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New Member |
I am basically new to this website and I am looking for information, answers and basically some input.
I have been chewing over the idea of joining the Navy Reservist program for the last few years. I have spoken to retired Navy and some recruiters of course since they all paint this fantastic picture of Navy life I feel as though their perspective is bias; however I have yet to speak to someone who is an actual reservist in my area or anywhere for that matter. Basically I like the reservist program since it offers me flexibility which I need since I have a 9 month old, fairly recently married, and I am young professional with a well paying job which provides us with bread, a nice home etc. I have done research on-line regarding the differences between reservist program and I have come across some major horror stories. Such as : the reservist program affecting their careers by giving last minute notices to report in for some minor reason or another. Not getting paid for the, ending up in major financial trouble. A few say that the burden is too much to handle family. job and Navy. Many have even stated that the obligation is more demanding then the one weekend a month and the two weeks a year such as being sent off for months at a time. I don’t know what to think anymore!! I am looking for a reservist possibly in the NJ/PA area whom can give a direct answer and help me make the right step. As we all know the commitment is for a long stretch of time, however I want to improve the quality of life not diminish it. I am just looking for a clearer view.. |
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Member |
It can be very rewarding.
The paycheck will help (if nothing else with a car payment), you get some priviliges with regard to commissary, etc. depending on your location, and you do set yourself up for some extra cash at age 60. You may also learn a lot of new things and get some travel opportunities that others only dream about. Downside: 1. It is a full-time career. Depending on who you are in the chain there will be some work done on off-duty and unpaid time. Could be anything as simple as doing a computer course at home to having to generate a report, call Sailors to get info, etc. 2. Yes, you can get a call to report for mobilization on short notice. However, any unit that takes care of their Sailors will give them as much notice as possible so they can get their affairs in order. 3. Some things you will have to take care of out of pocket. For example, dental work outside of the annual check will not be paid for by the Navy unless you are recalled. That means you get a check and the Navy dentist says you need five fillings, you have to get your civilian dentist to do the work and pay whatever your insurance does not. 4. It can be a challenge. I was a reservist when I retired. I had three kids, in-laws that needed help, and towards the end two kids moved out and a grandkid moved in. However, it can be made to work so long as you and your spouse are willing to make it work. Before you talk to a recruiter make sure your spouse is onboard with your desires - it's your call but seeing as she will be helping you she should have some say in the issue. |
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New Member |
Jay,
I sympathize with your desire for more concrete information, but it's difficult to provide without more specifics as to the program you are interested in. Are you trying to join as an enlisted sailor? Through a direct commission program? In any particular rate/designator? These decisions will have a huge impact on your experience. If you have a specific program in mind, there is a lot of good information on this and similar boards (just google around a bit and they'll come up) to give you an idea of what you might be getting into. Having drilled for about a year, I would add the following: 1. Whatever you end up doing, I think it's inevitable that you'll spend more than a weekend a month and two weeks a year on reserve business. I am in a very laid back training cycle right now, and I'd estimate that my "homework" takes about an extra 10-15 hours a month between drills, keeping up with administrative issues, playing phone tag with the NOSC and so forth. 2. It also seems almost inevitable that all of us will deploy at some point. The nature and likelihood of deployment seems to depend a great deal on what job you're doing (e.g. some reservists deploy with their units, others get pulled out individually), but I think it is fair to say that you SHOULD NOT join the Navy Reserve if you are unprepared to put your job and family on hold and deploy (probably some place unpleasant). 3. Ultimately only you can decide if the burden is too much for you to take on. I hope this was helpful. Uriah |
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New Member |
Thanks for the reply. Basically I would be going in as an enlisted sailor. As far as ranking goes I would be an E1 status. Possibly down the road I would like to finish school and move forward as a CO. Regarding job presently I am work Network Engineer so I would like to use these skills in the Navy. I will say that the post above was a little nerve rattling since there is a lot on the "downside list" LOL 1. So I guess that it will be near impossible to work full time and be reservist. I mean in the long run it could also effect my chances of finding another job since I am sure employers dont want to deal with an unreliability issue given the fact that I would have to report in on a short notice. What is a relaxed cycle? 2. Have you been deployed?? if so for how long? Now I am willing to sacrifice everything and anything if it will make a better life for my son and wife. This is my main reason I want to provide a better future for them. 3. Regarding your point for #3, this is what i am trying to figure out. I want to learn what the burden will be and gain insight from someone who has walked that mile. |
