CAREERS
So you want to be...
How to get there
A SUBMARINER
Whether you start as an officer or work your way up, here are some routes into the Submarine Service
Travel the world, work with cutting-edge technology, forge friendships… and row the Atlantic! Lieutenant Hugo Mitchell-Heggs tells us why a career beneath the waves offers opportunities and a few surprises
ROUTE 1: OFFICER
1
To be an officer you need at least A-level qualifications or above and be aged
between 17 and 39 (depending on which
“Sea cadets will already have many of the skills needed. They understand the importance of teamwork, self-discipline and rank. They already know half the language and are trained in seamanship”
career you choose).
2
Some of the more technical roles in
3
The Royal Navy can help fund university.
the Submarine Service will require a
degree in an appropriate subject.
Go to royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/
joining/funding-and-scholarships. ROUTE 2: RATINGS If university isn’t for you, there are still plenty of other career opportunities available to you.
See the world Hugo always wanted a career in the military, attracted by the travel and adventurous training. First he went to university to study engineering, then got a master’s degree. He didn’t think of the Royal Navy until a careers advisor gave him the lowdown. “Joining the navy let me do an exciting engineering job, but
also live an extraordinary life, challenge myself and see the world,” Hugo says. “And working with a nuclear reactor sounded pretty amazing!”
1
Warfare: using some of the most advanced systems in the world, you are
the eyes and ears of the submarine, listening out for other navies’ ships and subs and
Get life skills and lifelong friends The transition from student to military was a smooth one, and Hugo relished his basic training at Britannia Royal College, Dartmouth. “It was like 18 months of Sea Cadets, but as an adult,” he says. “We learnt life skills, like how to iron our uniform, polish our boots and get up early. It built our confidence as leaders and I made some great friends.” Time in the classroom and at sea followed before Hugo earned his ‘Dolphins’ – the mark of a qualified submariner. “This is a challenging process but the reward is incredibly special,” he says. “Getting your Dolphins means you’ve joined a professional elite; a unique family with 100 years of history.” Prerequisites and personalities Hugo admits that being a submariner is not for everyone, but if you can be a good team player, take in information and communicate, you’re on your way. “Cadets will already have many of the skills needed,” he says. “They understand the importance of teamwork, self-discipline and rank. They already know half the language and are trained in seamanship. This really does help in the early stages and prepares you for basic training.”
identifying them by sound alone.
2
Logistics: cook for the ship’s company or visiting VIPs on board by joining
the catering services.
Get started Visit royalnavy.mod.uk/careers to read about all the different roles and qualifications available across the Royal Navy.
Amazing opportunities and Atlantic voyages Cadets looking for adventure won’t be disappointed. Annual Adventurous Training weeks include climbing, kayaking, diving and mountain biking to develop physical and mental strength. Open-minded thinking is encouraged, as is tailoring your own challenges. Just like Hugo and his crew, who took part in the Atlantic Challenge – a 3,000-mile unsupported row from the Canaries to Antigua – to raise money for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. They were the fastest-ever serving military team to do it, in 37 days, six hours, 40 minutes.
SPRING 2020 / SEA-CADETS.ORG
15
Photography: HMS Oardacious
S
ubmarines aren’t what they used to be. Banish those images of cramped, sweaty rooms jam-packed with cogs, dials and flashing lights. “I’m 6’4” and people always ask how I fit,” laughs Lieutenant Hugo Mitchell-Heggs from his office when he’s on land, at MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol. “The technology has advanced a lot. I work on a Vanguard-class submarine, which is 150m long, 12.8m wide and has four decks, so they’re significantly bigger than people expect.” There’s even room for a fitness suite, but it is in the same area as the missiles!
