Have questions about the Navy Reserve? We’ve put together the answers to the most commonly asked questions and grouped these as they relate to where you are in your decision-making process.
Preparing to Join
Q: How do I qualify for Navy Reserve service?
A: If you are interested in joining the Navy Reserve and are not a military veteran, you must:
- Be older than 18 years of age
- Pass a physical exam
- Have a high school diploma (in rare instances, GED certificates can be accepted) for Enlisted service or a college degree for Officer positions
For individuals with prior service experience, your physical is VERY important when affiliating with the Navy Reserve. Prior to discharge, you should have a FULL Separation Physical completed within 6 months or less.
Age limits vary for military veterans and for professionals with civilian health-care experience. Certain other restrictions apply.
To learn more, contact a Navy Reserve Recruiter.
Q: What is the basic service requirement?
A: Traditional Reservist service requires a minimum commitment of one weekend a month and two weeks every year. However, flexible drilling options may be made available.
Contact a Navy Reserve Recruiter about how the Navy Reserve can best fit your lifestyle.
If you are a military veteran, you can join for periods ranging from two to six years, and you can extend your Navy Reserve contract up to an additional four years.
For individuals with no prior military service, an initial eight-year commitment is required.
Q: Can I train close to home?
A: Yes. Your training sessions will almost always be with the Navy Reserve unit located closest to you, unless you serve under a specialized rating that operates only at certain sites.
See a complete listing of locations.
Q: Can I join the Navy Reserve if I am not a United States citizen?
A: Yes, but you must:
- Be a legal immigrant
- Be currently living in the United States
- Have a valid visa or Green Card
The Navy Reserve cannot assist in the immigration process. In order to join, you must legally immigrate first and then apply once you are living in the United States. The expiration date on your visa or Green Card must include your entire term of enlistment. As a noncitizen, you will not be allowed to reenlist beyond your first term of service, unless you first become a citizen.
Q: Will bad vision disqualify me from the Navy Reserve?
A: To qualify, you must have an eye refraction level of no worse than + or - 8.0. Your vision will be evaluated at your pre-entry qualification physical. Individual ratings (jobs) have varying vision requirements for service.
Q: If I have health problems, can I join?
A: Perhaps. Due to the rigorous and critical nature of many Navy Reserve assignments, a medical condition may disqualify you for service. Health issues, however, are generally handled on a case-by-case basis.
Contact a Navy Reserve Recruiter for more information.
Q: Will asthma disqualify me?
A: Yes. Unfortunately asthma (including reactive airway disease, exercise-induced bronchospasm or asthmatic bronchitis), reliably diagnosed at any age, will disqualify you from Navy Reserve service.
Q: If I’m a single parent, can I join the Navy Reserve?
A: Yes. Your recruiter will provide you with more information based on the number of dependents you have, as well as other considerations. In addition, the Reserve supports your efforts with family services on many bases.
Q: What is the ASVAB and what does it measure?
A: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-choice aptitude test that helps you identify which military occupational specialties are best for you.
If you are considering enlisting in the Navy Reserve, you must take the ASVAB test. Your score on the ASVAB is then used to determine the Navy Reserve position for which you are best qualified. The ASVAB is not required for Officer candidates.
Q: What qualifications do I need to become an Officer?
A: You must:
Be a U.S. citizen between 19 and 35 years of age, possess a four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from an accredited university.
Physicians, nurses and dentists are highly sought after in the Navy Reserve. These individuals may enter the Reserve as Officers up to the age of 39 and may be eligible for advanced rank and pay.
Go to Ways to join for more information on becoming an Officer.
Q: Do civilian employers support Navy Reservists?
A: Yes. In general, civilian employers highly value the leadership, discipline and technical skills Reservists acquire through their military service.
The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) also acts on Reservists’ behalf to foster solid working relationships between employers and the Reserve components of the military.
Q: Can I join the Navy Reserve if I’m an Enlisted veteran of another service?
A: Yes. Prior service experience in any military branch is highly valued. You can join the Navy Reserve through the OSVET (Other Service Veteran) program. In most instances, you’ll be able to retain your previous rate/rank and your pay grade will depend upon your discharge date.
Get more details about how to join.
Q: Will I have to cut my hair?
Men
Keep hair neat, clean and well-groomed. Hair above the ears and around the neck shall be tapered from the lower natural hairline upwards at least 3/4 inch and outwards not greater than 3/4 inch to blend with hair style. Hair on back of the neck must not touch the collar. Hair shall be no longer than four inches and may not touch the ears or collar, extend below eyebrows when headgear is removed, show under front edge of headgear, or interfere with properly wearing military headgear.
The bulk of the hair shall not exceed two inches. Bulk is defined as the distance that the mass of hair protrudes from the scalp. Hair coloring must look natural and complement the individual. Faddish styles and outrageous multicolored hair is not authorized.
The unique quality and texture of curled, kinked, waved and straight hair are recognized and, in some cases, the 3/4-inch taper at the back of the neck may be difficult to attain.