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New Member |
Jay,
It's not impossible to work full time and be a reservist, but it is often challenging. If you're going enlisted, you're looking at a fair chunk of time in boot camp and A school right off the bat. Someone from the enlisted side would be able to give you a better idea, but I believe boot camp alone would be about 12 weeks long; between boot and follow on schools, you'd probably be looking at half a year of active duty just for initial training, depending on your rate (i.e. your Navy job). It's something I would definitely want to discuss with my employer. As far as going overseas, deployments vary so widely it is almost impossible to predict when, where and for how long you will go, apart from the likelihood that eventually you WILL go. Again, this depends a great deal on the unit you're with. From my very limited experience, I can say that if you're with a high-speed supply (e.g. a Cargo Handling Battalion) or construction (Seabee) unit, you're going to be downrange a lot. My friends in these units have all been to Iraq or Afghanistan, some of them multiple times. In other units it's much more hit or miss. Generally it seems that Seabee, security, cargo/supply and intelligence sailors get pulled most often, but it's not impossible (or unlikely) that you would get pulled as an IT. I don't mean to sound overly negative. I love the Navy and wouldn't want to give up the experience or the friends I've made. On the other hand, I think this is a realistic perspective on reserve service. Final word on career-impact: there're pluses and minuses. On the one hand, it's no secret that some employers don't support reservists (although, by law, reserve status should generally not be a negative factor in hiring decisions). On the other hand, you'd be surprised what a strong professional network there is in the USNR and the Navy generally. We have some pretty impressive people wearing the uniform, and they tend to look out for their shipmates. |
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New Member |
Jay,
I saw your post and thought I'd chime in and give my Marine reservist point of view. I joined the Marine reserves while working at a fortune 200 company for about 6 years. After I completed all my initial training and checked into my reserve unit I started working again at the same company. The whole process took about 7 months. So, no its not impossible to have a full-time job and be a reservist. You will have to put in more than the one weekend a month and two weeks a year. Your fitness takes outside work as well as staying sharp in your rating. You'll also have to keep on top of any admin/medical issues and/or requirements. As stated, family support is very important. If you decide to enlist you'll be away from home for your initial training, drill weekends, your two week annual training and deployments (if any). If you choose a technical rating it'll only help supplement (in my opinion) your civilian experience and education. Might even open up a few doors for you. For the intangibles, you'll gain a sense of pride and accomplishment you didn't have before and probably won't get anywhere else. From my stance, the things you'll gain and experience are well worth some of the low points you've noted. You'll meet some outstanding Sailors and Marines, make new friends, learn new things and experience even more. This, of course, is just my point of view. Good luck on your decision |
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Member |
It can be challenging to work full time and be a reservist, but not impossible. I worked full time the entire time I was a reservist, including some shift work. There are requirements that an employer has to respect regarding drills, annual training, etc. My son-in-law is a Sgt. First Class with the Army Reserve and also a sworn police officer - him and his wife make it work.
You are required to talk with your employer regarding drill schedules, annual training, and possible mobilization so they can also make plans to continue their operations. As to mentioning you're a reservist during a job interview, I strongly recommend you do not volunteer the information - wait for them to ask you first. At this point, you would not have anything significant to put on a resume with regard to the military anyway. At my stage it was to my advantage in some respects as I had a fair amount of "Been There Done That" experience plus education to help show it might be to their advantage to hire me. Legally, they can't hold being a reservist against you. However, most are slick enough to find other reasons not to hire you or to terminate you for cause, and you will have an uphill battle to prove it was due to your being a reservist. Not right, but it's there. You will also meet a lot of folks while you are at drill. Good chance to network, and see what opportunities there are in the civilian world. |
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New Member |
Thanks for the input; I would like to know if there is anyone in the Philadelphia area who is USNR (I know that the Naval base is 30 min from my house in Willow grove so there got to be someone out there). I would really like to have a conversation with them. I am beginning to get an impression based on the answers of the other positing that the reservist program is intended for people with different situations then mine regarding family, kids , life etc.
