Navy and other service veterans often ask about the benefits and advantages of returning to the service on a part-time basis in the Navy Reserve. Civilians who have never been in the service ask what the Navy Reserve is all about. The questions most often asked of Navy Reserve recruiters are answered here as simply as possible. However, they are directed mainly to the returning veteran. The answers reveal how coming back into the Navy Reserve can help assure a better future for the reservist, his or her family, and our country. What Is the Navy Reserve? The Navy Reserve is a force of highly trained men and women available to meet the expanded needs of the regular Navy. Together, the Navy and the Navy Reserve employ specialists in many skills, working together for national security and to support the nation's interests around the world. How Much Time Does the Navy Reserve Require? A Naval Reservist usually attends training sessions with a Reserve unit one weekend a month. Once a year reservists go on annual training (AT) for about two weeks at a shore location, with an aviation squadron or aboard ship. What Are the Obligations While in the Navy Reserve? Reservists must attend at least 90 percent of assigned training sessions and at least 12 days of AT each year. What Is the Starting Pay? Pay and allowances are determined by the same pay scale used by active duty Navy personnel. Reservists earn four days of base pay for attending training sessions one weekend a month. They also receive full pay and allowances for meals and housing during the two weeks of AT each year (military pay). How Frequent Are Pay Raises And Advancement Opportunities? Reservists receive all general military increases in pay, which is based on rate and time in service. Advancement opportunities in the Navy Reserve are similar to those in the active duty Navy. Advancement depends on the needs of the Navy the reservist's ability and time in grade plus a passing mark on the advancement test. Training courses are available to help reservists get ahead faster. Are Programs Available Leading To a Navy Reserve Commission? Enlisted reservists can apply for the Reserve Limited Duty Officer (LDO) Program or, if qualified, apply for a direct commission (DIRCOM). What Happens if a Change in Civilian Employment Requires Relocation? The Navy Reserve is one of the few part-time jobs available almost anywhere. Navy Reserve training activities are located throughout the United States and overseas. When relocating to another area, reservists are allowed up to 30 days to contact a reserve unit in the new area. The 30 days is a grace period during which the reservist does not have to drill. The missed drill, however, must be made up at a later date. Where Do Naval Reservists Train? Training sessions are usually held at the nearest Navy Reserve Center or Naval Air Reserve activity. Two-day weekend training can also be performed aboard ships or at central training sites. The two weeks of AT may take place aboard ships, with Navy air squadrons or at Navy shore activities in the United States or overseas. Do Civilian Employers Support the Navy Reserve? Yes. They realize their Navy Reserve employee is learning the most up-to-date, high-tech methods that will help him or her develop skills to become a more effective worker and leader in the civilian work force. The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is an organization dedicated to fostering a solid working relationship between employers and the Reserve components of the military. Do Qualified Reservists Get Paid "With Dependents" Status? Yes, but only for AT. The pay and allowances during those 12-14 days are accumulated at the same rate as received by active duty Navy personnel with dependents. What Shopping Privileges Do Reservists and Their Families Receive? Reservists and their families are entitled to the use of military exchanges and commissary stores. Are Reservists Subject to Recall? Yes. Naval reservists stand ready to mobilize for our country's defense whenever needed. Circumstances under which mobilization may occur are spelled out under federal law: 12301, 12302, 12303 of Title 10, United States Code. Can Reservists Deduct Reserve Duty Costs from Their Income Tax? The Internal Revenue Service allows reservists to make certain deductions from federal income taxes for Navy Reserve training. Find out about these deductions from any Internal Revenue Service office. Are Reservists Eligible for Retirement Pay? Reservists may retire after 20 years of satisfactory service. This is based on a combination of active duty time, attendance at training periods and completion of correspondence courses. Mandatory retirement age is 60 (sometimes waivable to age 67 for Physicians). However, reservists do not start receiving retirement pay until age 60. The amount received at age 60 depends on the base pay of the reservist's paygrade, and total active and inactive Reserve time. What Are Retired Reservists Entitled To? When reservists start to collect retired pay at age 60, they and their dependents retain many benefits. They may use base facilities including service clubs, armed services exchanges and commissaries, and recreation facilities when access is not limited. They may also be entitled to available medical care. However, this is subject to limitations of space and facilities. Can Retired Reservists Use Military Air Transportation? Yes. Retired reservists and eligible dependents (when accompanied by the retiree) may use military air transportation to travel when space on flights is available. Rules and regulations change often, so check with the nearest military air terminal for up to-date information. What Happens if a Reservist Dies Before Age 60? An optional Survivors' Benefit Plan provides an annuity to eligible beneficiaries of reservists who have qualified for retired pay. Can Reservists Continue Their Service Members' Group Life Insurance? Yes, under certain conditions. Reservists may continue SGLI while affiliated with a Navy Reserve unit. Upon release from the unit, reservists may elect to continue coverage for five years at no increased premium with Veterans Group Life Insurance. A Navy Reserve recruiter will have the details. What benefits does the Navy Reserve offer? Extra monthly income Retirement program The opportunity to learn new skills and sharpen existing ones Reserve Montgomery GI Bill (educational assistance) Military department store (exchange) and grocery store (commissary) privileges Low-cost life insurance options (up to $250,000) Travel opportunities Management and leadership training Health care for injury or illness sustained during active duty and training periods Department of Veterans Affairs Home-Loan Guarantee Program (available to reservists with at least six years of honorable service)
 For more information on the Navy Reserve, contact your Officer Recruiter.
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