United States Navy Reserve
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The United States Navy Reserve, until 2005 known as the United States Naval Reserve, is the reserve component of the United States Navy.
Reservists are called into active duty, or mobilized, as needed and are required to sign paperwork acknowledging this possibility upon enlistment. Since the terror attacks of 9/11, Reservists have been mobilized in large numbers. The Global War On Terror has even seen the first activation of a full USNR squadron since the Korean War, VFA-201, an F/A-18 Hornet squadron which deployed onboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).
The Navy Reserve consists of approximately 80,000 officers and enlisted personnel who serve in every State, every territory and overseas.
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[edit] History
The current concept of the United States Navy Reserve did not originate as a Federal force. In fact, today's Navy Reserve is an off-shoot of the National Guard. It originated from the National Guard concept of a volunteer Militia, formed into companies, and created by citizen-soldiers of the States, who had an affinity for the sea. The concept of a volunteer Militia unit was confirmed in the Uniform Militia Act of 1792, to be formed of volunteers from the Militia at large and to be uniformed and equipped at the individual volunteer's expense. At this time, it was a corps of "citizen" soldiers who enjoyed military exercise and who were willing to sacrifice both the time and the money necessary to enjoy it.
The need for a Naval Reserve was first recognized by Naval leaders prior to the War of 1812. A Bill providing for such a Reserve organization was introduced in Congress during Jefferson's period in office but it failed to pass. During the War of 1812, there were many more men ready to go to sea then there were ships to put them on. Thus the ships of the small U.S. Navy of 1812 competed only with the American privateers in recruiting seasoned seagoing personnel.
Beginning in the 1870s, two events set the stage for the formation of the Naval Militia. The first was the Federal government's latest act to increase the efficiency of the National Guard with the passage of Secretary of War William C. Endicott's act of February 12, 1887. This act doubled the annual appropriations to the National Guard. This act inspired many younger officers to call for a more modern navy. This movement saw the creation of the Naval War College and the formation of the Naval Institute in 1873, which further promoted the "advancement of professional and scientific knowledge in the Navy."
By November 1918, the end of World War I, approximately 20,000 officers and 280,000 enlisted members would be designated as Reservists serving alongside 230,000 active-duty Regular Navy personnel at sea and ashore. What was to follow with the passage of the Naval Act of 1920, which in effect superseded the Naval Militias by the formation of the Naval and Marine Corps Reserves. The entire structure was completely reorganized in the Naval Reserve Act of 1938.
After 11 September 2001, Navy Reservists were called up in large numbers. Many did not know for how long they were going to be called up for, but typically they were demobilized after one year or earlier. Many reservists volunteered for an additional year.
As of 29 April 2005, President George W. Bush signed a bill to rename the United States Naval Reserve to United States Navy Reserve (Public Law 108-375).[1]
[edit] Entry and service
Prior service enlistees may be available to affiliate with the Navy Reserve in their active duty rating (job specialty) and paygrade.
Non-prior service enlistees first do five once-a-month weekends of preliminary training at a Navy Reserve Activity. During this time they obtain their uniforms, receive instruction as to how to wear them properly, and learn the fundamentals of military life, such as marching, saluting, naval history and regulations. After completing this preliminary course, recruits go through a shortened boot camp located at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois (same location as Active Duty training) and qualify for a specific billet (job) in order to make their rate permanent. Very few ratings are available to non-prior service personnel. Based upon their skill sets, members will enter into service at paygrades E3 through E5. Although non-prior service recruits are paid from their first day at the advanced pay grade, they are not entitled to wear the insignia signifying their rank until they successfully complete boot camp. After graduating from boot camp, the reservist usually trains at a Navy Operational Support Center again to complete the final "Phase IV" requirements. After that, he or she is sent to a unit.
For those in aviation specialties, drilling will take place at Naval Air Reserve facilities, often close to their home or school. Aviation specialties are unavailable to non-prior service enlistees.
Typically, the Reservist is required to drill one weekend every month and spend a consecutive two-week period every year at a regular Navy base or on board a ship. While training either for just a weekend or during the two weeks, the reservist is on active duty and the full spectrum of rules and regulations, including the Uniform Code of Military Justice, apply.
[edit] Differences between Active Duty and Reserve
- Active duty personnel generally sign-on for an eight year tour of duty which includes four years active service and four years in the inactive reserve. The reservists are usually required to have an eight year tour, with six years in the selective reserve, and two years inactive, unless they have prior military service which then allows for two, four or six year contracts.
- Active duty personnel are expected to buy their own uniform replacements (uniform allowances, however, are provided for). Reservists have uniform replacements free of charge available at certain intervals, based on the expected wear of the item.
- If Active duty personnel want to get college tuition, part of their pay is taken and matched. Reservists receive their full pay plus tuition.
- Active duty personnel receive retired pay immediately upon retirement. Reservists must wait until their 60th birthday.
- Active duty personnel receive full medical and dental care for themselves and their dependents. Only selected Reservists are eligible for similar coverage and must pay a premium.
- Active duty personnel receive 30 days of paid leave each year. Reservists do not earn leave unless mobilized.
