The Firefly Scheme – seamless transition into the Maritime Reserves

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Many highly skilled and professional personnel leave the Royal Navy every year. However, the fact that you have reached the end of your full-time Forces career does not mean that the Royal Navy doesn’t value and have a place for your talents and expertise.

The Firefly Scheme offers Royal Navy (RN) trained Service-leavers an opportunity to join the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) or Royal Marines Reserve (RMR) through a specifically designed and seamless fast-track process. Additionally, they also welcome interest from other Armed Forces applicants, with individuals assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Firefly was introduced in July 2013 to seamlessly enter highly skilled Service personnel directly to the trained strength of the Maritime Reserves (MR).

The annual commitment for a Reserve is just 24 Reserve days (achieved during your spare time) for which you will be well rewarded, earning extra money, accruing an additional pension and subject to meeting the specified criteria, receiving an annual tax-free bounty. What’s more, stable work-life balance is assured during an initial two-year harmony period when you are exempt from operational duties, unless you wish to volunteer.

Eligibility
Royal Navy (RN) trained Service-leavers are eligible to use The Firefly Scheme to join the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) or Royal Marines Reserve (RMR) though you will be ineligible if you left as an untrained or part-trained rank.

Also worth noting is that RN/RM trained ex-Regulars, who are within 36 months of Service discharge date and trained Service-leavers from other branches of the UK Armed Forces are encouraged to apply.

While many Service-leavers worry that they may have left it too late, the maximum joining age for RNR is 56 years, or 51 years for the RMR, though will you need to have a JMES of medically fully deployable (MFD) or medically limited deployable (MLD) on discharge.

Areas of employment
Just as in Regular Service, there are a host of options regarding where you might fit in as a Reservist, including in broad terms, warfare branch, reserve engineering branch (ME, WE and SM), logistics branch, training branch, medical branch and Royal Marines Reserve.

Commitments
The expected commitment is 24 Reserve service days (RSD) per annum. However, other commitment levels are available on a case-by-case basis. The 24 days are achieved through training evenings, weekends and spare time. These are designed to run over a four-week cycle and cover specialist training, fitness, MR core competencies (there are 11 in all) and include an external visit/briefing.

The annual commitment is split into two parts – specialist training (including two courses of five days each, or a single course lasting 10 days) as well as unit support activities (such as unit/national recruiting events) and representative sport/adventurous training.

As a Reservist, you can expect to be on bespoke terms of Service that will differ from what you may be used to as a Regular. Should you require any further clarity you can contact The Firefly team via: navypeople-cmresffmailbox@mod.gov.uk

Rewards
As well as the satisfaction of continuing in Service, the rewards are significant.

Maritime Reservists are paid for each training day (or partial day) completed. Pay scales are similar to those used in Regular Naval Service and calculated pro-rata. In the main, 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 a set number of training days, Reservists become eligible for the annual tax-free bounty.

Reasons to get involved with The Firefly Scheme

There are many reasons to consider a career in the Maritime Reserves, including:

Additional pension (earned on a pro-rata daily basis by attendance).
Pay and expenses when training at Unit.
A respectable annual tax-free bounty.
Continued professional development and promotion.
Further training and acquisition of new skills.
Remain part of the Royal Navy community and enjoy its special camaraderie.
Continuous use of RN sport and social facilities.
Opportunities for promotion, FTRS and more Reserve Service days than the expected 24.
A two-year harmony period free from mobilisation for those who seamlessly enter (however, you will still be expected to honour your annual 24 RSDs).

NB: All benefits received in the MR do not affect any Service pension accrued or any salary/benefits secured in civilian employment.

Apply now
There has never been a better time to join the Maritime Reserves and in return for your commitment, you will be valued and well rewarded for your time.

If you’re looking for the challenges and unique camaraderie of the Royal Navy, you will not be disappointed if you do decide to follow this path.

Email WO2 Kenny Williamson, via: kenneth.williamson479@mod.gov.uk

The Firefly Team aims to notify successful applicants within a minimum of one month prior to your Regular Service terminal date.