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What Uniform?

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WHAT UNIFORM?

Not sure which uniform you need? No problem!

Choosing the right uniform isn't easy if you're not in the military yourself - but using our simple guide, hopefully you can choose the right duck for your loved one!

We will be elaborating on this page as our range expands, so keep an eye out for updates!

The Royal Navy

Step 1 : Choose the Fighting Arm of The Royal Navy

Surface Fleet

The Surface Fleet refers to the fleet of vessels that the Royal Navy has - including all boats, ships and warships of all shapes and sizes. If your loved one works on a ship or at one of the land bases, they are likely a member of the Surface Fleet as this is the largest arm of the Royal Navy's defensive structure.

Submarine Service

The Submarines Service comprises of those individuals who work on or for the Royal Navy's fleet of Submarines specifically. These individuals go through additional training after the initial training to be ready for Submarine warfare. Every person who is a part of the submarine service wears an additional submariner badge on every uniform.

Royal Fleet Auxiliary

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) delivers worldwide logistic and operational support to Royal Navy military operations. They are the uniformed civilian branch of the Naval Service, staffed by UK merchant sailors.

As the support team, they assist with a whole host of operations, from tankers and stores to floating hospitals, mechanics and amphibious landing docks.

Royal Marines

The Royal Marines are the UK's commando force and the Royal Navy's own amphibious troops. They are an elite fighting force, optimised for worldwide rapid response and are able to deal with a wide spectrum of threats and security challenges. They are trained at a separate training ground to other Navy troops, and have completely different uniforms.

Fleet Air Arm

The Fleet Air Arm (FAA) is the aviation ranch of the Royal Navy. A vital element for many of the wide and varied roles undertaken by the Royal Navy, FAA roles range from humanitarian operations, through to securing the seas, fighting terrorism and landing troops onto hostile shores.

Step 2 : Choose The Uniform

NO.1 UNIFORM

The Number 1 Uniform is the formal uniform worn at events such as receiving heads of State, funerals, ceremonial events, inspections and state events. This uniform can also be adorned with additions such as medals or medal strips.

For Junior ratings, Petty Officers and Chief Petty Officers, this uniform will be worn with an additional white belt when bearing arms. For a passing out parade sailors will be wearing a white belt for most of the parade as they are drilling with a firearm.

NO.4 UNIFORM

The Number 4 Uniform - also known as the RNPCS uniform, is a multi-climate uniform worn whilst doing practical duties. In essence, it is the Royal Navy version of the camouflage uniform. It is worn during practical tasks or whilst on ship usually.

This uniform is usually worn with a blue beret and cap badge, but can be worn with the formal cap on certain occasions. The same uniform is worn by both ratings, officers and specialist teams, but all have additional identifying badges in specific locations on the shirt.

OTHER UNIFORMS

There are a lot more uniforms than these two, but these are the most commonly worn. We will be bringing out new uniforms regularly until our set is complete!

In the meantime, if you would like a uniform we don't currently have in our store, we can paint it for you as a bespoke design. Please get in touch to find out more, and be prepared to send us photos - we are learning constantly about the Uniforms of the Royal Navy, but we are not experts yet!

Step 3 : Choose The Rank

What are Ratings?

Rating are the non-commissioned ranks of the the Navy. Everyone starts their Navy journey as an Able Rate and can progress up the ladder of promotions.
The order of these are shown in the image, with the Chief Warrant Officer being the highest non-commissioned rank (Warrant Officer Second Class is not a current rank).

Each rank is identified by their symbol, and depending on the rank the badges may be on different places of the uniform or sleeve. Different Ratings also will have different badges on their caps.

Able Rate and Leading Hand are the Junior Ratings. For some uniforms, the attire for these two ranks is different to the senior ratings (Petty Officer Chief Petty Officer, Warrant Officer), and so the uniforms have been split into different products in our shop.

What are Officers?

The Officers are the commissioned ranks of the Navy and have command. They go through a different training process to Ratings and have different uniforms and ranks.

The order of these are start with a midshipman which is the inial rank of an officer for the first 6 months of their career. It then moves into Sub-lieutenant and up the ranks and finishes with Admiral.

Each rank is identified by a a similar symbol, but the number of lines indicates the rank. For all officers this rank is shown on the same place of each uniform, that is at the end of the sleeve on No.1 Uniforms and the centre rank slide on No.4 Uniforms. All Officers wear the same cap badge regardless of rank.

Step 4 : The Personalisation

Once you know the above three options, you should be able to choose the correct duck from our shop! Once you have done that, you just need to add your choice of personalisation from the options listed on the specific product page. Depending on the design and what rank you have chosen, there may be a different number of personalisations available. Please make sure you check all the details before confirming your order!

Specialisms

Specialism badges are not yet available on all our shop uniforms. If you would like a specialist badge on one of our current shop items, please get in touch and we will arrange that for you!

Commando

Commandos are personnel who have engaged with the Marine Commando training scheme. If they complete part of this training, they wear an additional commando badge and a green beret.

Pilot

Aircrew Officer Pilots are responsible for flying the aircraft in the Fleet Air Arm. Aircrew 'wings' are worn by those who qualify, usually on the left breast.

Parachuter

Qualified Military parachutists wear an additional badge to identify their skill on the top of the right arm. Depending on the uniform, the colour of this badge may differ.

RN Deterrent

A RN Deterrent badge is awarded to Submarine personnel who have served on the RN deterrent Submarine. Silver for those who have served 19 or less patrols, gold for those who have served in over 20.

Observer

Aircrew Officer Observers are responsible for navigating the aircraft in the Fleet Air Arm. An additional badge is worn by those who qualify at the bottom of the sleeve, above their rank.

Stripes

Able Rates, Leading Hands and Petty Officers may wear additional 'good conduct' stripes on the left arm. These are a 'V' shape and are gold in colour. Several stripes can be achieved.

Trade Badges

All ratings except Warrant Officers may wear a trade badge on the right arm. This indicates their specialism. There are currently 103 roles in the Royal Navy,

Stars and Crowns

Additional Stars and Crowns on a Trade Badge indicate the rank of the person wearing the badge. They can have one or two additional stars or a crown instead.