A TEENAGER from Stroud is heading for a career at sea after successfully completing his basic training.

Able Rate (AB) Tom Organ joined the Royal Navy in July and has now completed his 10-weeks Initial Naval Training at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint, Cornwall.

The training package is designed to militarise and marinise civilians into sailors, preparing them to serve at sea in an operationally deployed Navy that is Global, Modern and Ready.

The 19 year-old, who had studied Uniformed Public Services at Cirencester College before joining, said: “Highlights in training were learning how to operate in various boats on the River Tamar and being taught to safely handle and shoot the rifle on the range.”

Stroud News and Journal: Stroud teenager Tom Organ is heading for a career at sea after successfully completing his basic"You can learn a lot of valuable information in the 10-weeks, and it changes you as a person as you meet some great people and develop skills you wouldn’t typically get taught.”

"The travelling opportunities are unrivalled, and you develop an acute sense of self and team discipline as you undertake new experiences.”

AB Tom now goes on to undertake his professional training in HMS Collingwood, Fareham Hampshire where he will learn his trade as a Warfare Specialist before joining his first ship and sailing off to start his global adventure in the Senior Service.