Stories of Service: Reserve Officer

There's a deep appreciation for what those with prior military experience can bring to the Navy Reserve. But there's also the question, "Why serve again?" Here, get answers from the Reservist perspective. Specifically, learn why experienced Officers are especially sought after – and see what actual Reserve Officers have to say about the part-time service experience.

When after eight rewarding years of commissioned service I made the decision to leave Active Duty, it was for reasons you can probably relate to – I was starting a family and wanted to spend more time at home.

Here’s the thing: I enjoyed what I did on Active Duty, I just didn’t want to do it full-time. Well let’s just say that becoming a Reservist has since provided an ideal way to balance my goals outside the military with my desire to go on serving.

Over the past five years, the Navy Reserve has given me the freedom to focus on my family, to help raise my kids, and to build a successful management career in the private sector. At the same time, it’s kept me connected to what I love most about the military: the experiences, the camaraderie, the responsibilities – not to mention that pride I feel every time I put on the uniform.

Now, whether I’m drilling near home, utilizing flexible drilling options or traveling to meet my annual training requirements, I know that I’m still doing my part, that I’m fulfilling my sense of duty. On all fronts.

One weekend a month and two weeks a year really isn’t that much to ask. There is the potential to serve more by choice or if the Navy needs you. But the way I see it, the pay and perks are more than fair. The pension is a huge plus to look forward to. And the intangibles…you know what I’m talking about there.

Like many who leave Active Duty and return to the civilian world, it didn’t take long for me to realize something was missing – something I wasn’t willing to give up. That’s about the time I became aware of the Reserve community right here in my own community and set out to become an Officer in the Navy Reserve.

Besides the love and support of my family, I can honestly say that where I am today has so much to do with my time spent as a Reservist. I’ve benefited from the opportunity to not only further my education but to have it paid for. I’ve broadened my skills through the training and responsibilities that I’ve been challenged to take on. Plus, I’m continually adding to my leadership experience and drawing from it in ways that make me a better person and professional.

The leadership opportunities in the Navy Reserve are simply unlike anything the civilian sector has to offer. Still, you inevitably take all you learn and do in uniform – along with the core values that are engrained within – and apply it to your civilian job and life.

Without question, my 21 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve have been a deciding factor in everything from past promotions to my recent acceptance into an executive-level MBA program (yes, they indicated how impressed they were with my Officer background). It’s helped me get my foot in the door. It’s elevated me among my coworkers. And it’s something my employers seem to have a vested interest in because it ultimately translates to productivity, efficiency and success for them.

Thinking back to my early days in the military, I was immediately inspired by those serving around me and loved being in a position to impact things that were larger than me. Today, I’m still tapping in to that. I’m using my years of experience to motivate others – in uniform and out in the world. And I’m getting more satisfaction than ever in the process.