Those with no prior military experience will enter the Navy Reserve through either an Enlisted or Officer program — depending on qualifications and the type of position sought.
New Accession Training Program (Enlisted)
The Navy Reserve depends on Enlisted personnel to carry out a broad range of critical job responsibilities in over a dozen different fields.
If you’re a high school graduate (in rare instances, GED certificates can be accepted) who is driven to do more and to be more, you may be eligible to become an Enlisted member of the Navy Reserve.
Whatever career area (rating) interests you, here’s the basic path you can expect to follow through the New Accession Training (NAT) program:
- Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT) Period — First, attend the nine-week Recruit Training course that will help transform you from a civilian to a Sailor, both mentally and physically. Then receive specialized training in the rating you are in (additional apprenticeship training beyond that may be associated with certain ratings).
- Selected Reserve (SELRES) Inactive Duty Training (IDT) Status — Within 30 days of completing all initial training, report to the Navy Reserve drilling location nearest your home. From this point on, expect to serve a minimum of one weekend a month and two weeks a year — with opportunities for additional service and pay.
For the NAT program, a minimum eight-year enlistment is required — six years of IDT status in the Selected Reserve with the final two years being spent in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Only individuals without prior military experience seeking Enlisted positions may enter through the NAT program. Those with a prior service background (active or inactive) must do so through the NAVET, RESCORE-R or OSVET programs.
See Enlisted Benefits to learn more about compensation — including pay and potential sign-on bonuses — as well as other benefits.
Direct Appointment Program (Officer)
The Navy Reserve relies heavily on its Officer ranks for leadership at every level of operations and management. U.S. Navy Officers are some of the most respected men and women serving our country.
If you’re a student or graduate of a four-year U.S. college or university who possesses leadership skills and determination, you may be eligible to become an Officer in the Navy Reserve.
Direct commissioned Officers must complete an initial commitment of eight years of service. As an Officer in the Navy Reserve, you will lead others who have pledged to defend our nation — an honor of the highest order.
CAREER FOCUS AREAS
Direct commissions are available to U.S. citizens with professional expertise in the following fields:
- Aviation
- Clergy
- Engineering
- Information Warfare
- Intelligence
- Merchant Marine
- Public Affairs
- Science
- Supply, Transportation and Logistics
- Surface Warfare
- Health Care
HEALTH-CARE SPECIALTY AREAS
Health-care positions are some of the most highly sought-after careers in the Navy Reserve. If you are a civilian physician, dentist, nurse or health-care specialist, you can enter the Reserve as an Officer in the community associated with your profession, and you may be eligible for advanced rank and pay.
- Medical Corps (Physicians)
- Dental Corps (Dentists)
- Nurse Corps (Nurses)
- Medical Service Corps (Specialists in Health Care Administration, Health Care Sciences and Clinical Care)
Health-care professionals know what it’s like to make a difference in the lives of others. By serving part-time in the Navy Reserve, you can add a new dimension to your own career as you proudly care for those who defend our country and serve global humanitarian causes. You’ll be able to take your medical expertise to new levels with experience in progressive academic, clinical and/or operational settings.
BECOMING AN OFFICER
To become a commissioned Officer in any career focus area, you will be required to attend the two-week Direct Commission Officer Indoctrination Course in Newport, Rhode Island. There, you’ll learn the history, traditions and structure of the Navy and Navy Reserve.
See Officer Benefits to learn more about compensation — including pay and potential sign-on bonuses — as well as other benefits.
Next Steps
Contact a Navy Reserve Recruiter for more information.