You are here:
- Home
- About the Reserve
About the Reserve
America’s Navy Reserve is an essential element of the Total Force that is America’s Navy. Wherever the important work of the Navy is being conducted in the world today, whenever the Maritime Strategy that guides those efforts is being executed, Navy Reservists are there. Seamlessly supporting. Actively contributing. Effectively leading. And ultimately, serving a key role in helping America’s Navy to be A Global Force For Good.
Take this opportunity to learn more about the Navy Reserve. Familiarize yourself with the Reserve mission and the vision that guides it. Understand the realities of part-time service. Get a better sense of who Reservists are, where they come from, what they do and where they do it.
Plus, find plenty of other relevant information. Things like how the Reserve is structured. How the Reserve has factored into American history. Even how the uniforms of Reservists can tell a story about the people who wear them.
Whether you have a military background or not, you’ll want to know as much as you can about the Navy Reserve. As you check out the opportunities available. As you look into the possibility of balancing military duty with everyday life. As you consider becoming part of A Global Force For Good.
What is the Total Force of America’s Navy?
- It’s the more than 325,000 Sailors serving full-time on Active Duty
- It’s the more than 65,000 Sailors serving part-time as Reservists in the Selected Reserve
- It’s the more than 200,000 civilians working in the Department of the Navy (DON) and supporting Navy efforts (but under no military service obligation)
The Navy Reserve Force Motto is "Ready Now. Anytime, Anywhere." It reflects the essence of the Reserve mission and vision. Like all military reserve forces, the Navy Reserve is a supplement to the Active Component (AC). Currently, Reservists represent about 20% of the Navy’s Total Force. But it’s much more than strength in numbers. read on Mission & Vision
Unrivaled training. Undeniable purpose. Uncommon adventure. In the Navy Reserve, men and women from all walks of life come together to find it all. Here, you can be part of something bigger than yourself. You can discover camaraderie that’s rarely experienced in the everyday world. And you can benefit personally, professionally and financially. read on Roles & Responsibilities
Learn more about the differences between:
The Navy Reserve is the Reserve Component (RC) of America’s Navy. And within the structure of the Navy Reserve, there are organizational categories that further define your service responsibilities and commitment status. read on Structure
The Navy Reserve was officially formed in 1915 – just as the United States was emerging as a world power and just following the outbreak of World War I. But the concept of the American Citizen Sailor actually precedes America itself. Follow Navy Reserve history – from its militia-like roots to its official existence over the past nine decades. read on History
Where would I train if I were to join the Navy Reserve? Where can I find someone who can tell me more about opportunities in the Navy Reserve? Here, you can get answers to two of the most important questions that are likely to come up when considering serving in the Navy Reserve. read on Locations
How can you tell if a Sailor is Enlisted or an Officer? How can you recognize where they rank? What’s an easy way to find out what various Sailors do? The uniform and elements of the uniform provide answers to these and other questions. Start with an overview of uniforms and the significance of military insignias – including the basics of Navy rate and rank. read on Uniforms & Insignias