Yes, it is possible to join the Navy after serving in the Army. The Navy offers various opportunities for prior service members to continue their military service in the Navy Reserve.
Key Facts
- OSVET Program: Veterans of the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, or their Reserve/Guard components may enlist in the Navy Reserve through the OSVET (Other Service Veterans) program. This program allows individuals to carry over their equivalent pay grade and rating to the Navy Reserve.
- Basic Entry Requirements: To join the Navy Reserve, you must meet certain entry requirements. These include being a U.S. citizen, U.S. naturalized citizen, or a legal permanent resident alien of the United States. Foreigners must legally immigrate and receive a permanent residency green card before enlisting. Age requirements for enlisted programs are between 17-41, and for officer programs, they vary. You must also pass a physical exam and have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Basic Obligations: Serving in the Navy Reserve typically requires a minimum of one weekend a month (drilling) and two weeks a year (Annual Training). Most of the training can be arranged to take place close to home. The service commitment for former servicemembers seeking enlisted positions typically ranges from two to six years, while for officer positions, it may vary. Enlisted personnel who have previously served in the Navy or any other service branch do not need to repeat recruit training (boot camp).
- Deployment Deferment: Former Navy servicemembers (NAVET) can receive guaranteed initial deployment deferment when affiliating with the Navy Reserve. A two-year involuntary mobilization deferment is available if affiliating within six months of release from active duty, and a one-year deferment is available if affiliating between seven and twelve months after release from active duty.
Programs for Prior Service Members
The Navy Reserve offers two primary programs for veterans of other military branches:
OSVET (Other Service Veterans) Program
This program allows veterans of the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, or their Reserve/Guard components to enlist in the Navy Reserve. Veterans may be able to carry over their equivalent pay grade and rating to the Navy Reserve.
NAVET (Navy Veteran) Program
This program is for individuals who have previously served in the Navy or Navy Reserve, either active or inactive duty. NAVETs may be able to reenlist in the Navy Reserve at the same rank, rating, and pay grade they held while on active duty, depending on position availability and Navy Reserve needs at the time of enlistment.
Basic Entry Requirements
To join the Navy Reserve as a prior service member, you must meet certain entry requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. naturalized citizen, or a legal permanent resident alien of the United States
- Meet age requirements (17-41 for enlisted programs, varying for officer programs)
- Pass a physical exam
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Basic Obligations
Serving in the Navy Reserve typically requires:
- One weekend a month (drilling)
- Two weeks a year (Annual Training)
- A service commitment of two to six years for enlisted positions and varying for officer positions
Deployment Deferment
Former Navy servicemembers (NAVETs) are eligible for guaranteed initial deployment deferment when affiliating with the Navy Reserve. They may receive a two-year involuntary mobilization deferment if affiliating within six months of release from active duty or a one-year deferment if affiliating between seven and twelve months after release.
Sources
- Navy Joining: Ways to Join if You Have Served Before
- United States Navy Prior Service Enlisted Reserve Opportunities Brochure
- Navy Reserve
FAQs
Can I join the Navy after serving in the Army?
Yes, you can join the Navy after serving in the Army through the Navy’s Osvet (Other Service Veterans) program.
What are the basic entry requirements for prior service members joining the Navy Reserve?
You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, meet age requirements (17-41 for enlisted, varying for officers), pass a physical exam, and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
What are the basic obligations of serving in the Navy Reserve?
Typically, you will drill one weekend a month and participate in two weeks of Annual Training each year. Service commitments vary depending on your position and rank.
Are there any benefits to joining the Navy Reserve as a prior service member?
Yes, you may be able to carry over your previous rank and rating, receive advanced pay, and qualify for deployment deferment.
What is the Osvet program?
The Osvet program allows veterans of other military branches to enlist in the Navy Reserve and potentially carry over their equivalent pay grade and rating.
What is the NAVET program?
The NAVET program is for individuals who have previously served in the Navy or Navy Reserve and allows them to reenlist at the same rank, rating, and pay grade they held while on active duty, depending on availability.
Are there any age restrictions for prior service members joining the Navy Reserve?
Yes, age requirements for enlisted programs are 17-41, and for officer programs, they vary.
Can prior service members skip boot camp when joining the Navy Reserve?
Yes, if you have previously completed basic training in another military branch, you will not need to repeat it when joining the Navy Reserve.