United States Navy Reserve facts for kids
The United States Navy Reserve is a special part of the United States Navy. Think of it like a team of part-time sailors! These brave men and women are ready to serve our country when needed, but they also have regular jobs or go to school.
They are an important "Reserve Component" of the U.S. Armed Forces. This means they train regularly and are prepared to join the full-time Navy if there's an emergency or a big mission.
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The Navy Reserve was first created in 1915. For many years, it was called the United States Naval Reserve. In 2005, its name changed to the United States Navy Reserve.
People who join the Navy Reserve are called reservists. They are trained in many different jobs, just like sailors in the regular Navy. This includes roles like pilots, engineers, doctors, and many more.
How Reservists Serve
Reservists usually train one weekend a month and two weeks a year. This allows them to keep their skills sharp while also living their civilian lives. When they are called to active duty, they serve alongside full-time Navy personnel around the world.
Their missions can include helping with natural disasters, supporting military operations, or providing medical care. They bring valuable skills from their civilian jobs to their Navy roles.
There are different ways people can be part of the Navy Reserve. Each group has different duties and levels of readiness.
Selected Reserve (SELRES)
The Selected Reserve (SELRES) is the largest and most active part of the Navy Reserve. These reservists regularly train and are ready to be called to duty quickly. They are often the first ones to be activated when the Navy needs more help.
SELRES members usually drill (train) one weekend a month. They also complete a two-week training period each year. This training helps them stay ready for any mission.
Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)
The Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) is made up of people who have served in the active military or the SELRES. They are not required to train regularly, but they can be called back to active duty if there's a national emergency.
Think of them as a backup team. They keep their military skills and knowledge, but they are not actively drilling every month.
Full Time Support (FTS)
Full Time Support (FTS) reservists are different. They work full-time for the Navy Reserve. Their job is to support the training and administration of other reservists.
FTS members are like the staff who keep the Navy Reserve running smoothly. They help manage programs, organize training, and ensure everything is ready for reservists to do their jobs.
Retired Reserve
The Retired Reserve program is for former Navy members who have retired from service. They are no longer actively serving or training, but they remain part of the Navy Reserve system. They can be called back in very rare and extreme national emergencies.
Images for kids
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A U.S. Navy Reserve optometrist checks the eyes of a 9-year-old boy during a humanitarian mission in Honduras.
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Navy Reserve Diver Seaman Jesse Kole inspects the inside of a former Russian submarine.
