napoleonic Wars, a time when the practice of fighting under sail was developed to its highest point.

Royal Navy jobsThe ensuing century of general peace saw considerable technological development, with sail yielding to steam and cannon supplanted by large shell-firing guns, and ending with the race to construct bigger and better battleships.

That race, however, was ultimately a dead end, as aircraft carriers and submarines came to the fore and, after the successes of World War II, the Royal Navy yielded its formerly-preeminent place to the United States Navy. The Royal Navy has remained one of the world's most capable navies, however, and currently operates a large fleet of modern ships.

Join the Navy

HOW TO JOIN. If you've decided that you're interested in a Royal Navy career, it's time to begin the formal recruitment process. There are two ways to discover the right job for you. You can explore RN jobs by FLEET, BRANCH, JOB TYPE or NAVAL SERVICE

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Full command of the Royal Navy is vested in Commander in Chief Fleet, CINCFLEET, who has responsibility for the provision of Force Elements at Readiness to conduct military and diplomatic tasks as required by Her Majesty's Government, including recruitment and training of personnel. CINCFLEET has responsibility for personnel, commando forces, ships and submarines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary in commission. CINCFLEET command is exercised through the Naval Command Headquarters, based at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth.

Naval Command Headquarters is based in HMS Excellent with facilities in HM Naval Base Portsmouth, HM Naval Base Clyde and HM Naval Base Devonport. For further information visit the City of Edinburgh Council and the Ministry of Defence. An Operational Headquarters at Northwood, co-located with the Permanent Joint Headquarters of the United Kingdom's armed forces, and a NATO Regional Command, Allied Maritime Component Command Northwood (AMCCN).

The Royal Navy was the first of the three armed forces to combine the personnel and training command, under the Principal Personnel Officer, with the operational and policy command, combining Fleet Command and Naval Home Command into a single organisation, Fleet Command, in 2005 and becoming Navy Command in 2008. Within the combined command the Second Sea Lord, Commander in Chief Naval Home command, continues to act as the Principal Personnel Officer.

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British Royal Navy

The Royal Navy was formally created as the national naval force of England in 1660, following the Restoration of King Charles II to the throne.

It became the naval force of the Kingdom of Great Britain after the Union between England and Scotland in 1707 which merged the English Navy with the (much smaller) Royal Scots Navy, though the two began operating together from the time of the Union of the Crowns.

English Navy

The English Navy had no defined moment of formation; it started out as a motley assortment of "King's ships" during the Middle Ages assembled only as needed and then dispersed, began to take shape as a standing navy during the 16th century, and became a regular establishment during the tumults of the 17th century.

 

Jobs in the Royal Navy

The RN jobs are unable to provide information on advice about choosing a Royal Navy or Royal Marines career. please see Careers Royal Navy

Individual careers can be found within the careers web pages. In addition, there is clear advice on the nationality and residency guidelines necessary to join the UK Armed Forces within the eligibility section.

All other enquiries must be directed towards the nearest Officer Career Liaison Centre or Armed Forces Careers Offices