Military Careers, commissioning programs - Marine Corps Times

Navy

Sailors who complete the active-duty obligation of their first enlistment may affiliate with the Navy Reserve for the remainder of that enlistment. Discharged sailors can come into the Navy Reserve under the Navy Veteran program.

If you have been out for less than four years, you may enlist in the same paygrade. The paygrade for those out longer is based on length of time since discharge and the Navy’s need for individuals in your rating.

The Other Service Veteran program is for veterans from other service branches who want to enlist in the Navy Reserve. Candidates must have job classifications similar to those in the Navy and be able to complete 20 years of qualifying service for retirement by age 60.

The Non-Prior Service Program offers an opportunity for civilians who have skills comparable to Navy ratings to enlist directly in the Navy Reserve.

For critical skills acquired through the military, college or civilian employment, the Navy Reserve offers an Advanced Pay Grade program, in which the first half-year of service is spent in an indoctrination course and the first two weeks of active duty are spent at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Ill., in an abbreviated boot camp. The indoctrination is waived for veterans recruited this way.

For those who want to be in the Navy Reserve but cannot find a paid billet, the Navy has Volunteer Training Units. These selected reservists are not paid, but accrue points toward retirement and are eligible to do paid annual training and other active-duty tours if the opportunity arises.

Contact: To locate a recruiter or for more information, call (800) 872-8767 or visit the Navy Reserve Web site at www.navalreserve.com.