I have a question about the Navy Reserves?

Question

If I was to talk to my recruiter, get everything situated, then go to MEPS, would I leave right away for basic if I'm signing up for the Navy Reserves, or would I have to go in through DEP? Thank you!!

Answer 1

Here is your answer: If you have never been in the military before, you will be processed under the Non-Prior Service Basic program. This is a USNR program that allows you to select from a group of jobs (rates) that you qualify for. Each job will have different ship dates. The job you select may have two or three different dates available. The term of DEP (Delayed Entry Program) is not to exceed 365 days. However, unless you are a High School senior you will not be looking a whole year out. Once you ship to RTC (Navy Boot Camp), you will complete 9 weeks of Naval Training and the ship to the Navy school that you choose. Once you complete school you will check in to the nearest Naval Reserve Center (Naval Operational Center). From that point, its one weekend a month and two weeks out of the year on active. Feel free to email me if you have any more questions. Good Luck.

Answer 2

If you pass your physical at MEPS and your enlistment date has been established then you can go directly to basic from there. I'm sure that you know why you are going into the reserves but as a veteran who has done both I see the benefits of going regular active more advantageous. Have you weighed the pros and cons between the two?

Answer 3

It depends on the reserve program you are speaking of. If your are actually prior service, you will check into the reserve center and start drilling 30 days later. If you are on a program that puts you active for a period of time and then reserves, you will check in with the reserve center when you return. This type of enlistment is treated the same as active duty. You can be in delayed entry for 360 days if you choose.