Starting the process to go Navy reserve. Any tips that I should keep in mind or know about before signing another contract?

PO2 Matthew Giles — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 17:55:34 -0500

Anything useful for active to reservist that I should know? Tips of negotiating? Also do you know if I have to cross rate can I work in "A" school for the new rate to my new contract? Information like this is greatly appreciated.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Nov 20 at 2015 7:41 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 19:41:12 -0500

The first thing you want to do is contact a local Guard recruiter, many times they will be on base since many leave active duty to go reserves. When I talked to mine, they got my paperwork setup since the reserve is still federally funded. The recruiter will be able to tell you what will transfer over and what will not

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2015 8:47 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 20:47:23 -0500

EM3: First, congratulations for making the decision to continue your service in the Reserves! It says a lot about you and your commitment to our great nation. BZ! Second, talking to a Reserve Recruiter will be just like talking to your Recruiter or Career Counselor. Bottom Line: verify that what you want is in writing in YOUR enlistment contract. No offense to our hard working recruiters, but the person most interested in YOUR Reserve career is YOU. In addition to the Navy Reserve Recruiting webpage, check out the Navy Reserve Homeport and the discussions on Reserve Transition on the Navy Personnel Command website. Third, just like active duty, the Reserves have varying needs for different Rates and adjust educational opportunities / bonuses accordingly. The Reserve needs are different than the Active Duty! So make sure you are looking at the Reserve focused messages on CREO groups and bonuses. These can help you make a better decision should you decide to cross rate. Lastly, just like you're doing here. Double check the information you acquire (including especially mine above) and energize your mentor network for advice and verification. I wish you the best of luck in your Reserve transition. Please message me if I can be of further assistance.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 8:15 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 08:15:28 -0500

One lesson I learn from enter into reservist .... make sure everything is settled in black and white for the active side .... or you will not be able or as easy to get it done after you are in the reserve. They are two separated branches, even though they are still "Navy". Especially anything involve pay or benefit... make sure all is done and signed before you "end" your active.

There is risk to cross rating on the contract. so be careful. You might want to get into reserve first then thinking cross rate. Because if you cross rate on the contract ... and you fail the "A" school ... guess what mess you will be in. Then on the other hand, if you get in reserve than cross rating ... it will be harder, but you are on the safe spot. Just be mindful of the situation you might get into. Those are just my experience and understanding. Hope it actually helped you.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2015 10:37 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 10:37:27 -0500

If it is at all possible for you to stay active duty, do so. Maybe you'd be happy in a different rate? Maybe switch coast if possible?