Service Branches
Navy Reserve
The Navy Reserve is a valued partner of the Navy's active-duty component. It offers citizens the chance to serve on a part-time basis, training near home until called to Active Duty. A reservist can pursue a full-time civilian education or career, or obtain special military training while serving.
Quick Facts:
- Part-time service
- 55,000 reservists
Navy Reserve: Warfighting Readiness for More than 100 Years
From day one, this ready-reserve force of nearly 110,000 Sailors is trained to help anytime, anywhere.
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Speaker 1: Since it's founding in 1915, our Navy Reserve has provided strategic depth and operational capabilities to the Navy, Marines, and Joint Force teammates around the world. From the fight at sea or abroad, our civilians and our Sailors make it happen.
Speaker 2: In 2020, we executed nearly 6,000 mobilizations, but nearly 3,000 Sailors mobilized in response to the COVID-19 pandemic relief.
Our ready reserve force of nearly 110,000 sailors are ready anytime, anywhere. Our nation needs us to be ready on day one. On behalf of the Chief of Navy Reserve, Happy Birthday shipmates!
Navy Reserve: Warfighting Readiness for More than 100 Years
Before Serving in the Navy Reserve
To join the Navy Reserve, you must be between 17 and 41 years old (age requirements for Officer programs may vary), with potential exceptions made for those with prior service. You must also pass a physical exam and have a high school diploma, although, in rare instances, GED certificates can be accepted. For individuals with prior service, your physical exam is very important when re-affiliating with the Navy Reserve. All enlisted Navy reservists must take the ASVAB test to determine placement within the Service.
Navy Reserve training, like full-time Navy training, begins with seven to nine weeks of Boot Camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois.
Navy Reserve Careers
Time in the Navy Reserve can provide valuable career skills that apply directly to the civilian world. Navy reservists work with the latest technology under high pressure — learning many valuable skills that employers demand. Whether a reservist performs duties similar to his or her civilian job or something entirely different, military training can make a huge impact on future career success. For full-time career options, also take a look at what the Navy has to offer.
Navy Reserve Benefits
The Navy Reserve provides a flexible employment opportunity to serve while maintaining a civilian career. In addition to regular pay for all time spent training and deployed, a member of the Navy Reserve receives top-of-the-line job training, travel opportunities and even college credit for certain experiences.
Types of Military Service
The U.S. Military consists of six active-duty Service branches and their respective Guard and Reserve components. Together, they offer a broad variety of ways to serve.
