Returning to active service

2015-09-24T15:09:26-04:00

I am separating at my eaos and going in to the USNR in about 5 months. My reserve contract is 3 years and in that time I plan to finish my bachelors. After that I would like to come back to active duty as an officer. Id prefer going back in to the navy but I wouldn't mind another branch either. Does anyone know anything about the process or someone who has done the same thing I am trying to do?

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2015 3:15 PM

2015-09-24T15:15:55-04:00

What age will you be?

Response by PO1 Andrew White made Sep 24 at 2015 3:32 PM

2015-09-24T15:32:04-04:00

Sounds "do-able" enough. I would only say depends on the "needs of the Navy" at the time.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 24 at 2015 4:24 PM

2015-09-24T16:24:02-04:00

Check for commissioning programs, and things like ROTC while you are pursuing your degree.

Do you already have your A/S or A/A?

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 24 at 2015 4:33 PM

2015-09-24T16:33:11-04:00

Why don't you try for the ECP or another program like that, so you can get some compensation while getting your degree?

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Sep 24 at 2015 5:12 PM

2015-09-24T17:12:32-04:00

PO3 Kaylie Church
Agree with other postings, if you can get onboard with a NROTC program, probably your best bet.

If not onboard with NROTC and you are a USNR drilling reservist it will look favorable come application time for commission. I got off AD after the Gulf War, returned to college and did the USNR drilling reservist route. After graduation, returned to AD and commissioned into the Air Force as the Navy was downsizing physical therapists at the time. Your enlisted service will be in your favor come interview time and as a drilling reservist it continues to demonstrate your desire to serve, another feather in your cap.

As a former Navy recruiter, I told my prospects all the time, select something that can benefit you and the Navy. In your case, it’s just as important to remember that. You want to be that selectee for OTS, and having a skill set that can benefit both military and civilian side will help you in the long run.

Start your application process your senior year of college, normally last semester. They will not submit the package until you have your degree, but you can basically have everything else ready. If the Navy does not offer what you are looking for do not be discouraged, another branch of service may be a great choice as well. I did not regret one moment going to the Air Force, very different in every imaginable way and just as exciting as the Navy in many respects. I was fortunate, my first Air Force duty station we had 7 physical therapists; 6 mustang officers and 3 of us from the Navy.

Good luck!!

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 12:16 AM

2015-09-30T00:16:31-04:00

I just came back in the reserves. Had 8 years with a 5 yr break in service. Have you talked to your career councillor? It is easier to get a commission in the reserves, but there are options for commissioning while on active and get your degree.