Initial Officer training takes place at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.

Initial training takes place at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. The length of course varies from 28 to 49 weeks depending upon your specialisation, but all young officers complete the first three phases (each 7 weeks long). The training is challenging, but it is conducted in a supportive environment with experienced training staff drawn from all specialisations of the RN.

1. Militarisation Phase
The Militarisation phase is common to all young officers joining BRNC and is focused towards developing an officer's awareness of the maritime environment as well as building team and leadership skills in the military environment.

Your days are long but satisfying, and we will encourage you to be organised and self disciplined. Physical training and parade training will build up your fitness and give you the bearing and confidence essential in an officer's professional character.

BRNC has over 70 boats, both sail and power of various sizes, and much experience will be gained in your time at BRNC where you will be putting boat-handling theory into practice on the River Dart. You will develop a profound sense of the sea.

During this first 7 weeks we will introduce you to the tenets of leadership and teamwork. You will be given a variety of practical leadership tasks to complete and analyse, culminating in a week long exercise on the River Dart and Dartmoor. At the end you will be amazed at the journey you have been through and the difference in yourself. You will be smarter, more self-confident and more mature.... which is what training is all about.

2. Initial Sea Training (IST) Phases
During your second phase at the College (weeks 7-14), you will learn more about the essential professional skills required by a naval officer, preparing you for the challenges that will face you when you embark for your first time in a Warship. You will learn more about Navigation and the Marine Environment, Strategic Studies, Basic Sea Survival and complete the European Computer Driving Licence. If you are entering the service as a Pilot, Observer or Air Traffic Controller, then you will conduct Flight Grading, where we will determine if you have the capabilities to successfully complete subsequent training in your relevant specialisation.

You will deploy to an operational Warship in your third phase (weeks 14-21) as part of IST. Recent deployments have included: Japan, Russia, America, Dubai and Malta. Of course, it is not all about seeing the world and you will be expected to continue a busy training programme. During the deployment you will live, eat and work alongside the Junior Ratings, service personnel you will be expected to lead in the very near future.

On return from IST, University Cadet Entrants, Engineering and Flight specialisation officer cadets will move straight to the Passing Out Phase of training. The Logistics and Warfare Officers remain for one and two phases of academic training respectively, before continuing to the Passing Out Phase.

3. Academic Training and Education Phases
The academic training and education phases provide a range of technological, language, strategic studies and professional subjects directly related to their careers and to prepare for future training courses. Logistics Officers complete one phase while Warfare Officers complete two. You will also have a choice of electives to undertake including: Modern Languages, English, Strategic Studies, RYA Certification, Maths and Computing, Naval Technology and Marine Environment.

For more information see the new In-Service Degree for Warfare and Logistics Specialisations.

4. Passing Out Phase
The Passing Out phase is completed by all young officers and is a culmination of your Initial Officer Training, preparing you for the next stage of your career. This final phase at BRNC focuses on developing your Command, Leadership and Management skills further, drawing on everything that you have learnt so far. It will introduce the methodology of planning and executing maritime operations, expand on leadership concepts and equip you with the tools to manage a team of Junior Rates effectively.

5. Life after BRNC
After passing out from BRNC, Flight specialisation officers will continue to flying training at the respective Flying Training Schools. The next step for all other young officers is a minimum of 4 months Fleet Training in an operational warship, concluding with the Young Officers Fleet Board (YOFB).

Dated:- 10 Nov 04

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