ABOUT THE NAVY RESERVE

In the Navy Reserve, men and women from all walks of life join together to experience unrivaled training, undeniable purpose and uncommon adventure. Click here to learn more about roles and responsibilities.

The Navy Reserve is the Reserve Component (RC) of America’s Navy. Within this structure, there are organizational categories that further define a member’s service responsibilities and commitment status. Each has its own way of contributing to the overall mission. As a Navy Reserve Sailor, you will fall into one of the following categories depending on your military experience, military status and individual situation.

Ready Reserve

The Ready Reserve provides a pool of trained servicemembers who are ready to step in and serve whenever and wherever they are needed. It is made up of the Selected Reserve, which includes Drilling Navy Reserve Sailors/Units, as well as Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR) personnel and the Individual Ready Reserve.

Selected Reserve (SELRES)

This group is the largest and most relied upon of the Ready Reserve. It consists of:

• Drilling Navy Reserve Sailors/Units – These are designated Navy Reserve Sailors who are available for recall to Active Duty status. They serve as the Navy’s primary source of immediate manpower. They typically fulfill the traditional service commitment of one weekend a month and two weeks a year. They receive many of the same benefits and perform many of the same duties as their Active Duty counterparts. This includes people on initial Active Duty for training.
• Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR) – These are designated Navy Reserve Sailors who perform full-time Active Duty service that relates to the training and administration of the Navy Reserve program. They may be assigned to shore activities, commands, or operational units. They are not typically reassigned to different locations as often as those on regular Active Duty, but they receive the same pay, allowances and benefits as Active Duty members.

Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)

This group consists of people who have had training or have previously served in an Active Duty component, or in the Selected Reserve:

• Inactive Status – These members of the Individual Ready Reserve do not drill, are not obligated to take part in military activities. They do not receive pay or benefits.
• Active Status – People assigned to the Individual Ready Reserve may be eligible to receive pay or benefits for voluntarily performing specific types of Active Duty service.

Standby Reserve

The Standby Reserve is made up of Navy Reserve Sailors who have transferred from the Ready Reserve after fulfilling certain requirements established by law. The most common Standby Navy Reserve Sailors are people who have been deemed key civilian employees by the government, or those suffering through personal adversity or disability. While they are not required to perform training and are not part of any specific unit, they do create a pool of trained individuals who could be mobilized, if necessary, to fill manpower needs in specific skill areas.

Retired Reserve-Inactive

The Retired Reserve-Inactive is made up of Navy Reserve Sailors who receive retired pay, or are qualified for retired pay, upon reaching 60 years of age.

Find Your Equivalent Rate/Rank in the Navy Reserve

Rates, ranks and terminology that indicate a servicemember’s status differ by military branch. However, grades (E-1 to E-9 for Enlisted and O-1 to O-10 for Officer) indicate how status equates across the uniformed services. The Navy Reserve will make every effort to place you in the same pay grade you previously held. Once you know where you stand, you can see how your former pay grade compares.

Financial

With compensation for drill weekends and base pay for Annual Training (AT) (2 weeks per year), Navy Reserve Sailors earn as they serve. Know what you stand to earn in addition to your civilian income. Financial incentives and bonuses are also often given for critical rates and Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs).

In addition to income, Navy Reserve Sailors can plan for retirement through participation in Thrift Saving Plan (TSP) and ensure their family’s well-being through Service Member’s Life Insurance (SLGI) of $400,000 and $100,000 for spouses & children. See what you can save here.

Medical and Dental

Through Tricare Reserve Select, the Navy offers premium-based coverage available worldwide with the ability to see military, network and out-of-network providers. The Navy also offers access to the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program.

Healthcare Estimated Costs:

• Tricare Reserve Select Costs: Individual $40.00/Family $218.00
• Affordable Care Act Plans: Individual $212.00/Family $1,000.00

Explore even more benefits available to Navy Reserve Sailors.

Education Benefits

Navy Reserve Sailors continue to hold educational opportunities through Tuition Assistance, DANTES and their post 9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill. Further education opportunities are also available through the US Naval War College and Senior Enlisted Academy.

Navy Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL)

Navy COOL programs allow service members to apply work experience to earn desirable certifications and licenses related to your job. It also provides funding for exams and maintenance fees.

Explore even more advancement opportunities available to Navy Reserve Sailors.