Women
Keep hair clean, neatly shaped and arranged in an attractive and professional style. Hairstyles with a maximum of two braids may be worn. Faddish and exaggerated styles are prohibited. Ponytails and pigtails are not permitted. When in uniform, hair on back of head may touch but not fall below the lower edge of the collar.
When wearing jumper uniforms, hair can extend a maximum of 1-1/2 inches below the top of the collar. Long hair, including braids, must be neatly and inconspicuously fastened, pinned or secured to the head presenting an attractive hairstyle and may not dangle free under front of the brim of the combination hat, garrison cap or command ball cap.
Afro, natural, bouffant and other similar hairstyles, which do not interfere with proper wearing of headgear, are permitted. Bulk is defined as the distance that the mass of the hair protrudes from the scalp. Hair coloring must look natural. Faddish and outrageous multicolored hair is not authorized. Visible hairnets may be worn only if authorized for specific duties such as hospitals or galleys.
Q: Do I need my military discharge paperwork to join the Navy Reserve?
A: Yes, the most important document you need to enlist in the Navy Reserve is form DD-214, which details your discharge from Active Duty or Reserve service. If you have yet to separate, make sure the information in your DD-214 is complete and correct. To obtain a copy of your DD-214, simply submit a form SF-180 Request Pertaining to Military Records, which you can download now (Download Adobe Acrobat Reader here.).
Q: How do I obtain copies of my military records?
A: Individual military departments do not maintain files or records pertaining to individuals no longer on Active Duty. When an individual is separated from military service (because of retirement, discharge from Active Duty or death), his/her Field Personnel File (containing all military and health records) is forwarded for storage to the National Personnel Records Center (Military). The Records Center is under the jurisdiction of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) of the United States Government. Please contact:
National Personnel Records CenterMilitary Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
USA
telephone: work 314-801-0800
fax: 314-801-9195 work
Requests must contain enough information to identify your records among the more than 70 million on file at the National Personnel Records Center. The Center needs certain basic information in order to locate military service records. This information includes your complete name used while in service, service number or Social Security number, branch of service, and dates of service.
Q: Can I talk to a recruiter about preparing to join without obligation? How would I do so?
A: Yes. We encourage you to navigate this site, Contact a Navy Reserve Recruiter by filling out the Contact a Recruiter form, or call 1-800-USA-USNR, and gather all the information you can to help make an informed decision that is right for you.
Recruit Training
Q: If I’m a military veteran, do I have to repeat Basic Training?
A: No. We value your military experience and will not require you to attend Recruit Training.
Q: If I’m not a military veteran, what type of Basic Training should I expect?
A: If you are non-prior service, you will attend Recruit Training in Great Lakes, Illinois. Transforming you from a civilian to a Sailor, this nine-week course will bring out the very best in you, both mentally and physically. Those qualifying for Officer positions will attend the two-week Direct Commission Officer’s School in Pensacola, Florida.
Q: Where is Recruit Training?
A: The Navy’s Recruit Training Command is located in Great Lakes, Illinois.
Q: How long is Recruit Training?
A: It is nine weeks in length.
Q: How should I prepare for Recruit Training?
A: A strength-training program beginning at least six-months prior is suggested. This will provide you with the physical strength and the mental toughness to enter Recruit Training with confidence. Suggested daily exercises include a combination of the following:
Aerobic Training - Walking, jogging, rollerblading or swimming.
Exercises - Crunches (lie on back with knees flexed, arms folded across chest, raise upper body), pull-ups and push-ups.
Candidates should stretch muscles prior to working out and drink extra fluids before and after exercise.
Q: I have other questions about Recruit Training. Where do I go?
A: Go to the Recruit Training section of this site, or contact a Navy Reserve representative at 1-800-USA-USNR.
Once I’ve Joined
Q: What do Navy Reservists do?
A: The men and women of the Navy Reserve serve as a highly trained force available to meet the expanding needs of the Active Duty Navy. Meeting the same qualifications as those on Active Duty, Reservists provide the vital skills necessary to maintain national security and support our nation’s interests worldwide. Every day, you’ll find Reservists serving side by side with their Active Duty counterparts on station, on shore, in the air, at sea and on the drill deck, making up the greatest Navy force the world has ever seen.
Q: What type of career opportunities are available to me in the Navy Reserve?
A: There are more than one hundred Enlisted and Officer positions in the Navy Reserve. Go to the Opportunities section to learn more. The Navy Reserve is especially interested in candidates with military experience, career professionals, and those with special skills and training.
If you have experience in the health-care, intelligence or construction fields, you may be eligible for advanced rank and pay.
Q: If I would like a certain rating (job), can I be trained to do that job?
A: Yes, in most cases. The Navy Reserve believes in trying to match your abilities with your desired rating. If you meet the entrance-level qualifications and open opportunities exist, the Navy Reserve will make a concerted effort to match you with your desired rating.
Q: Can I change my rating (job) once I become a Navy Reservist?
