The Navy Reserve allows individuals to serve part-time while maintaining civilian life, and often makes up a large percentage of a nation’s military personnel. Reserve members receive similar benefits and training as active-duty members and can serve in various roles. Basic training is required, and minimum commitment periods vary by country.
The Navy Reserve is a component of a nation’s naval Armed Forces. Members of the Marine Reserve are often thought of and referred to as “citizen sailors” as they often work part-time in the military while holding full-time jobs in civilian life. Reserve members are an integral part of a nation’s Armed Forces and often make up a large percentage of a nation’s military personnel.
The idea of having reserve forces to augment a nation’s regular armed forces is not new. For many nations, it is simply not practical to have a large Army, Navy, and Air Force. The ability to serve part-time in the reserves, in addition to being able to maintain civilian life, also encourages and allows individuals to serve in the armed forces who normally cannot serve in the armed forces full-time. While actual requirements may differ between countries with a Navy Reserve, many reservists are required to serve one to two days per month and approximately two or more additional weeks per year.
Navy Reserve personnel undergo the same training as active-duty members and generally receive the same benefits, privileges and opportunities for advancement as active-duty members. While serving, there is normally no significant differentiation made between naval reservists and those on active duty. Indeed, Navy reservists are often called upon to serve as active duty reservists in times of war, national emergency, or when needed. Contrary to popular belief, Navy reservists are not limited to serving only on ships, as many reservists are capable of serving at stations that are not located next to a body of water.
The career of most Navy reservists begins with what is commonly referred to as basic training, the process of assimilation and training civilians to be seamen. It is a rigorous, challenging, and demanding training program designed to prepare recruits for the rigors of military service. Basic training generally lasts between eight and twelve weeks, depending on the nation and the specific branch of service. Once basic training is completed, additional training in an area of expertise is usually required.
In many nations, Marine Reserve members are required to serve a minimum term or commitment. For example, in the US Navy Reserve, the minimum commitment period ranges from two to four years for individuals with prior military service to eight years for those with no prior military experience. In comparison, the Royal Navy Navy Reserve requires Rating, or unofficial members, to serve for a minimum five-year commitment. Those interested in more information about serving in the Naval Reserve should contact a Navy Reserve recruiter.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
