NAVY RESERVE SAILOR ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Navy Reserve Sailors include people from all walks of life, ages, backgrounds and ethnicities. They have varying levels of education and work as professionals in all kinds of career fields. Plus, you can become a member even if you don't have any prior military experience.

Navy Reserve Sailors typically have the same duties as their Active Duty counterparts. They provide invaluable expertise, experience and leadership while delivering critical support to global operations and planning. Specific responsibilities depend upon basic factors such as designation as an Enlisted Sailor or a Commissioned Officer and your occupational specialty.

Navy Reserve service is typically associated with part-time service. Nearly all Navy Reserve Sailors serve a minimum of one weekend a month, plus two weeks a year. There are flexible drilling options that enable you to serve on weekdays or on an extended mission to ensure you meet annual commitment requirements. There are also opportunities for additional service and pay.

SERVING FULL-TIME AS A NAVY RESERVE SAILOR

Navy Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR) – This program allows Navy Reserve Sailors to perform full-time Active Duty service in positions that support the training and administration of the Navy Reserve Force. Members receive the same pay, allowances and benefits as Active Duty members. One advantage of TAR instead of pursuing regular Active Duty is that members typically serve for longer periods at any assigned location. Learn more about TAR opportunities.

Navy Individual Augmentee (IA) – This program allows Navy Reserve Sailors to perform full-time Active Duty service in positions that support strategic objectives. Members may be chosen or volunteer to fill roles that require specialized knowledge or skill sets, and they could potentially fill needs outside the Navy in any service branch. Learn more about serving as an Individual Augmentee.

DEPLOYING AS A NAVY RESERVE SAILOR

As a Navy Reserve Sailor, you could potentially be deployed while serving your country. There is no formula for determining who will deploy or when, where or for how long. It comes down to what occupational specialties and operational units are needed at any given time, and who is best qualified and ready to serve those needs. Learn more about deployment and deployment readiness now.

If you are deployed, you are considered to be on Active Duty status and will be entitled to Active Duty pay and benefits. Plus, if a deployment lasts 120 continuous days, you will be eligible to take advantage of the Tuition Assistance (TA) Program. If you're a current or former Navy servicemember (NAVET), you can receive guaranteed initial deployment deferment for periods of up to two years when you affiliate with the Navy Reserve. Contact your career counselor or the Career Transition Office (CTO) to learn more.

There are hundreds of Navy Reserve Centers across the country. Sites to train on drill weekends are readily available and typically located conveniently close to your home. Check out a map of locations now.

During the standard two-week annual training period, you also have the chance to travel to destinations in the U.S. or around the world, taking part in scheduled training exercises or humanitarian outreach efforts. Navy Reserve Sailors who are serving full-time or on deployment could be serving virtually anywhere in the world, alongside Active Duty forces, wherever the Navy is.

Navy Reserve Sailors are trained professionals capable and willing to contribute to ongoing Navy training, planning and operations. Whether it’s piloting an F/A-18 for the weekend, caring for the medical needs of a deployed Sailor’s children, or renovating a Navy base, Navy Reserve Sailors’ lives are full of exciting challenges and gratifying moments. At the same time, Navy Reserve Sailors are free to pursue their own interests, family obligations and professions in the civilian sector when off duty.