Royal Naval Reserve

The Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) is an integral part of Britain's naval forces, comprising a corps of some 3,250 men and women who train in peacetime to enable the Royal Navy to meet its operational commitments in times of stretch, crisis, tension and war. The 1998 Strategic Defence Review confirmed the importance of the RNR to UK naval forces, and authorised an increase in total numbers and new members are very welcome.

Across the UK, training is conducted in one of 13 Reserve Training Centres (RTCs) some of which have now sprouted 'satellite' divisions in other major towns, in naval training establishments and in HM Ships world-wide. Defence Intelligence Service and Interrogator branches also exist with training administered from HMS Ferret at Chicksands.

Reservists in Wales are trained through the South Wales Division comprising HMS Cambria and affiliated units and all queries can be answered by telephoning us on 01446 744044.

Recruitment also takes place from North Wales to HMS Eaglet based in Liverpool and the Royal Marines Reserve recruit to HMS Flying Fox based in Bristol and to RMR Merseyside based in Liverpool.

HMS Cambria is a shore based training establishment located at Sully, near Barry in South Wales and is home to the South Wales Division of the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR).

It is the only Naval Establishment flying the White Ensign in Wales and trains Reservists in most branches of the RNR as well as hosting a detachment of the Royal Marines Reserve(RMR).

Affiliated units include HMS Express, HMS Exploit, University of Wales Royal Naval Unit, Barry SCC and Penarth SCC. TAWE Division, our satellite unit, trains Seaman Mine Warfare in Swansea.

The Merseyside Division of the RNVR was originally established in Customs House, Liverpool in 1904 and has a long history serving North Wales, Merseyside and North West England

HMS Eaglet trains over 300 reservists and received the freedom of the city of Liverpool in 1993. Drill nights are every Wednesday from 19.30 to 21.30 and the division shares a new building with RMR Merseyside in Liverpool.

Although some 25% of RNR personnel have previously served in the Royal Navy, reservists join from all walks of life: a few are qualified Merchant Navy deck officers, civilian medical practitioners and nurses, but the majority have no previous service or seagoing experience.

Each reservist trains to the same standards as his RN opposite number, and receives pay and allowances appropriate to his or her rank or rate. In addition, each reservist who fulfils the annual commitment to the RNR receives a tax-free bounty of between £300 and £1050.

The broad training requirements are set by RN organisations responsible for the operational tasking of the respective branches. Training courses and documentation are provided by the relevant RN training schools. Basic training is provided at HMS Raleigh, Torpoint, Cornwall, for ratings and at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, Devon, for officers; both these and most other RNR courses are of 2 weeks duration or less.

Each individual has a personal training plan which combines professional courses with practical experience at sea and ashore.

Training is the main activity on weekly drill nights [Wednesdays, 19.30 to 21.30], on some weekends and on a period of continuous training, usually of two weeks' duration.

Once Officers and Ratings have completed foundation and branch training, they are considered to have joined the Trained Strength of the RNR. Prior to this, they will have served as Midshipmen (age 17-20) or Sub-Lieutenants (age 20+). Thereafter promotion is by selection to Lieutenant Commander* (Major/Squadron leader equivalent), Commander (Lieutenant-Colonel/Wing Commander ) and Captain (Colonel/Group Captain). The highest appointment is the Commodore RNR (Brigadier/Air Commodore).

The Ratings' structure is equally competitive and rewarding. Once part of the trained strength, RNR Junior Ratings compete for promotion to Leading Hand (Corporal equivalent), Petty Officer (Sergeant) and Chief Petty Officer (Colour/Staff or Flight Sergeant). Some may achieve the top rank of Warrant Officer introduced in 2003. Opportunities exist for all Ratings to earn promotion to the commissioned ranks and most RNR Officers have risen up this way.

There are many opportunities for deployments world-wide. Individuals serve on aircraft carriers, amphibious ships, frigates, destroyers and nuclear submarines as well as at a vast number of locations ashore.

* Subject to level of professional qualifications, Medical Officers join as either Surgeon Lieutenants or Surgeon Lieutenant Commanders and promotion to the latter is not subject to the normal selection process.

Royal Marines Reserve

The Royal Marines Reserve has Headquarters in Bristol - RMR Bristol which originated from the Bristol RMFVR in 1949 set aboard HMS Flying Fox based in Bristol's floating harbour.

RMR Bristol is sub-divided into five detachments or units based in Bristol, Cardiff, Poole, Lympstone and Plymouth to enable Reservists to be drawn from the main areas of population within South West England and Wales. The main detachment is Bristol which is located alongside the HQ.

Men from the Royal Marines Reserve serve alongside the regular Royal Marines on operations across the globe. The Royal Marines Reserve are looking for the Commandos of the future and will pay you to become a Royal Marine Commando earning your Green Beret.

The Cardiff Detachment is situated at the TA Centre, Ty Llewellyn, on Morgan Street, opposite the Cardiff Prison and next to the Cardiff Central Fire Station.

This is the only Royal Marine location in the whole of Wales. It is commanded by an RMR Major and contains Non-Commissioned Officers, Trained Royal Marines and Recruits.

The badge of the Cardiff Detachment of the Royal Marines Reserve

The facilities at the Cardiff Detachment include Classrooms, 30m Indoor Rifle Range, Gym, Offices and Bar.

On Wednesday nights there is training for all ranks from 19.30 - 21.30 This ranges from classroom and practical activities to physical training in a purpose built environment.

The main role for Cardiff Detachment is the Unarmed Combat Display Team; this team is used for displays and recruiting purposes as well as training recruits. Also members of Cardiff Detachment have recently completed Heavy Weapon Training in the form of the Heavy Machine Gun and the Milan Anti-Tank Missile System.

We are currently looking for new recruits from South Wales to join us.

If you think you want to become a Royal Marine Commando or join the Royal Naval Reserve then use our Contact Page and we'll pass your details on to the relevant unit who'll see if you've got what it takes.

For North Wales, the Royal Marines Reserve has Headquarters across the border in Liverpool - RMR Merseyside - which is based in East Brunswick Dock.

The building is shared with the Royal Naval Reserve and was purpose built in 1998, with good facilities. The detachment has lecture facilities, galley, gymnasium and outdoor facilities for agility training, including a climbing wall. In addition there are a number of bars catering for the Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and Junior Ranks, though the SNCO's bar provides a focal point for the whole Detachment. The Liverpool Detachment meets on Tuesday Evenings 19.45 - 21.45