How to Become a Navy Reserve

Joining the Navy Reserve is a fulfilling endeavor with a relatively simple enrollment process.

Civilians and former military enlistees can serve the United States by joining the Reserves. Each branch of the armed services has a Reserve component. The Navy Reserve offers a chance to be part of the Navy while maintaining a generally civilian lifestyle. As a Navy Reserve, you will be required to contribute one weekend per month, plus two weeks a year, to drilling and other obligations. As a new enlisted member to the Navy Reserve, you might expect a monthly pay of $175 to $350 to start. Carefully consider whether you have the commitment and would be a good fit with the Navy Reserve. Should you choose to join, the process will be relatively straightforward.

Instructions

1. Find a Navy Reserve recruiter. You can locate one by using the Navy Reserve website, navyreserve.com. The site also allows you to fill out an information-request form that will prompt someone to call you.

2. Undergo a medical prescreening with your Navy recruiter. After your medical report is reviewed and approved, your recruiter will schedule a visit to your nearest Military Entrance Processing Station. There are 65 MEPS throughout the United States.

3. Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a test that should reveal the careers you might do well at. Informational and study guides are available upon request. Reserve careers range from engineering and information technology to chaplain support and business and legal services.

4. Assemble all necessary documentation. This includes your Social Security card, driver's license, a signed direct-deposit form 1199 (the name, address and routing number of your bank accompanied by your account number will suffice), a notarized copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree or separation order if you have one, notarized copies of your children's birth certificates if applicable, and college transcripts. Questions about family obligations help the Navy Reserve to identify any benefits you might be entitled to in the Navy.

5. Provide your medical history and take a physical examination. This will include blood and urinalysis testing, hearing and vision exams, and simple flexibility checks. While the initial physical screening simply determines your overall physical qualification for the Navy Reserve, this medical examine is designed to uncover any physical abnormalities that might affect your service.

6. Pick your Reserve career choice. If you are not sure of your qualifications or if you are unfamiliar with the career opportunities available to you, visit the "Careers & Jobs" portion of the Navy Reserve website for more information.

7. Finish your pre-enlistment interview and complete any further required testing. Then sign your enlistment contract, recite the Oath of Enlistment and join the Navy Reserve.

References

• Navy Reserve: Entrance Process
• Navy Reserve: Careers
• Navy Reserve: Request a Recruiter
• Navy Reserve: Joining
• Navy Reserve: Pay Benefits

Resources

• Joining the U.S. Navy Reserve
• Request More Information from a Recruiter
• Navy Reserve: Careers & Jobs
• Navy Reserve: FAQ