“Push yourself beyond your civilian job”

Joining the Royal Navy Reserve might result in leading a double life, but that doesn’t mean your work has to suffer.

Nathan Duke, Leading Seaman

“I’m an ambitious person and the Royal Navy Reserve allows me to go beyond the everyday life and beyond my civilian job,” says Duke, a volunteer member of the Royal Navy Reserve since 2007.

“In my current role, the Royal Navy Reserve provides experience of operating in diverse and varied environments. I’m offered the opportunity to develop new skills, knowledge and personal qualities in unique environments.

“These skills are fully transferable and assist me in my occupation. Balancing a job, home life and Royal Naval Reserve duties is a challenge, but one that can be personally and financially rewarding. So if you are ambitious and want to push yourself beyond your civilian job, then becoming a Royal Naval Reservist is perfect for you.

“If you have a demanding office job, just imagine how invigorating it would be to do something completely out of the ordinary with the Royal Navy Reserves.”

As Duke, who had previously served in the Navy before going to university in 2001, explains: “As a leading seaman, I work on deck as an armed sentry responsible for the whole ship’s protection. I work closely with the Royal Marines Fleet Protection Group and am trained to use an assault rifle, general-purpose machine gun, mini-gun as well as close combat. The job requires a thorough understanding of the rules of engagement and how to exercise within them. Within the unit I hold the role of Divisional Senior Rate for HMS Cambria’s Seaman Specialisation, responsible for ‘in-house’ branch management, training, reporting and monitoring of subordinates.”

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Time for a new outlook

Enhance your work and social life with the Royal Naval Reserves

The Royal Navy Reserve attracts members from many backgrounds.

Nathan Duke had served in the Navy before leaving to earn a first-class honours degree in civil engineering. He was able to return, thanks to the nature of the Royal Navy Reserves, which meant he could juggle his social life with naval life.

“The Royal Navy Reserve is made up of people with many different skills, from sixth-form students to those with chartered and professional occupations,” says Duke.

“The chance to develop skills, knowledge and personal qualities that will help you in your civilian life and work means that it is suited to people from all walks of life.

“I’ve made many great friends since joining the Royal Navy Reserve in 2007,” he adds. “It also offers a fantastic social life – which in turn, allows you to meet like-minded people based all around country that you wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet in your normal day-to-day working routine.”

royalnavy.mod.uk/navyreserves; 08456-003222