- Image by @mjb via Flickr
If you want to join the United States Navy, you have a lot of options for what branch of service to select for your duty. If you are already balancing a busy social, family, or professional life but still want to offer your time to your state and country, then you might also consider joining the US Naval Reserves. When you are a member of the US Naval Reserves, you have to go through the same six-week basic training as everyone else in the US Navy, and must commit to serving one weekend a month in the service, and go through yearly two-week courses outside of your basic service.
If the reserves are called upon, you will be sent out with them, but that’s what the reserves are there for – to serve if necessary. Of course, when you are not serving, you are free to live your life as necessary, whether you’re a business owner, a family man or woman, or just have a busy civilian life, the US Naval Reserve offers you flexibility. You can live your civilian life, and then spend the occasional weekend or few weeks away, perhaps to recharge and serve your country in the meanwhile.
The Naval Reserves comprise 20% of the total US Naval forces, which means that you will also be plugged into a national network of support for the shift in life that will happen when you join the US Navy. It should be understood, however, that the Naval Reserves are not a part time job. Like a volunteer firefighter – if there is an emergency, you are called to be up to the task. You will be part of a mobile, accessible force that has mastered the transition between civilian and military life, and as a member of the Naval reserves, you will value both equally.