A: Yes. Your request for change of rating will be considered if you are in an undermanned rating or the new rating is undermanned. To qualify, you will be required to complete correspondence courses for the new rating and pass a Navy-wide examination. You may also request direct conversion to another rating without an examination if you are qualified for your desired new rating and it appears on the open ratings list. Depending on the rating, additional schooling may be required.
Q: What ratings (jobs) can women apply for in the Navy Reserve?
A: Women are free to apply for and hold any job in the Navy Reserve, with the exception of positions that serve on submarines or as Navy SEALs. For example, while a woman can be a nuclear engineer, she can’t be a nuclear engineer on a submarine.
Q: If I’m Enlisted, can I become an Officer in the Navy Reserve?
A: Yes. As an Enlisted Reservist, you can apply for the Reserve Limited Duty Officer Program or, if qualified, apply for a direct commission. To qualify for direct commission, you must be a U.S. citizen between 19 and 35 years of age, and you must possess a four-year BS or BA from an accredited university. Age waivers may be granted based on length of service. Some Officer types, including Medical and Chaplain, have different age requirements.
Q: Can I receive advanced training and schooling in the Navy Reserve?
A: Yes. If you qualify for training in a critical Navy rating, you can apply for coursework in the delegated Navy technical training school. Completion of such schools increases your opportunities for advancement and promotion in both the Reserve and your civilian career.
Q: What happens if I need to move to another part of the country?
A: You can. The Navy Reserve has locations nationwide. Simply contact the Navy Reserve unit nearest to your new home within 30 days of when you wish to transfer.
Q: I have other questions about being a Navy Reservist. Where do I go?
A: Browse through the remainder of this site, Contact a Navy Reserve Recruiter by filling out the Contact a Recruiter form, or call 1-800-USA-USNR.
Pay and Benefits
Q: If I’m a Navy veteran, can I join and keep my former pay grade?
A: In most cases, if you’re a qualified Navy veteran who has been out of the service for less than four years, you can reenlist in the same pay grade you held at your time of discharge. If you’ve been out of the Navy for more than four years but less than ten, you may be temporarily advanced to the pay grade held at your time of discharge. Please contact a Navy Reserve Recruiter for additional details.
Q: How much do I get paid?
A: Your pay and allowances will be determined by the same pay scale used by Active Duty Navy personnel. As a Reservist, you will earn four days of base pay for your two days of training one weekend a month. In addition, you will receive full pay and allowances for meals and housing during your two-week Annual Training and for any extended Active Duty.
Q: What are some of the basic benefits my service provides?
A: Some of the benefits you’ll receive:
- Supplemental income
- Advanced skills training
- Management and leadership experience
- Promotions based on ability and performance
- Educational assistance through the Reserve Montgomery GI Bill
- The Department of Veteran Affairs Home Loan Guarantee program (available to Reservists with at least six years of honorable service)
- Military department store (Exchange) and grocery store (Commissary) privileges
- Low-cost life insurance options, providing up to $400,000 in coverage
- Travel opportunities
- A retirement program
Q: As a Navy Reservist, am I eligible for retirement pay?
A: Yes. You will become eligible for retirement pay at age 60, following 20 years of creditable service (Active Duty with Reserve or Reserve alone). Retirement benefit amounts vary depending on individual pay grades and total Active Duty and Reserve time.
Q: How do I calculate my retirement pay?
A: The first step is to calculate the number of equivalent years of service. The formula for computing equivalent years of service for Reserve retired pay at age 60 is fairly simple:
Total number of Creditable Retirement Points, divided by 360.
The formula computes the number of equivalent years of service you have completed (comparable to full-time service). For example, 3,600 points equals 10 years.
Depending on the date you initially entered military service, also called your DIEMS date, your monthly Reserve retired pay will be calculated under the “Final Basic Pay” or “High-3” formula as follows:
Final Basic Pay formula
DIEMS date before 8 September 1980 — Multiply your years of satisfactory (equivalent) service by 2.5%, up to a maximum of 75%. Multiply the result by the basic pay in effect on the date your retired pay starts.
High-3 formula
DIEMS date on or after 8 September 1980 — Multiply your years of satisfactory (equivalent) service by 2.5%, up to a maximum of 75%. Multiply the result by the average of your highest 36 months of basic pay. The highest 36 months for a member who transfers to the Retired Reserve until age 60 will normally be the 36 months before he or she turns 60. Members who request a discharge from the Retired Reserve before age 60, however, can use the basic pay only for the 36 months prior to their discharge. Think carefully before requesting a discharge from the Retired Reserve!
Q: How frequent are pay raises and advancement opportunities?
A: Reservists receive all general military increases in pay. Pay is based on rating and time in service. Advancement normally depends on a number of factors, including ability and performance, the needs of the Navy, time in grade, and the ability to pass advancement exams.
Q: I have other questions about pay and benefits. Where do I go?
A: Go to the Benefits section of this site, or contact a Navy Reserve representative at 1-800-USA-USNR.