ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR FORMER SERVICEMEMBERS
Military veterans have proven experience and some familiarity with our requirements, but you can review the basics here or contact a Navy Reserve Recruiter if you have any questions.
BASIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
CITIZENSHIP
- You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. naturalized citizen or a legal permanent resident alien of the United States.
- Foreigners must legally immigrate first and then apply for and receive a permanent residency green card, prior to enlistment.The Navy Reserve cannot assist with the immigration process. To be eligible, you must enlist prior to the expiration date on your green card.
- As a Commissioned Officer in the Navy Reserve, you must be a native or naturalized U.S. citizen. You must also meet the mental, moral and physical standards for Navy service.
AGE
To join the Navy Reserve, you must be between the ages of 17-41 for Enlisted programs and be able to have 20 years of total service by age 62. Age requirements for Officer programs vary.*
*If you are not yet 18, you need parental consent to join. Other restrictions or exceptions may apply depending on your job or program in the Navy.
HEALTH
You must pass a physical exam to qualify for entrance. For military veterans, these requirements are normally determined on a case-by-case basis.
EDUCATION
As with standard military qualifications for all Enlisted personnel, the minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is required. For Officers, a degree from a four-year college or university is typically required. Any education and/or civilian experience acquired since you last served could potentially open up new possibilities for you in the Navy Reserve. Qualification and commitment details relate to your specific background and interests, so you should contact a Navy Reserve Recruiter for specific details.
BASIC OBLIGATIONS
Serving in the Navy Reserve traditionally requires a minimum of one weekend a month (drilling) and two weeks a year (Annual Training). Most of the training can be arranged to take place close to home so you won't need to relocate. In general, this is what to expect while serving in the Navy Reserve:
DRILLING
Your regular training typically amounts to 16 hours each month at a nearby training site. There are hundreds of locations across the U.S. that offer flexible drilling options so you could fulfill your annual commitment in a single extended mission or serving on weekdays if your civilian career makes weekend service difficult.
ANNUAL TRAINING
For at least two weeks each year, you will take part in advanced training that can take you across the U.S. or around the globe. This is typically a command exercise with your drilling Reserve detachment, but you may also have opportunities to pursue independent assignments that broaden your experience.
SERVICE COMMITMENT
For former servicemembers seeking Enlisted positions, the minimum Navy Reserve service requirement typically ranges from two to six years. For former servicemembers seeking Officer positions, the minimum service requirement may vary.
ENLISTED BASIC TRAINING
If you’ve served in an Enlisted role in the Navy (NAVET) or any other service branch (OSVET), there’s no need to repeat Recruit Training (Boot Camp).
OFFICER TRAINING
If you previously served as a Navy Officer (NAVET), there’s no need to repeat the prerequisite training for commissioning. You can simply apply through the Direct Commission Officer Program. If you served as in Officer in any other service branch (OSVET) or served in an Enlisted role (NAVET or OSVET) but now meet the requirements to become an Officer, you may also apply through the Direct Commission Officer Program. However, you will have to complete the 12-day Direct Commission Officer (DCO) Course in Newport, RI.
SERVICE COMMITMENT
The amount of time you are required to serve depends on many factors, including your interests, your background, your pursuit of an Officer or Enlisted position, or whether you are taking advantage of Navy education opportunities.
- Enlisted positions typically require an initial service commitment of four years (positions involving longer-term training may involve longer service obligations).
- Officer positions typically require an initial service commitment of three to five years (again positions involving longer-term training may involve longer service obligations).
The best way to confirm the specific service commitment that is best for you is to contact a recruiter.
DEPLOYMENT DEFERMENT FOR UP TO TWO YEARS
If you're a former Navy servicemember (NAVET), be aware that you can receive guaranteed initial deployment deferment when you affiliate with the Navy Reserve.
- Two-year involuntary mobilization deferment available if affiliating within six months of release from Active Duty
- One-year involuntary mobilization deferment available if affiliating between seven and twelve months after release from Active Duty
