Interested in joining the Maritime reserves?

Information on joining the Maritime Reserves on the Firefly Seamless Transfer Scheme.

The Firefly scheme opened in July 2013, designed to seamlessly enter highly skilled Service personnel directly to the Trained Strength of the Maritime Reserves (MR).

Initially this was to help the MR achieve its GTS requirements, as laid down in the Future Reserves 2020 (FR20) White paper. However, the success of the Scheme has allowed it to continue and is still proving to be an important MR component of recruitment, contributing to the shape and size of both our Royal Naval Reserves and Royal Marines Reserve. Both of which provide a vital element to the UK’s Defence capability.

If you are looking to balance Royal Navy employment with work, and family life then the MR will afford you this opportunity too.

If you require further information, email the team or the Project Firefly Engagement Officer.

The Firefly scheme is open to Royal Navy trained Service leavers (other Armed Services will be looked at on a case-by-case basis). The Firefly 36 (FF36) scheme is open to Ex-Royal Navy trained Officers and Ratings who left the service within 3 years of their release medical date (Other Armed Services are not processed under the FF36 scheme, but, can apply through the Ex-Regular Careers Page on the Royal Navy Website).

The Firefly entry schemes aim to make the process of joining the MR on bespoke Terms of Service, as painless as possible, taking into consideration your experience and skills you will have built up over your service career.

Please note, that for those who are/were Untrained or Part Trained your current route to apply is through the website and follow the online instructions.

As a Reservist you’ll be required to meet the same fitness standards, do much the same training and wear the same uniform. You will also be well rewarded for any training and active service that you undertake.

Your time as a Reservist will also give you the opportunity to continue to belong to the Royal Navy family with its culture and traditions that make it such a unique and exciting career.

We also understand that being a Reservist may prove to be a juggling act alongside your current/future civilian employment. However, many companies are now signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant and have pledged to support Veterans and Reservists; by offering a number of Reserve Service Days (RSD’s), that will contribute towards your annual 24-day commitment.

Should an employer be concerned or need more information on the benefits Maritime Reservists bring, they can contact the Defence Employer Support Helpline on 0800 389 5459.

Pay and Bounties

Maritime Reservists are paid for each Training Day (or partial day) completed. The scales are similar to those used in the regular Naval Service and calculated pro-rata. In the main current rank and step level will remain the same. However, the X-Factor is paid at 5% on Training Days and 14.5% if mobilised.

Additionally, on successful attainment of a “Certificate of Efficiency” achieved through the set number of training days, reservists become eligible for the annual tax-free bounty.

Eligibility

Service personnel who are due to complete their Regular Service and wish to use the Firefly Transfer scheme are required to:

• Be no older than 56 for RNR, or 51 for RMR
• Be in date for Annual PES or their respective single service fitness tests, which needs to be in date beyond their Regular Service TX date and recorded on JPA.
• Be in a Permanent Medically Fit to Deploy (MFD) or in some cases Permanent Medically Limited Deployability (MLD); however, other categories may be accepted and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Recommended for further service in their final report.
• Have an in-date Security Clearance (SC)
• All OF4’s and above will require to contact the SO1 Reserves Career Manager in Navy Command. This can be done by emailing the Firefly team.