Choosing the Naval Reserve

The Naval Reserve is a force of highly trained men and women available to meet the expanded needs of the regular Navy. Most reservists serve part time one weekend a month and during a two‑week period called Annual Training (AT).

Reservists serve as officers or enlisted personnel, depending on their qualifications and interests. Officers are normally college graduates, while enlisted personnel are usually high school graduates.

The Naval Reserve offers a variety of programs for prospective members. Brief descriptions of some follow.

Civilians who have work experience or training in a field comparable to one needed by the Navy may be qualified to enter the Naval Reserve in a higher paygrade.

Initial paygrade depends on the number of work years, training or experience in the comparable civilian field. Non‑prior service applicants must be at least 21 years old and not have reached their 37th birthday (waivable to age 38). Military indoctrination (12 days) is required during first (AT).

Eligibility requirements for the APG program include:

• current employment or employment within the past 12 months in a civilian occupation comparable to the job skill for which applying;

• ability to complete 20 years of qualifying service for retirement by age 60;

• achieving a qualifying score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test;

• qualifying physically, including meeting height and weight requirements;

• meeting dependency requirements;

Men and women will be enlisted in the APG program with permanent paygrades of E-3 (SeamanAirman/Fireman) and advanced to approved temporary ratings. Temporary ratings become permanent provided required training is completed within 36 months of enlistment.

Qualified veterans discharged from the Navy within four years or less can be re-enlisted in the same paygrades they held at the time of separation through the NAVET program, depending upon Naval Reserve needs in particular ratings.

The paygrades for those discharged from the Navy for more than four years will be based on the length of time since discharge and the needs of the Naval Reserve of particular ratings.

The OSVET program provides for enlistment in the Naval Reserve of people who have been in the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard or Marine Corps.

These individuals must have or have had job classifications in other services similar to ones in the Navy and must be able to complete 20 years of qualifying service for retirement by age 60.

Direct Commission

Qualified civilian and Selected Reserve enlisted men and women with specific college degrees and applicable work experience may receive direct officer commissions in the Naval Reserve in such fields as engineering, cryptology, intelligence, public affairs, oceanography, medical, nursing, supply and chaplaincy.

It's a great way to put professional skills to use in helping maintain the freedom of our country while enjoying the many benefits of being an officer in the Naval Reserve.

This special program is open to qualified Navy veterans to serve on full‑time active duty to manage, train and administer Naval Reserve personnel in accordance with policies prescribed by the Chief of Naval Operations.

TAR assignments for officers and enlisted personnel are at air squadrons, shore activities or aboard Naval Reserve Force ships homeported in the United States. Also at shore‑based naval air stations, Naval Reservists are responsible for the safety of the most advanced Navy jet aircraft.

Naval Reserve Benefits

The Naval Reserve offers many benefits including: extra monthly income; a retirement program;

• the opportunity to learn new skills and sharpen existing ones;

• Reserve Montgomery GI Bill (educational assistance);

• Military department store (exchange) and grocery store (commissary) privileges;

• low‑cost life insurance options (up to $250,000); travel opportunities; management and leadership training; health care for injury or illness sustained during active duty and training periods;

• Department of Veterans Affairs Home‑Loan Guarantee program (available to reservists with at least six years of honorable service).