You can reclaim a familiar mission. In the Navy Reserve.
While certain age and health requirements exist, they are normally determined on a case-by-case basis.
If you have yet to separate, make sure the information in your form DD-214 is complete and correct. To obtain a copy of your DD-214, simply submit form SF-180, Request Pertaining to Military Records, which you can download now. (Download Adobe Acrobat Reader here.)
In addition, there are many programs designed to help you pick up where you’ll leave off as a Navy Reservist:
NAVET (Navy Veteran)
Stay Navy. If you will be a Navy or Navy Reserve veteran (Enlisted or Officer), this program will allow you to enlist or reenlist in the Navy Reserve. If you currently hold a commission in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), you may affiliate with the Navy Reserve through the NAVET program as well.
For those discharged from the Navy or Navy Reserve more than four years ago, paygrade and rate/rank may be modified based on Navy Reserve needs in specific ratings and the length of time since discharge. When transitioning from Active Duty, you will most likely enter at your current paygrade and rate/rank.
Contact a Navy Reserve Recruiter for more information.
OSVET (Other Service Veteran)
Many Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps veterans have found success in the Navy Reserve. If you are currently serving in an active or inactive capacity in a military branch other than the Navy, you may enlist in the Navy Reserve through the OSVET program. If you are an Officer who holds a commission from a military branch other than the Navy, you may apply for a Navy Reserve direct commission through the Interservice Transfer Program.
In most instances, you will be able to retain your current rate/rank. Select, qualified veterans from other services who enlist within four years of discharge can usually join the Navy Reserve at the same paygrade as when discharged. Those who join within four to six years will enter one paygrade less than when discharged; within six to eight years, two paygrades less than when discharged. View our Rate/Rank Converter to see your equivalent rate/rank in the Navy Reserve.
Contact a Navy Reserve Recruiter for more information.