Royal Naval Association Veteran Mentors Mark Milestone at HMS Raleigh
The Royal Naval Association (RNA) Veteran Mentors at HMS Raleigh have marked 18 years of continuous service supporting new entrants to the Royal Navy — providing encouragement, resilience, and guidance drawn from lived experience and lifelong Naval values.
For nearly two decades, RNA mentors have supported recruits through the challenges of Phase One training, offering understanding, perspective, and reassurance at some of the most demanding moments of their early Naval careers. For the current team of fourteen mentors, the role is regarded not simply as volunteering, but as one of the most rewarding forms of service they have undertaken.
Over the years, the programme has continued to evolve, with increasingly high training standards, expanded responsibilities, and a growing focus on structured support. Today, six mentors are qualified Level 3 coaches, enabling the team to combine professional coaching techniques with operational experience gained throughout their Naval careers.
Terry Whitty, RNA Veteran Mentor Lead said:
“Being part of the RNA mentoring team at HMS Raleigh is one of the greatest privileges of my life. We don’t just guide recruits through training — we help them find confidence in themselves at the very moment they need it most, and that stays with them long after they leave the gate.”
While the anniversary itself fell on 5 May, the Passing Out Parade and Veterans Day on Friday 8 May at HMS Raleigh provided an opportunity for mentors past and present, including one of the original Mentors Shipmate Roger Grace, to come together and mark the occasion.
As the programme enters its nineteenth year, the mission remains unchanged: standing firm, guiding quietly, and making a difference where it matters most.
The RNA is currently recruiting mentors. Further information can be found on page 34 of May’s Circular: May-2026-Sem-Circular.pdf.
