United States Navy Reserve
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The United States Navy Reserve is the reserve component of the United States Navy.
- As of 29 April 2005, President George W. Bush signed a bill to rename United States Naval Reserve to United States Navy Reserve (Public Law 108-375)
Enlistees go through the same boot camp as regular active Navy recruits and enlist for a specific billet (job). After graduating from boot camp, the reservist usually trains at a Naval Reserve Center or Naval Air Reserve facility close to their home or school, typically one weekend every month. The reservist is also expected to spend a consecutive two week period every year at a regular Navy base. While training either for just a weekend or during the two weeks, the reservist is considered on Active duty and all active duty rules apply to the reservist.
Reservists are called into active duty as is needed. Regardless of the billet of the individual reservist, when called to active duty, the reservist functions under a specific billet assigned to the entire reserve unit. So while an indivual reservist might be an Aviation Ordnanceman and takes tests on Aviation Ordnance, the unit's active billet might be damage control so everyone in the unit is trained in firefighting etc.
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 corp 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 70's, 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 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.
Differences between Active Duty and Reserve
Active duty personel generally sign-on for a four year tour of duty. The reservists are usually required to have a six year tour.
Active duty personel are expected to buy their own uniform replacements. Reservists receive uniform replacements free of charge.
If Active duty personel want to get college tuition, part of their pay is taken and matched. Reservists receive their full pay plus tuition.
External Links
- Navy (http://navy.com)
- Naval Reserve (http://navalreserve.com)
- More on the Navy Reserve (http://reserves.navy.mil)
- Change of name (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/04/20050429-9.html).
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