Reserve Entry Officers Course (REOC)

The Reserve Entry Officers Course is structured into four phases of training to accommodate the shorter-term availability of Navy Reserve (NR) officers.  The phases consist of:

Phase 1: Initial Officer Training (Residential)

Duration: 2 weeks (residential)

Conducted at the Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS CRESWELL.

Includes issue of uniforms and Navy ID card. Subjects covered during the period include: Leadership and Management, Drill, Swim Test, Fitness Test, Equity and Diversity, Pistol Course and Security.

Phase 2: Initial Officer Training (Distance Learning)

Duration: 12 months (by distance learning)

Completion of 8 modules via distance learning packages. Modules are Navy Organisation, Defence Writing, Contemporary Warfare, Naval History, Officer of the Day, Divisional Officer, Defence Force Discipline Act and Maritime Doctrine.

Phase 3: Pre-Sea Training

Duration: 2 weeks (residential)

Completion of three courses required before proceeding to sea – Combat Survivability (5 days), Survival at Sea (2 days) and First Aid (3 days). These three courses, conducted consecutively, are scheduled biannually at HMAS CRESWELL, and may otherwise be conducted as discrete elements at HMAS CRESWELL or HMAS CERBERUS.

Phase 4: Sea Training Deployment

Duration: 2 weeks (residential)

Consisting of a two-week training deployment on a Royal Australian Navy ship at sea and completion of task book.

Officers joining the Naval Reserve must successfully complete each phase within the following time frames:

• Phase 1: within 12 months of appointment;
• Phase 2: within 12 months of completing Phase 1;
• Phases 3 and 4: Pre-Sea Training and Sea Deployment within 2 years of joining.

These time frames are considered to be maximum periods. Extensions may be approved for officers prevented from progressing their training for medical or employment reasons. Documentary evidence must accompany applications for extensions to these time frames. Other special circumstances for extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, the maximum time frame to complete the initial training requirements is two years from date of appointment as an officer in the Naval Reserve.

The purpose of this course is to give new entry officers a sound understanding of the Royal Australian Navy and what it means to serve as a Naval Officer. The Sea Training Deployment offers a unique opportunity to experience first hand the life that our sailors lead at sea and gives the new officer a solid introduction to the Royal Australian Navy maritime environment.

For further details on the Reserve Entry Officers Course , refer to the Joining Instructions. These instructions will provide you and your family with enough information to arrange your personal affairs before appointment in the Navy and will give you an idea of what you will be doing during your training.