Retain Your Military Ties

The life you lead as a servicemember, Navy or otherwise, is unique. When you’re part of the military, you have the satisfaction of being part of something bigger than yourself. You share a sense of camaraderie and a purpose that those outside the military can’t relate to.

The Navy Reserve lets you stay connected – to the people, the friendships, the pride and the lifestyle. It enables you to continue your career in uniform – while giving you the flexibility to enjoy a full home life, have a civilian career and pursue educational interests. It allows you to actively contribute to the mission of America’s Navy – without having to do it full-time on Active Duty.

Go On Reaping the Benefits

By most standards, Navy benefits (and military benefits in general) are exceptional – the sort of perks that can help secure a better future for you and your family. But the fact is, there are important ones that don’t carry over once you leave the military. Serving part-time, you can maintain many of the benefits you value. Supplementing what you receive in the civilian sector with what you receive as a Reservist.

The Navy Reserve provides everything from generous pay to additional points toward retirement. It gives you access to many of the same financial, health, education and travel benefits that you received while on Active Duty. What’s more, you could earn a potential affiliation bonus from $5,000 to $20,000 when you join.

For more information, contact your Career Counselor (if you're now serving as an Enlisted Sailor in the Navy); contact the CTO (if you're now serving as an Officer in the Navy); or contact a Navy Reserve Recruiter (if you're now serving in an Enlisted or Officer role in another branch of the military).

Want to learn more about how the Navy Reserve can help you move forward and help you make the most of the time you’ve already put in? Look into Navy Reserve benefits and be sure to check out the pay calculator.

Continue to Refine Your Skills

Navy Reservists work side by side with Active Duty personnel. They have access to the same training, equipment and advancement opportunities. So if you’re going from the Active Component to the Reserve Component, this means you can build on the expertise you already have as a military professional and further enhance your abilities.

As a Reservist, you’ll be the ultimate team player – ready when needed. You’ll take skills acquired in uniform and apply them to your civilian job – and vice versa. It’s truly an opportunity to make the most of your experience.

Realize the Potential for Career Advancement

Today’s Navy Reserve has a wealth of career opportunities. From Construction to Cryptology. Health Care to Chaplaincy. Law Enforcement to Office Administration. Continue to do what you do best – but on a part-time basis. The ongoing experience will not only help further your military career, it can open doors in the civilian sector as well.

If you’re in the Navy, you will typically maintain your current rate or rank in the Navy Reserve. If you’re transitioning from another service branch, you can check out the Rate/Rank Converter to see how your current role may translate in the Navy Reserve. And be aware that those with the right skill sets who are interested in areas outside of their specialty may even qualify to cross-train into a new field.

For more information, contact your Career Counselor (if you're now serving as an Enlisted Sailor in the Navy); contact the CTO (if you're now serving as an Officer in the Navy); or contact a Navy Reserve Recruiter (if you're now serving in an Enlisted or Officer role in another branch of the military).

Move Forward and Renew Your Commitment

However long you’ve been serving, hanging up the uniform is not a decision that comes easily. Thankfully, military life doesn’t have to be an either/or proposition. You can have the best of both worlds. You can balance your desire to continue serving with your goals in life outside the military. You can do it as a respected member of the Navy Reserve.

It’s an ideal transition. Open a new chapter in uniform. Focus on everyday commitments or pursuits in the civilian sector. Keep on serving in a role you know well, every month and every year.