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AT on a voluntary basis. Annual training for an
entire Selected Reserve unit is an ideal goal,
although it is not always possible. When the
members of an entire unit train together, it
enhances their ability to perform the unit’s
assigned mission.
While serving on AT, Reserve units receive
training and practical experience to maintain skills
at Active Fleet standards. Unit, team, and
individual readiness are emphasized. Important
team skills may be developed through combined
exercises that involve Reserve and Active air,
surface, and subsurface groups in underway
operational problems and exercises.
Aviation Reserve squadrons designated to
mobilize with their aircraft normally perform their
annual training at a fleet base. The fleet base is
under the cognizance of the fleet commander to
whom the squadrons report when mobilized.
During this period Reserve squadrons receive a
modified fleet operational readiness inspec-
tion.
In addition to AT, all aviation squadrons
periodically participate in fleet operational
exercises alongside their Regular Navy counter-
parts. Special AT is granted for this purpose. This
integration with fleet units combines training with
actual support of fleet activities by permitting
Reserve squadrons to participate in surveillance
patrols and other routine operations.
In addition to AT aboard ships, many
possibilities exist for training ashore. Many
stations ashore offer reservists practical experience
or study of new procedures through formal
instruction.
When required to perform AT, reservists
receive full pay and allowances plus travel
expenses. When performing AT on a voluntary
basis, reservists may or may not receive pay,
travel, and allowances, depending on available
funds. However, members in the Standby
Reserve-Active category perform all AT without
pay or other allowances.
SURFACE PROGRAMS
Reserve surface programs include both afloat
and ashore programs and training systems
development. Afloat and ashore programs consist
of the three categories of Ready Reserve
units discussed earlier as well as volunteer
units.
The afloat program includes units assigned to
surface combatants, submarines, and service
forces. It also includes units assigned to mine
warfare,
amphibious warfare, and inshore
undersea warfare missions.
The ashore organization includes construction
forces as well as cargo-handling, supply, medical,
dental, and security groups. It also includes units
involved in telecommunications, law, public
affairs, and other specialties.
Naval Reserve centers serve as the primary
training sites for most of the surface Reserve.
Naval Reserve units may use these activities
entirely for themselves or share them with other
military services.
Active-duty officers and enlisted personnel
serve in full-time active-duty assignments at each
Reserve center. The enlisted personnel support the
various training programs and maintain the
Reserve centers. They work in cooperation with
officers and petty officers of the individual drilling
units to help them carry out the training of their
own units.
The centers maintain equipment for training
in various areas (e.g., shops, radio, gunnery,
damage control). They are adding a new
dimension to the surface training environment
through the installation of shipboard simulators
(SBSs). These trainers simulate various shipboard
functions (command and control, bridge, damage
control, engineering,
and communications)
aboard several different ship types. Working
closely with the Chief of Naval Education and
Training, surface Reserve planners are continually
upgrading the training capabilities of the Reserve
centers.
A continuing challenge to the surface Reserve
program has been geographic distance of inland
units from fleet installations. Therefore, in
addition to improving on-site training, the Navy
and Air Force airlift reservists to their key training
platforms for inactive-duty travel training (IDTT).
Surface planners, along with the Chief of
Naval Operations (CNO) and elements of the
Active Fleet, are identifying and developing new
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