PAO training tools for NRS's

1. An Interview with Navy ________________________________________________
About Prior Service Re-entry
Q A lot of people say that when you are in the military, you‟re in, but when you‟re out,
you‟re out. There is nothing in between. Is that true in the Navy?
A Actually, there is a lot of in-between. For starters, a lot of service people will end their
active duty commitment and then remain in the reserves for some time. For others, such as
people in school programs, they will be on reserve status and then become active upon
graduation. Perhaps even more important for people to know is that the military in general and in
the Navy in particular we keep the door open to prior service people, especially for job
classifications that are in high demand.
Q So someone who is out of a job now, but was once in the Navy might be eligible to get
back in?
A Yes, that‟s true, but that person doesn‟t necessarily have to be former Navy. Service in
one of the other branches also has value to the Navy and fits that qualification..
Q Speaking of qualifications, are there others? Like how old can you be and still gain re-
entry?
A In general, we will not be interested in someone who is more than 32 years old, but a lot
will depend on specialty experience. We have accepted certain physicians and chaplains who are
more than 45 years old. Further, each candidate must meet the same basic education and fitness
standards that the Navy has for everyone, and in recent years the quality of our people has been
improving substantially. Perhaps the biggest other qualification is physical condition, including
health.
Q By physical condition you mean the ability to run long distances and do push-ups and
pull-ups?
A In part, yes, and much of that will be evaluated at the point of re-entry, but certainly
being able to pass medically is important, and height and weight must meet current standards.
All records must be in order.
Q What proportion of people entering each year are prior service people?

2. A The Navy takes in about 45,000 people each year and less than one percent of those
individuals are prior service personnel. We would like to see that percentage grow. While a part
of that is our dedication to veterans, we know the true value of prior service experience.
Q You say the people with certain skills are in need. Can you identify what some of those
are?
A I already mentioned doctors and chaplains, and dentists will also fall into that category.
The greatest needs are in challenging career fields such as nuclear power, Navy diver, air rescue
swimmers, explosive ordnance disposal and Navy SEALs. Opportunities available are based on
the needs of the Navy. Prior service applicants are encouraged to consider other ratings in
addition to the rating they held before leaving the Navy.
Q I„m starting to get the feeling that gaining entry into the active Navy is a little more
difficult now than it was before. Is that true?
A While greater retention in the military may limit the number of opportunities for those
who have previously served, desirable skill sets and flexibility with rating choice improve
chances for selection. Additional options are available in our Navy Reserve force.
Q How does one get started pursuing this opportunity?
A Actually, the best first step is to contact the local recruiting station to find out about any
and all of the jobs that we have available. To reach us, simply contact our station by calling
______________, or stop in most afternoons at ____________________________.
If you or an out of-town friend want to locate another station near them, visit www.navy.com
and click on “find a recruiter” on the right side of the home page, then enter your zip code
number. The website will identify contact locations for both enlisted and officer programs. A call
to 800-4go –Navy will do the trick as well.
Additional comment:
To put the Navy‟s role in perspective, you need to recognize that 70 percent of the world is
covered by ocean, 80 percent of the world‟s population lives along coasts and 90 percent of the
world‟s commerce travels by water. Protecting all of that is our job, and that makes America‟s
Navy a global force for good.

3. Sailors serve on land and from the sea; from ships on the water, submarines under the water, and
planes and helicopters over the water – all to meet America‟s threats far away so that those
threats cannot harm us here. We welcome the best men and women to join us in accomplishing
today‟s missions and meeting tomorrow‟s challenges.
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