Joining the Navy Reserve lets Sailors balance everyday life and Navy life - and have careers in both

Posted: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 12:00 am | Updated: 2:59 am, Tue Jan 15, 2013.

(BPT) - Family obligations, changing career aspirations and personal commitments are many of the factors that discourage Sailors and civilians from pursuing active duty service in the United States Navy. Did you know that Navy Reservists are able to serve their country while also working as professionals in their respective career fields?

For nearly 100 years, Navy Reservists have been integral to helping keep our nation safe. Navy Reservists are highly motivated men and women who are dedicated to the defense of our nation and who reflect the diversity of our nation in so many ways. They are individuals of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities. People with high school diplomas and people with college degrees. Men and women who've never had military experience and men and women who have previously served. Currently, more than 60,000 Sailors serve part-time in the Selected Reserve, representing about 20 percent of the Navy’s total force and supplementing the Navy’s active component. They serve on all fronts – from conflict prevention to conflict support, combat to peacekeeping, disaster response to humanitarian relief.