While I was in the recruitment process I’d often search Google different questions I had. More often than not, I’d stumble upon a Reddit thread of someone who was in a similar situation. So I’m creating this thread to document my own experience enlisting as an 8 year OSVET for those who may find themselves going down the Google/Reddit rabbit hole. Hopefully this can give some insight for those looking for it.
I was in the Army Reserve for 8 years then got out. 7 years went by when I realized I wanted to join the military again, but this time a different branch.
I began talking with a prior service recruiter last March and went to MEPS that following April. For those who don’t know, their setup is different from the 2010s MEPS era. You’ll fill out a form requesting a MEPS physical and receive an appointment several weeks to a month later.
Once you’re there, no more stripping down to your underwear and duck walking in a line with 40 other applicants. Everything is done one-on-one with a provider and an observer of the same gender if your provider is of the opposite sex. Prior service commissioned officers, warrant officers, officer candidates, and prior service enlisted get to jump the lines in that specific order. I completed my MEPS visit in about 5 hours.
MEPS uses a medical system called MHS Genesis. If you’re unfamiliar with it, the key takeaway is that just about every encounter with a medical professional you’ve ever had is known and well-documented, and they will know if you’re lying or omitting information. Ergo, don’t lie. If you’ve had some sort of a hospital visit or a procedure done then I highly recommend being upfront about it and come with as much documentation you can.
Once you’re found medically qualified, you’ll sit down with your recruiter and/or career counselor and go over your rate and sign more paperwork. As the Navy says, choose your rate/choose your fate.
Now, I required approximately 13 tattoo waivers. They’re all visible. From my understanding, so long as your tattoos are not on your face or head and are not racist, sexist, gang-related, or offensive in any way, you should be good to go. My tattoo waivers took approximately 3 weeks to be approved by an O-9.
The portion of my enlistment I had the most questions on was the “gaining” process. In substance, it refers to the process of being officially affiliated with both the Navy and your unit or reserve center. The time frame can vary wildly, but it typically takes up to 3 months. There are other threads here that report even longer wait times. I signed my contract in May and was gained in July. Enjoy your time being in the Navy but not actually being in the Navy yet. Most importantly, don’t do anything stupid out in civilian land.
For those who are confused about how the Navy Reserve works, you’re assigned a unit where you’ll perform your rate with, and another which is where you will physically drill at (NRC). Your actual unit can be based in another state or even another country. For annual training, you’ll be sent to your actual unit. However, if you’re in a pretty active unit, they can have you travel to them for drill several times out of the year. The role of the NRC is largely administrative and ensuring you are mobilization ready. You can get medical, PRT, and supply things done there.
Now, for my actual experience at my NRC…
Dogshit. Tits on a bull may serve more of a purpose than them. There are only a handful of full-time staff and believe me when I say they are in absolutely no rush to do their jobs for you. Many of the issues I’ve faced sat on their desks for months before I took these matters into my own hands and magically solved them in a matter of minutes. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in similar situations. You really need to take control of your Navy career and be the one to oversee it.
With all that said, 4 months elapsed from the time I made contact with a recruiter to becoming a SELRES Sailor. I did not have to go to boot camp or any OSVET program; just A and C school.
If you have any questions feel free to send me a message and I’ll do my best to help you out. If I don’t have the answer then I’ll find someone who does.
