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Careers / Joining options
Rejoiners & service leavers
Careers / Joining options

Rejoiners & service leavers

Many people leave the Armed Forces at various times of their lives and for a variety of different reasons. But now, there are good opportunities to re-join the Royal Navy and enjoy a fulfilling second career.

Rejoining the Royal Navy

We welcome applications across all branches and specialisations.

All applications are considered on an individual basis but as a guide, the generic RM and Royal Navy re-entry requirements are as follows:

  • If you have not previously served as a Royal Marine Commando, or served but not completed Commando training, you must be under the age of 32 (this includes previous Service in the Army or RAF).

  • If you have served previously as a Royal Marine, completed Commando training, or in some circumstances you have completed the All Arms Course with another Service, the maximum age to re-join is 38. 

  • For the Royal Navy, if you are considered at Trained Strength in your specialisation you can be considered for re-joining up to the age of 50. For Untrained or Part-Trained Strength, you must be under 40. 

  • You are not eligible to re-join if you were previously discharged for CDT failure, Services No Longer Required (SNLR), or Discipline. 

  • Any civilian convictions must be ‘Spent’ prior to an application. 

  • You should be Medically Fully Deployable (MFD). 

  • If your Break in Service is greater than 5 years, your eligibility may be affected.

  • If you were discharged from any Service having not completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 training, you will have a bar to application to the RM/RMR for a minimum period of 6 months post your discharge date.

Our high priority roles currently include Royal Marines, Submariners, Engineers and Catering Services, at both Officer and Ratings ranks. 

Find a role

Other ways to join

Rejoining the Royal Marines?

The Royal Marines are welcoming applications to re-join both full time or through the Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS).
Rejoining the royal marines

Joining from Army or RAF?

The Royal Marines are welcoming applications to re-join both full time or through the Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS).
Joining from Army or raf
The training, knowledge, skills and experience you gained whilst serving in the Navy is recognised as unique and because we‘re always looking for the best and most qualified individuals to fill our roles, your existing skills and expertise will be hard to look past.

Rejoining process

How will my application be assessed?

Although straight forward, each application is considered on its own merit. Any offer of service will reflect your individual circumstances. Branch managers will review your application and make an offer to you based on: 

  • Previous rank/rate and seniority 
  • Length of time out of service 
  • Your age  
  • Your health – you must be fit and healthy 
  • Any training needed to get you up to speed

Keep in mind, you can’t rejoin if you left under a Medical Board of Survey (MBOS). 

If you are re-joining as Part or Untrained Strength you will be required to pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment for your chosen role. 

How long will my application take?
Each application is different. So the time it takes to rejoin also varies. But we’ll always strive for the quickest turnaround possible.  

Rejoining within 12 months

If you are coming back fit and healthy and already hold a full Security Clearance, re-entry could take as little as 4 weeks. You will be invited to attend a suitability interview via video link but may not require any other aspects of the recruitment process.

Rejoining within 12 to 24 months

You will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire, apply for Security Clearance and attend suitability interview via video link. If you have already held a Security Clearance and are fit and healthy, we will hope to welcome you back into the Service within 8 weeks otherwise you could expect to join within 3 to 4 months.

Rejoining after 24 months

You will need to complete the full recruitment process which includes a face to face medical, security clearance, pre-joining fitness test and suitability interview. We hope to invite you back into the service within 3 to 6 months.

Your questions answered

You certainly wouldn‘t be the first to transfer across from another service. The Royal Navy will give you something different from that of our sister services. Whether at sea on a warship, Naval Air Squadron, or a Royal Marine Base, life is fast paced and exciting. Visiting many different countries around the globe, deployed on operations, or conducting humanitarian aid, every day is different. You will need to be able to meet our eligibility criteria; however, waivers may be appropriate in some cases. Training requirements will be determined on a case-by case-basis and we will take into account your previous experience, rank, pay and service to date.
We also welcome applications to change branches from your original service branch, although this will be considered alongside any relevant qualifications, training or experience you have gained in this area since leaving the Naval Service.
If you are in the Royal Navy Reserves and are interested in joining the Naval Service as a Regular, contact our re-joiners team and let them know you‘re interested.
The Naval Service and Royal Marines are welcoming applications to re-join both full time or through the Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS). More information on the current vacancies can be found here.
All re-joiners will undertake a minimum of four weeks re-training at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), Lympstone. On arrival at CTCRM, all re-joiners will undergo the new RMFT(A) assessment. Re-joiners are encouraged to undertake the RM PreROP Fitness plan to aid physical preparation. Failure to achieve the standard required commensurate with an individual‘s age will prevent re-entry into the Royal Marines. Re-joiners who fail to meet this requirement, maybe invited to return to CTCRM in the future. Some PSQs may require retro or upgrading training, especially technical PSQs.
We will give you a clear offer of employment on approval to re-enter. This will include full details of your pay, engagement length and any required training so that you’re able to make an informed decision before committing to a return to the Naval Service.
flight deck handlers dressed in ochre kit with high viz banding relaxing after a busy session on the flight deck of HMS Prince Of Wales

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