Signed on for 12 Years

On 11/05/1979, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, formally signed a short service commission with the Royal Navy, committing to an initial 12-year period of service. The decision marked the beginning of his professional military career following the completion of his education at Gordonstoun. Earlier in 1979, after completing his A-levels and passing required selection assessments, Prince Andrew enrolled in pilot training and was accepted as a trainee helicopter pilot. His formal commission in May established his entry into active naval service. Later that year, on 01/09/1979, he was appointed as a Midshipman and entered Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth, where he began formal officer training. During this early phase of his career, Prince Andrew also undertook the Royal Marines All Arms Commando Course, successfully completing the demanding البرنامج and earning the green beret in 1979. This qualification demonstrated his ability to meet the standards required for commando-trained personnel within the Royal Navy and Royal Marines framework. The 1979 commission set the foundation for a naval career that would include operational deployments, aviation roles, and active service during the Falklands War in 1982. It marked his transition from education into full-time military service within the United Kingdom’s armed forces. #PrinceAndrew #RoyalNavy #MilitaryCareer #BRNC #UKMonarchy