The first trainees to undergo a revolutionary Royal Navy training programme passed into the Fleet this month.

Members of Cornwell and Drake Divisions who make up the 19/04 Entry, passed in at HMS Raleigh, having successfully tackled the new and demanding course which is “more relevant to life at sea today.”

Changes to the eight-week basic training course have been made to better prepare individuals for their role in the modern Navy.

The syllabus recognises that trainees live in a “less-formal society” and now focuses on harnessing the strengths of the individual and using those strengths and skills to the best advantage of the team.

Gone is the preoccupation with kit checks and maintenance, and in their place is a greater focus on maritime matters, with more time spent on the water and training designed to promote and understanding of modern operations and warfare.

The final element of the course is a physically and mentally-demanding military exercise, which aims to bring together the core elements learnt over the previous eight weeks.

Cdre David Pond, Commanding Officer of HMS Raleigh, said: “I wanted basic training to be more challenging, more dynamic and more relevant to life at sea today.

“Turning civvies into sailors is one of HMS Raleigh’s most important roles.

“We have the vital task of beginning the process of changing attitudes top inculcate a bedrock of naval ethos and self-discipline which are essential elements in the development of personal fighting spirit.

“We must ensure our sailors are physically and mentally prepared to meet the ever-increasing challenges of modern warfare – a complex task, but one in which Raleigh has a unique and vital role to play.”

HMS Raleigh, at Torpoint in Cornwall, is the Royal Navy’s initial training establishment for ratings, providing a wide-ranging and intensive course in general training.

The final military exercise will now include elements such as weapon-handling test, a simulated smoke walk, an endurance course and teamwork exercises.

Once finished at Raleigh the rookie recruits go on to further training in their chosen professions – some, such as logistics specialists and submariners, will attend the relevant schools at HMS Raleigh, while others go to training establishments in other parts of the country.