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Job Role
Cyber Unit Reserve
Job Role

Cyber Unit Reserve

Use your cyber skills to develop truly unique ones in this ground-breaking part of our nation’s defence.

TechnologyCiviliansCombat and securityIT
  • No qualifications
  • Surface Fleet
  • Royal Naval Reserve
  • Rating level

At a glance

The role goes beyond an in-depth technical knowledge. Being part of the Joint Cyber Reserve means you can make a real difference, working at the leading-edge of technology – safeguarding our national security.It's a challenge that you won't get anywhere else.
Cyber Unit Reserve looking at a computer
To be able to give and receive cyber skills and experience at the cutting edge of national defence is hugely attractive. I have thoroughly enjoyed the immersion in both cyber and military training and the opportunity to share experiences with some real experts in the field.

Shaun

Reserve Cyber Unit

Role details

What you’ll do

From WikiLeaks to the Panama Papers, the landscape of modern warfare has changed dramatically. Cyber security is a ground-breaking area at the vanguard of our nation’s defence. Serving in the Reserve Cyber Unit makes you part of one of the most advanced areas of the Royal Navy.

If you have proven, in-depth technical knowledge, joining the Joint Cyber Reserve means you can make a real difference, work at the leading edge of technology – and make an essential contribution to safeguarding our national security. It’s a challenging role that will put you through your paces, but will give you experience that you simply won’t get anywhere else.

Selection into the Cyber Branch will recognise the unique attributes and potential contribution of individuals who might otherwise not be attracted or able to serve in the Reserve forces.

Your role

  • Learn new, specialist skills with career-enhancing training that will be invaluable – and highly desirable – in the commercial sector.
  • The Joint Cyber Reserve is a tri-service collaboration, so you’ll work with Reservists from all three Armed Services.
  • You might be granted a high level of security clearance for a secret mission, or be given specialist training for an ongoing operation. 
  • You’ll play a crucial role in this essential part of protecting our nation’s interests.

Pay & benefits

  • Extra pay and allowances if you’re mobilised
  • Annual tax-free bounty subject to meeting the minimum training commitment
  • Paid leave in proportion to the number of training days attended
  • Automatic membership of the non-contributory Armed Forces Pension Scheme
  • Expenses and allowances when training
  • Access to the Royal Navy’s superb sports and fitness facilities

Skills for life

Qualifications you'll gain

  • Develop your professional knowledge and experience
  • Increase your self-confidence

Skills you'll develop

  • Grow your decision making, communication and analytical skills
  • The ability to work in a demanding new environment

Eligibility

  • You need to be aged 16 to 50, (or 56 if you're serving or ex-regular Royal Navy), when you start your training
  • You need exceptional cyber skills, see full list of required skills here
  • You must be able to commit to the minimum annual training
  • You need to use spare time and weekends in order to support defence’s cyber security mission
  • You must be a British or a Dual National
  • You’ll have lived in the UK for the last 10 years
  • You must be willing to undergo and pass a Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance process
  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 28 (between 17 and 27 if under 18)
  • Pass the Naval Swimming Test

Skills & Interests

  • Exceptional, verifiable cyber skills
  • High level of problem-solving ability
  • Ability to stay calm under pressure

Joining Process

From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as a rating.

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