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and expanded missions for the Naval Reserve. The
purpose of these missions is to complement total
force requirements. The twin goals of the surface
Reserve programs are readiness and responsibility.
In meeting these goals, the surface Reserve will
be a full and equal partner with the Active Forces
in the defense of this nation.
NAVAL AIR RESERVE FORCE
PROGRAM
The Naval Air Reserve Force is responsible for
providing mission-capable, task-performing units
available for immediate mobilization and deploy-
ment. It is an operating command of the Chief
of Naval Operations under the direction of
Commander Naval Air Reserve Force. The Air
Program’s sponsor, representative, and technical
manager is the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations
for Air Warfare. If full or partial mobilization
were required, the CNO would assign wings,
squadrons, and units as needed to various Active
Fleet-type commanders. Each wing, squadron, or
unit would then become an integral part of its
command.
Air Reserve squadrons normally operate their
own assigned aircraft and equipment. They are
a striking example of the hardware-oriented type
of Reserve the total force Navy requires.
Squadrons are, for the most part, equipped with
combat-deployable, fleet-compatible aircraft. A
continuing program ensures units are re-equipped
and retrained to meet current fleet requirements
consistent with mission objectives and budgetary
constraints.
The mission, complexity of equipment, and
inherent problems in the operation and use of
systems used by the Naval Air Reserve Force
require extensive and continuous training. To
reach and maintain a high state of readiness, the
Reserve Force provides training at naval air
stations, facilities, and satellite activities (Naval
Air Reserve Units and Centers) throughout the
United States.
RETIREMENT POINT CREDIT
To qualify for retired pay, a member of the
Reserve Forces must be credited with at least 50
retirement points a year for 20 years. The total
number of points earned is a factor in the
computation of retirement pay. If otherwise
eligible, the member may begin drawing retire-
ment pay at age 60.
Earning 35 retirement points per year satisfies
the requirement for retirement credit because a
reservist is allowed 15 gratuitous points for
maintaining an Active status. The reservist earns
1 retirement point for each day of Active service
whether it is extended active duty or annual
training. When not on active duty, the reservist
receives 1 retirement point for each completed
drill. The reservist may earn additional points by
completing approved correspondence courses
prepared by the Naval Education and Training
Program Management Support Activity, other
Navy sources, or the other armed forces. Members
receive an appropriate number of retirement
points for each course. When not on extended
active duty, the member may receive a maximum
of 60 points per year retirement credit plus those
received for annual training.
SUMMARY
The Naval Reserve is a full partner with the
Active Forces. The existence of task-oriented,
mission-capable units has made the Naval Reserve
a vital and contributing participant in the defense
of the nation.
As a byproduct of their training, naval
reservists are capable of serving side by side with
their active-duty counterparts in direct support of
the fleet. This unprecedented degree of integration
has developed a healthy feeling of mutual support.
Such mutual support encompasses most mis-
sion areas. This integration is also a preferred
method of training, since tasks performed during
peacetime are similar to those expected at the
outbreak of hostilities. Perhaps equally important
is the satisfaction reservists get from training
duty.
Today the total partnership between the Navy
and the Naval Reserve has made the total force
concept a reality. In the years ahead the Naval
Reserve will absorb additional responsibilities.
Therefore, its major challenge will be to recruit,
train, and retain the numbers and types of
reservists necessary to fulfill its expanding role.
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