Joining Navy Reserves
 

I was wondering if anyone has any experience switching from the AF to the Navy reserves? Any info on the process and what the differences are would be appreciated. Thanks

...must...show...restraint.....

I don't want to get banned, so I won't start with the Navy jokes.

good luck though.

I've never heard of anyone in the Air Force wanting to switch to the Navy Reserves.....Ever.......Having said that, I think the very first thing that one needs to do in order to make the switch, is have a partial frontal lobe lobotomy.:D:D:eek:

JJ

It's been done. The unit obviously has to go to bat for you to make it through the wickets.

Happens quite a bit. Talk to whatever squadron you're interested in. I doubt you'll have a chance with one of the C-40 (B737) units but the C-9 and C-130 units are hurting for folks...

C9

Frog PM me. Will put you in touch with someone who just went through that process from AF to Navy(SELRES).

All inter-service rivalry aside......yes, as a Navy guy, I agree with the frontal lobotomy comment, which is less painful than the sex change required to be in the Chairforce.

Also have to agree with the question: WHY? I know it is way cooler to say you're a Navy pilot, but.......

In the Air Guard, you can pretty much stay in your unit until you have your 20 without the pressure to screen for command. In the Navy Reserve, once you pin on 0-5, you gotta be the head banana, or selected as such, or you're out of the unit........you might want to re-think your reasoning for switching.

As a Navy guy, I'd go to the Air Guard.

I agree 100% with all of your assertions, with the possible exception of the sex change operation, but then I wouldn't really know, but I'll check with some F-15 guys, who could speak from experience.;) I especially agree with your comments about the Air Guard. I know a bunch of Navy guys who left active duty and joined the Navy Reserve, only to retire as an O-4, whereas almost all of the ANG guys I know, end up retiring as either an O-5 or an O-6. As well, if flying is your thing, it's relatively easy to stay on flight status for your entire time in the ANG, whereas it seems much harder for the Navy guys. However, all that said, I still get a kick out of meeting Naval Aviators, because they always seem to introduce themselves by their call sign.:D Just my .02 cents.

JJ

Assuming one was an O-4 or O-3 transitioning to the Navy(SELRES) I doubt very much(especially in the current climate) they'd even be competitive for O-5, that said if they did screen for O-5 chances are because of their unique situation they'd get an overgrade waiver(they are still granted on a case by case basis). I say that because by definition they wouldn't be competitive for a Command Screen Board. It's not always the case to be sent packing once you pin on O-5 and you're not the CO/OIC in your unit especially in some of the VFC/VR squadrons. It's certainly more common to be sent packing now given the Navy SELRES O-5 end strength as well as the current O-5 screen rate(last year 1st look 33%, 2nd look 7%), but not impossible to keep flying.

Three former USAF now USN SELRES in VT-31 (KNGP) instructing in the T-44. Two made O-5 on time and the third is up this year. Overgrade waivers will become more popular as the USN commitment change (7 to 8 years) is hitting forcing more senior guys into the billets as the junior guys are not eligible.

FWIW, all three dudes are former AD IPs in the same squadron. We are a big fan of the known quantity returning letterman over LT/CAPT Smith from somewhere else. Chances are slim for you here but PM me if you want a number for the guy who can talk your ear off about it (not me).

Now you have.