Navy Reserve: About the Reserve: Overview

Support to the Fleet… Ready and Fully Integrated
The Navy Reserve is a full partner with the Navy’s active duty component. Comprised of mission-capable units, the Navy Reserve is a vital component in the defense of our nation. Navy Reservists serve side-by-side with their active duty counterparts in direct support of the Fleet. They can be found on station, at home and abroad, on shore, in the air, at sea, on active duty, and on the drill deck, augmenting the Fleet as an active part of the greatest Navy force the world has ever seen.

Total Force Concept
The mission of the Navy Reserve is to provide mission-capable units and individuals to the Navy’s active duty component throughout the full range of operations during peacetime and war. Every day the integration between the Navy and the Navy Reserve becomes greater and more evident. In the years ahead, this total force concept will continue to grow stronger, elevating the role of the Navy Reserve and its Reservists as never before.

Today’s Navy Reserve
Currently, the Navy Reserve represents 20 percent of the Navy’s total assets. The Navy Reserve Force consists of the Ready Reserve, the Standby Reserve, and the Retired Reserve, in total numbering nearly 700,000 men and women.

The Ready Reserve is made up of the Selected Reserve Forces and the Individual Ready Reserve.

Selected Reserve Forces
The Selected Reserve, or SELRES, is the Navy’s primary source of immediate mobilization manpower and represents those Reservists who are paid, either as weekend drillers or who serve as Full Time Support (FTS) on active duty status in the training and administration of the Navy Reserve Force program.

Individual Ready Reserve
The Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) consists of those members of the Ready Reserve who are not in the Selected Reserve. Limitation of available pay billets, absence of drilling units within commuting distance, conflicting employment, and other factors prevent some Reservists from participating in the Selected Reserve.

The Standby Reserve consists of Reservists who have transferred from the Ready Reserve after fulfilling certain requirements established by law.

The Retired Reserve-Inactive consists of Reservists who are drawing retired pay or are qualified for retired pay upon reaching age 60.

YOUR REASONS TO JOIN

Duty, Honor, and Courage
The need to safeguard our country and protect all citizens has perhaps never been greater than it is now. If you have left or are leaving active duty, the Navy Reserve provides an excellent opportunity for you to continue to serve proudly as you pursue the next exciting phase of your life. If you have never served, you can now know the pride that comes from actively ensuring the overall safety of your family, friends, community, and country.

Career Advancement and Success
As a Reservist, your service is part-time, but the training, the leadership, and team-building abilities you acquire are extensive and world-class. If you are a military veteran, you will continue to build upon what you have already achieved. In fact, if you qualify, you can change ratings, allowing you to gain new skills in a role that supports and accelerates your civilian career. Yet, no matter what Navy Reserve job you hold, having the words “Navy Reserve” on your resume will give you a great advantage. Civilian employers highly value the varied expertise, skills, advanced training, and problem-solving abilities your service provides.

Military Life and Benefits
Ask any veteran and they will tell you that the friendships you forge in the military are one of a kind. There are unique bonds and a sense of camaraderie that truly exist only among those who serve. If you are a military veteran, joining the Navy Reserve allows you to stay connected to everything you like and will miss about the military. If you have never served, joining allows you to experience the unique culture and many benefits of military life without sacrificing your civilian life. Go to Benefits for a complete listing of the benefits you’ll receive, including educational benefits and earning points for retirement every time you drill.

Civilian Life and Family
In the Navy Reserve, you get to stay close to home, family, and friends as you serve your country. Every day, life presents exciting opportunities. The Navy Reserve gives you the flexibility to explore them all. Our core service commitment of a minimum of one weekend a month and two weeks a year will enable you to follow your career, family, and interests wherever they lead. In some cases, you can even take advantage of flexible drilling options in order to fulfill your commitment. For details, contact your local Navy Reserve Recruiter.