The Navy Reserve partners with the active-duty Navy members and personnel to provide mission capable units and direct support of the naval fleet. There are several different aspects of the Navy Reserve, including Selective Reserve Forces, the Individual Ready Reserve, as well as the Retired Reserve.

The Navy Reserve is an excellent choice for civilians who want to serve their country but who are already employed or for various reasons cannot serve full time in the military.

Joining the Navy reserve provides benefits in:

• Career training and development
• Leadership skills
• Military benefits

Anyone joining the Navy reserve must be at least 18 years old and have a high school or equivalent education diploma or certificate. Navy Reserve recruits must also pass a physical exam.

Traditional Navy Reserve service requires a commitment of one weekend a month and two consecutive weeks on an annual basis for training, drilling, and maneuvers. Enlistment requirements for Navy Reserve recruits who have never served before are an initial eight-year commitment. For those who have served in the military, a commitment of two to six years is required.

To become an officer in the Naval Reserve, a person must be a US citizen between 19 and 35 years of age and must have obtained a four-year bachelor’s degree. Medical positions and career opportunities are extensive in the Naval Reserve and such individuals wishing to enter as officers in these fields are eligible for advanced pay and rank.

For questions regarding training, requirements, and service commitment, it is suggested that potential recruits talk to a Navy reserve recruiter or by calling the US Navy reserve at 1-800-USA–USNR.