As I stated this is something I have been chewing over for a few years at times it was the first thing I would think about when I woke up and the last before I turned in for the night. As I mentioned I have talent as a Network Administrator with a strong technical background maybe I can even developed that into more a specific talent for the Navy as from what I do for my company. As I figured when you read about the brochures and talk with the recruiters the information is very broad such as the “one weekend a month and two weeks a year bit” I understand the boot camp is 9 weeks long, plus then you have to do the rate training at the station your assigned. I just get this feeling that it can turn into something that can consume life leaving no time for family or anything else. Is this correct or is my imagination running away with me? There has to be reservists out there that are content and able to juggle the family life along with the job and the Navy. Are the benefits given to you as a reservist also passed along to your family such as healthcare, travel, commissary etc (it seems as those are more intended for active duty sailors). From my understanding even this issue is confusing. Not to mention the pay I am trying to figure out if my employer is also entitled to pay me while I report in since on one post someone said they get between $15-100 paychecks from the Navy for drilling.. (I don’t suppose this person gave up a chuck of their regular salary for a check like that..) I do like the idea of meeting new people and giving to a higher cause. I am just having hard time seeing how people make it work I guess. I am still open to any input from anyone.. |
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New Member |
Mr. Castro,
If you call Willow Grove they will probably arrange to setup time around your schedule to come out and talk to a reservist that is in IT rate. That would be your best approach plus you can see the base/center and get a real understanding of what you would do. |
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Member |
Couple more answers for you. Your wife, etc., would get ID cards and be allowed use of the exchange, commissary, MWR facilities, etc. They would not get healthcare unless you are mobilized. Personal travel - last time I looked they don't qualify for the "Space A" travel you're thinking about. As to pay, it is strictly up to your employer how they handle it. Some will not pay you anything while you are on annual training. Some will pay the difference if they pay more than the military. In some cases, like the federal government, you get a certain amount of paid military leave you can use when you're going to be under orders. In other cases you may elect to either take leave without pay or if you have "use or lose" leave at your day job use it instead. Here's something else to think on - you may come in as an IT but in the Navy Reserve that does not mean you will work as an IT. You may very easily find yourself instead assigned to a unit and driving a forklift moving cargo and ammunition, or in the admin office for your unit generating official correspondence. Needs of the service come first. I'm a retired Boatswain's Mate (BM)- has little to do with office work. One unit I worked in the admin office doing official correspondence, etc. Mobilization I wound up running a shop composed of active duty and reserve personnel doing electro-mechanical work on diving equipment. Closest I came as a reservist to working as a BM was my last unit which was an ordnance handling battalion. It can be made to work. I did 28+ years, 19 of which was as a reservist, and I got a lot more job satisfaction out of my last couple of years than I ever got out of all the day jobs I ever held. |
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"Be nice, until it's not time to be nice"  |
Other than raising a family, being in teh reserves has been the most rewarding times of my life. The experiences have helped me at my work and with my family. You will have experiences that will last you the rest of your life. |
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New Member |
I'm an active duty LT looking to transition to the reserves next year. I've got a Marine Corp friend who served 13 years as a USMC reservist. He told me that there is a reserve unit in the Marines which you can attach to that has basically no direct support mission. They basically farm bodies out for miscellaneous billets around the USMC. He had a website that he could go to to find the assignment opportunities to complete his drill (he would choose them based on duration and location- generally fitting his desires) Does anyone know if such a unit exists for Naval Reservists?
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New Member |
Incidentally, re: drilling in the Philadelphia area, I live in Philly and drill at Ft. Dix in New Jersey. Willow Grove is being closed and units (like mine -- I was initially supposed to drill there) are being moved to Dix and other bases. I would not count on finding a billet at NAS Willow Grove.
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Member |
At one time there was a site where you could search within NAVRESFOR for Active Duty for Special Works, Presidential Selected Recall, etc. and get orders of varying duration. They not only looked for specific ranks/rates/designators/ratings, but also at specific abilities. For example, at one point the Navy was looking at anyone E-6 and above that spoke Turkish fluently. Didn't matter what else they did either in the Navy or as a civilian. Say you're a shipdriver and also a CPA - you could get spot working at the Pentagon for a specific project. |
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Member |
What your describing sounds like an IMA billet. Individual Mobilization Authority … I think. Basically as your friend described it, they are a bunch of billets attached to various active duty commands, but they are not organized into any type of Navy Reserve unit. The Marine Corps has a lot of them, the Navy I believe has some but very few. I’m also pretty sure that they are almost solely at the O6 level, but I’m not 100% sure of that.
You can find a lot of units that are very flexible in how you do your drills. You will have drill with the unit at some point for the PRT and some other admin type stuff, but otherwise you are given very wide latitude to determine how, when and where you will support your active duty command. In my unit, we have two all-hands weekends and otherwise the CO wants to see as few people as possible on the drill weekends. It’s not too much different from an IMA billet except that you are responsible to a reserve unit for your admin and mob readiness. The units located in fleet concentration areas and nearest their supported command tend to be the most flexible. As for reserve life in general, it is what you make of it. I have had some awesome times and met some fantastic people. I have gotten to do some things I would never have been able to without being in the reserves. There are always opportunities to do more than one weekend a month and two weeks a year. For the most part there is not a ton of between drill weekend requirements. Answering some e-mail, making a phone call or two and maybe some on-line training is about it. Realize that the farther up the chain you get, the more you will need to do between drills as you take on responsibility for other people I’m pretty sure that as a reservist your spouse can use space-A travel, but only OCONUS. |
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New Member |
I know this is an old post but I was reading it and wondering just how many Reservists do not work other full time jobs?
I'm new to the Reserves, with my prior military experience being AD. And yes, I am not an officer just a lower than whale turd HM3. I was just wondering about that. I work 4 jobs(lol) counting the Reserves but I guess I am lucky in that my career affords me ample time to pursue other experiences. |
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Member |
It depends on the person. I have known some that were stay-home spouses - the reserves was their way of getting "pin money". I have known some that were full-time students - the reserves was their way of defraying some of the expenses not covered by loans, grants, etc. |
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New Member |
Reading over post I realize it is a bit old but wanted to know if there is anybody that was a reservist MA rate?? Or anyone that knows someone that is a reserve MA!! Going in Jan. and want to see how the life is. Thanks
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