Interviews - Interviews with the Serving

Meet the Navy officer who keeps the lines of communication open

Paul McQueer is 28 and joined the Royal Navy in 1998. He is currently serving on HMS Liverpool as a Petty Officer (Communications Information Systems).

When did you join the Navy?

I joined from school. I can remember being told that my great grandfather was a Petty Officer and ever since then I was intrigued and wanted to serve and travel the world. My chosen career was Communications, so after completing basic military training at HMS Raleigh, I went on to learn to read flag signals, Morse code, understand tactical ship manoeuvring, aspects of engineering and computer information systems.

What does your job involve?

During my career, I’ve been involved in a number of operations in the Gulf and am now Communications Manager onboard HMS Liverpool, responsible for ensuring the ship is able to talk to other ships and numerous shore-based organisations. The Navy is also responsible for upholding international maritime law, and this means from time to time we have to send our boarding team, of which I’m a member, to ships or boats assisting authorities where we can.

What has the Navy got to offer?

A lot for those who want to take advantage of it. I’ve taken part in many adventure training opportunities, the best being skiing in Bavaria – not many employers would provide that!

What qualities are needed to serve in the Navy?

I would say that to be part of the Royal Navy, you have to be dedicated, willing to learn and open to all aspects of life. Looking back at my time so far, I think that the most challenging things I’ve had to do are the leadership training courses required for promotion. All personnel holding rank can be called on at any time in any situation to lead a team, often made up of people you have never served with before and asked to execute unexpected operations involving combat, safety to life or leading a team to board hostile units.

What it’s like to be a gay man in the Navy?

Initially I struggled to come to terms with accepting I was gay. However, when the ban on homosexuals serving in the Armed Forces was lifted in 2000, the comfortable surrounding and support from the Navy helped me get through. I can remember the day of the change so clearly and we are now in a better place. I know that my confidence has most certainly grown and it is good to be able to be 100 per cent myself.

What’s been your proudest moment?

I think my proudest moment in the Navy was being able to come out to my work colleagues and being fully supported by them. I would definitely recommend a career in the RN: the pay, lifestyle, opportunities and social interaction are all fantastic. If anyone is thinking about joining up, I would say join with an open mind and be yourself.