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Royal Naval Reserve

HMS President Reserve unit marching at the Lord Mayor's Show 2022

The Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) is an integral part of Britain’s naval forces. The RNR's involvement in protecting our nation's interests ranges from conflict operations, to counter-terrorism and anti-piracy work.

HMS President Reserve unit marching at the Lord Mayor's Show 2022

At a glance…

  • Leadership training for university students
  • Pay is at the standard service rate with a tax-free annual bonus
  • Wide variety of adventure training and sport
  • Great social life
  • British or Commonwealth citizen

The over 3,000 male and female volunteers are drawn from all walks of life and train for a variety of roles to enable the Royal Navy to meet its operational commitments.

These include:

  • giving vital logistical support to ship crews;
  • Sending detailed signal information to merchant shipping;
  • Planning the landing of an amphibious task group

In recent years, Royal Naval Reservists have become increasingly integrated with the day-to-day operations of the Royal Navy.

Learn more

Two of the UK’s 13 Royal Naval Reserve Training Centres are situated in London:

HMS President

Enjoys a stunning location on the Thames, overlooking the entrance to St Katharine Docks, just below Tower Bridge.

The unit trains on Tuesday evenings from 1900-2100.

HMS Wildfire

Attached to the UK’s National Defence Headquarters in Northwood, Middlesex.

The unit trains on Wednesday evenings from 1930-2130. 

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