The Navy has launched an iPhone app in an attempt to attract new recruits
Royal Navy launches iPhone app
/v3-uk/news/1946279/royal-navy-launches-iphone-app
20 Mar 2010, Phil Muncaster , V3
The Royal Navy has become the latest venerable institution to enter the brave new world of Web 2.0 in an attempt to haul itself into the 21st century and attract new members.
The oldest of the UK's armed forces demonstrated a variety of interactive technologies at careers fair Jobserve Live held in London this week, including a new iPhone and Facebook application designed to attract potential recruits.
The application sets a series of challenges which simulate real-life situations encountered by Royal Navy Engineer Officers.
Various training exercises and tasks are bundled into five interactive 'missions' requiring quick thinking and decision making. Tasks include engine maintenance, preparing for a simulated missile attack or re-wiring radar systems, according to the Royal Navy.
Mike Davis-Marks, captain naval recruiting, explained that the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are looking for recruits who feel that they need a new challenge.
"Launching the iPhone [application] is very exciting for both serving officers and prospective recruits as it is an interactive challenge which is a cut above other recruiting methods," he said.
"The app contains the career and benefits campaign messages as well as a link back to the Royal Navy careers web site, providing a clear call to action for those interested in joining."
The Royal Navy is the first of the UK's armed forces to exploit the potential of the iPhone.
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Do you agree?
Great foresight - shame about the platform
It's great that the UK RN have taken a leap and entered into the world of hand-held devices, it's just a shame that Android didn't enter the market sooner (although it HAS got there with absolutely no advertisement, but simply by word-of-mouth as true open-source should).
The i-Phone is now officially number 2 in the hand-held market with the release of Android HTC Desire, the next HTC releases will further widen the gap.
Please RN - look again; Android is now set to take the world by storm with no need to wait 3 months for Steve Jobs to 'allow' your application release - write it and release it - done.
Forget the 'security' hype - YOU define your level of security.
i-Phone software developers are leaving the i-Phone in their droves. Why? Because Steve Jobs dictates what can and cannot be released on the i-Phone, and his authentication process not only takes 3 months, but relies on ad-hoc 'approval' processes.
RN: take the initiative now - look at Android which will enable hundreds of different hand-sets (as opposed to one i-Phone) that are currently out there to use the software.
My son is in RN officer / pilot training, and I hope that the RN seriously consider Android, as it's potential is absolutely huge.
In fact, be prepared for RN ship controls to be Android driven - I jest you not.
In any case, congratulations on your unusual initiative - oldest force in the world embracing the newest technology.
Well done.
Posted by Red, 12 Jun 2010