Lack of awareness concerning Royal Navy is "astounding", says senior officer

by LAUREN CODLING

THE lack of awareness about opportunities offered by the Royal Navy (RN), especially among young people, is “astounding”, a senior officer has said.

Commander Hannah MacKenzie has led one of the Royal Navy’s specialist engagement teams since November 2016. MacKenzie and her team work to raise awareness of the Naval Service by organising events and activities in schools and faith communities.

However, the 40-year-old said she has seen a “striking” lack of awareness among young people about the Navy’s purpose and traditions.

“People think we must be like the Army and although we are all in that military band, each service has its own tradition and service,” she told Eastern Eye.

MacKenzie’s current role sees her engage with young ethnic minorities and women so they have a better understanding of the RN. The team reach out to young people between the ages of 10 and 25.

“It’s exciting to start a conversation and challenge perceptions of what the RN does,”

she said.

Last year, the government set targets for all the armed forces to increase diverse participation by 2020. The goal is to increase BME representation to 10 per cent and female

representation to 15 per cent.

In 2017, it was revealed 6.6 per cent of RN personnel were from ethnic minority backgrounds while 10 per cent of RN personnel were female.

Reaching out to local communities enables mutual understanding and learning about one another, MacKenzie said.

However, it isn’t just about recruiting for the RN – it is also about developing personal

skills among young people.

“All of the teamwork and communication skills as well as the confidence and trust they develop will serve (them well) whether they work in an accountant’s office or play

professional football,” MacKenzie said.

“It benefits them and it is great we can help them on their own journeys.”

The commander also noted her team try to find shared interests when they are engaging

with ethnic minority groups.

While working with youth club Touch Gloves Boxing, which is attached to a mosque, MacKenzie said she found principles of the sport were similar to those of the RN, which helped create common ground.

Where possible, the team has a personal role model at workshops, which young people

can relate to.

“We mould our engagement for wherever we are,” she aid.

“The strongest stories can be from those who look like you. It is fantastic when we get the message out there.”

When MacKenzie joined the RN, it was illegal to be gay in the armed forces. When the ban was lifted, as a gay woman, she said it was a massive relief.

MacKenzie, however, stressed that her gender or sexuality were not an issue and did not hamper her career progression.

Working hard and doing your best is what gets recognition, she said.

“Younger women in the Navy can see women breaking barriers – I strive to be a role model for my junior officers and hopefully give them inspirations and aspirations.

“It is all about pushing forward. I’ve never had to be a different person to be where I

am now. I’ve just really pushed myself.”

London-born MacKenzie joined the Royal Naval Reserves (RNR) as a law student at

Durham University. She knew, from an early age, that her chosen career would veer toward a uniformed service.

“I attended Brownies and Guides as a child,” she recalled. “And my granddad was in the Fleet Air Arm. Looking back, his role was probably quite influential.”

Going into the Navy seemed like a natural choice for MacKenzie. But two weeks into her basic training, she suffered a knee injury and was forced to leave.

Devastated, she thought her career was over, but was told the door was open for her if she wished.

When she completed rehab for her injury in April 2000, she was offered a job in London

as an assistant web developer.

Although MacKenzie spent several years working in civilian employment, she rejoined the RNR in 2002 at HMS Wildfire, completing her junior officer training passing in August 2005.

She was promoted as a commander in July.

However, despite her passion for her current role with her engagement team, MacKenzie will soon be leaving the role to pursue a year-long master’s degree at the Defence Academy in Swindon.

“I’m gutted to be leaving. I love my job, but I’ve laid the groundwork for my successor and hopefully am handing over a vibrant programme of events,” she said.

“I’ll never forget the kids who do so well and completely change from who they were when they entered the room.

“It’s so rewarding,” MacKenzie added.