Is joining the Navy reserves during the first years of college a good idea?

Question

I am in my first year of studying engineering, with the focus of becoming a aviator in the Navy. I want to be a strong candidate. I figured that if I get some exposure to the service I could add weight to my resume when I apply for a pilot slot. So, I really like the sounds of the Navy reserves, as long as it does not interfere too much with my studies.

My parents are american, I was born in australia, I have a GC, and will be a citizen well before I complete my studies, so no barriers there.

any advice please?
thanks guys.

what about the Navy ROTC? Is this a much better option for me or is it just the same thing? The college I am attending does offer the ROTC program for both AF and navy. But with ROTC I am not sure if I can get the exposure I want so I can prove to the recruiters I am fighter pilot material. please advise.

I worked for my ppl myself, my father was navy so i grew up around the ships, now i am studying in college. just want to do more to prove I have what it takes. what other experiences can I develop for good leverage in my application?
thanks

Answer 1

if you enlist on the Reserves, you WILL be subject to deployment. Additionally, the Navy now trains their reservists the same way they train their AD.. Boot camp and A school in one shot. You could expect to miss at least one semester of classes.

Consider ROTC instead: no deployment.

Answer 2

First off, although not impossible, it is difficult to become an aviator in the Navy. About 98% of the pilots come from the Naval Academy. Joining the reserves will give you an advantage becauseyou already showed that you will serve your country. The jobs available for non-prior-service reserves are MA (police), construction and HM (medical). As far as being deployed, it is part of the job. Although there is an average of 1.5-2 years before troops are being deployed. Of course you could be the unlucky and get attached to a unit that is deploying immediately. The GI Bill you receive as a reservist is only about $12,000, while active duty gets $39,636. You do have to go through basic and 'A'school at the same time so you will need to skip a year of college. You also have to look at the payment of your college. If you are getting a full ride then you have no problem. If you are taking out loans then you will have to pay them back and a four year degree in engineering is expensive. Another way to go would be to go active duty and apply for one of the fie officer rpograms where they will pay for the rest of your schooling. Or continue your schooling while on active duty for free. There is a lot of information available. Go talk with a recruiter, just make sure you tell them that you are only looking for information and are not ready to join now. Good luck.

Answer 3

It is a good idea. You'll have an idea of what Navy life is like. You'll also get time in service for pay purposes (not retirement). You'll also get the GI bill which will help pay for school expenses (given to you, not the school).

If you are studying engineering, another option for you to consider is the Navy Civil Engineer Corps. Once you get your citizenship, you can apply and if accepted, you will be full active duty, with pay, retirement, medical, dental, and other benefits while you go to school. Pay will be about $2,000 - $3,000 per month depending on where you live. Try this link to find out more information:

https://portal.navfac.navy.mil/portal/page?_pageid=1254,5824623&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

You can still go into the reserves before applying for the CEC program or applying for OCS as an aviator. I'm sure your reserve time will help during the interview and selection process.

I was in the Marine Corps Reserves while in college and am currently a CEC officer and didn't really have too many problems with interference with studies. The reserve units are also pretty flexible with drill dates in case there are conflicts iwith exams or other personal issues... you'll just have to make up the time another time.

Answer 4

ROTC would be a better option but you have to be a U.S citizen to apply. You will be able to graduate and receive a commission instead of having to try and get a spot in officers candidate school. Naval ROTC offers scholarships, you will have to take classes pertaining to the military and there will be weekend activities and summer activities you will have to take part in. https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/ is probably the best place to find out more information about the program. And then you will not have to take time to go to basic training... or worry about missing two weeks a year of school. you can also try the seaman to admiral program once you have finished your sophomore year of college

Answer 5

"as long as it does not interfere too much with my studies" thats going to be your biggest problem. Reserves are being called up to fill IA billets all over the world. If you enlist in the reserves, you have about a 90% chance of deploying somewhere to support the fight downrange. Of course this also depends on what rating who enlist for when you come in.

Answer 6

Harry, 2 felonies can in no way artwork--so recommending the army turns into beside the point. The waivers are meant to offer one regulation violation a risk, committing 2 consistently leads to a denied enlistment. in no way in my occupation did I see anybody get in with 2 felonies. i will in no way say it rather is impossible, yet rattling close to. ...and if i'm no longer wrong, AR 601-210 ch4, completely denounces ones risk of enlisting with 2 felonies. edit: I in basic terms reread the posters question. i can assert, easily which you will't connect with that legal on checklist. i'm telling you from journey and that i even checked the reg one greater time for $hits and laugh. i'm sorry. :(