Navy Reserve: Active Duty/Prior Service: Overview

By serving part-time in our force, you can keep or recapture everything you like best about the military without sacrificing your civilian life.

The Best Training
With thousands of men and women serving worldwide, the Navy Reserve represents a significant military force whose role and importance continues to increase. As a Navy Reservist, you will work side-by-side with Active Duty personnel while you experience the same training, access to equipment, and advancement opportunities.

The Best Friendships
As a veteran, you know that the best friendships are often forged in the military. By joining our force, you can continue to enjoy that unique camaraderie shared only by those who serve.

The Best Opportunities
The Navy Reserve is committed to you as a military veteran. We know that it’s your experience, years of training, expertise, and dedication that drive our force. For this reason, we will always attempt to match you with the rate/rank you currently hold or held upon separation. Our Rank Converter will show you the equivalent Navy Reserve rate and ranks as compared to other branches of the armed services.

We also know that you may want to explore different challenges and undergo new training. Therefore, if you qualify, you can cross-train into a new military job. Go to our Opportunities section to see how you may serve in the Navy Reserve.

The Best of Both Worlds
Join us today to continue to proudly serve your nation as you advance every aspect of your life and career. In addition to all the military benefits you’ll receive, your military training, background, and advanced leadership skills will be highly sought after by civilian employers.

Many Advantages for Veterans

Maintain your rank (in most cases)
No need to repeat basic training
Continue to proudly serve your country
Continue or recapture the camaraderie of service
Continue to build on the professional expertise and leadership skills you’ve acquired
Earn points for retirement every time you drill
Receive retirement pay at age 60, after 20 years of credible service
Receive four days pay for two weekend drilling days
Build upon your Montgomery GI Bill benefits
Tax-free Navy Exchange and commissary privileges
VA home loans
Low-cost insurance options, including up to $250,000 in life insurance

No Basic Training
The Navy Reserve understands that once you’ve gone through basic training, there’s no need to repeat the experience. You will be welcomed into the Reserve as the respected veteran you are.

Flexibility is Key
Traditionally, serving in our force requires a minimum of one weekend a month drilling at a local military installation and two weeks of Annual Training.

We realize, however, that in pursuing all your civilian and military goals, this schedule may not always be possible. Therefore, we have flexible drilling options for those who qualify. This includes fulfilling your annual commitment in one single, extended mission or possibly serving on weekdays, if your civilian career makes weekend service difficult.

Flex-drill
Flex-drilling allows you to stay on station long enough to accomplish significant training and results. This normally entails drilling for four or six consecutive days with an Active Duty command.

Commitment
Enlistment periods for veterans range from two to six years. Following your initial period of enlistment, you can extend your Navy Reserve contract up to an additional four years.