UK: Naval Uni Students Given a Taste of Their Future Navy Career

A group of 100 students from all over the UK have swapped their life at university for a weekend at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), Dartmouth, which culminated in a gruelling physical challenge.

The group of sponsored undergraduates and foundation year doctors have already signed up for a career in the Royal Navy and in return are receiving financial help with their university studies and fees.

They make up BRNC’s Blake Squadron.

During their annual weekend get together with the Service they were given an insight into their future careers and the challenges they will face during their Initial Naval Training (Officer) course, with presentations from career managers, instructional staff and current Officer Cadets.

The weekend also included fitness tests and PT and finished with the ‘Blake Team Challenge’– a 30 minute race, carrying logs and other items, which started on the lower ground and finished at the top of the steep hill, where the College is situated, via an ice-cold water dip.

Lieutenant David Wilson, BRNC’s Staff Officer for sponsored undergraduates, said:

“Many of the students attending the weekend have not had any formal naval training and for some it was the first time they had worn a naval uniform.

“As their Divisional Officer during their sponsorship time I need to ensure they are exposed to the Royal Navy and Maritime environment in order that they succeed at BRNC in the future.

“As well as providing the week long Bursars’ and Medics’ Acquaint Course and the Blake Squadron Annual Weekends, we keep in regular contact with the students during their time at University and ensure they join their local University Royal Naval Unit, Royal Navy Reserves or Royal Marine Reserve.

“The aim of the Blake Squadron Annual Weekend at BRNC is to introduce the students to the College and to motivate and inspire them in their chosen careers.”

All cadets, apart from Bursars, are salaried serving members of the Royal Navy and are subject to the relevant rules and discipline. Bursars remain as civilians and receive their bursary payment at the beginning of each university year.

In return they are expected to join the Royal Navy full-time on completion of their course.

The Navy is currently investing in 100 students providing various forms of financial support to help them gain the necessary qualifications that will be of benefit to the Service.

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Naval Today Staff, February 13, 2013; Image: RN