What are the normal duties of an Ensign in the Navy Reserve?

Question

I am finishing my master's degree and considering joining the US Navy Reserve as a way to give back to my country. While looking at both the US Navy reserve and the US Navy websites I was not able to determine what an average Ensign's duties might be. I know that area specialty plays a role, but surely there must be a description some where.

Thanks.

Answer 1

After you finish OCS, you would go train for one weekend a month and for 2 weeks a year.

On AT (annual training) or on the drill weekend, your unit will go through various training exercises. You're really just learning. You'll have a few enlisted under you. Do be a douche and try to pull rank on the petty officers or you'll get your *** handed to you.

You'll most likely be surface warfare or inshore boat unit. Talk to the officers at your university's ROTC.

Answer 2

I am currently an ensign on a destroyer out of norfolk, basically the main job of an ensign is to get qualified in their community (surface warfare, aviation, or subs). For surface warfare, you are given a division of 6-20 enlisted sailors and are responsible for your equipment and people.  You also spend a lot of your time trying to get qualified as a surface warfare officer.  To do this you stand watches and learn the systems aboard your ship.  For aviators, ensigns go to flight school.  Submariners go to nuke power school.  Overall, it is a very demanding job.  The skills you learn managing people will set you up for a great job when you get out in the private sector.  Overall, I would suggest looking into which community you would want to join.  Best of luck.

Answer 3

Well I can't really speak on behalf of an ensign, but I can speak to you as an enlisted sailor. My answer to you is that you should be very careful about your choice in the US Navy. You're finishing up your MASTERS...a great accomplishment. To join the reserves in my eyes would not benefit you. By the time you get through OCS...that is if you're not married or over age 23, you could already have a well paying career. Think about whether or not you want the "title" of an ensign or if you truly want to serve your country full time by getting commissioned as an active duty officer. My suggestion: start your career in your major/go active duty to get the true NAVY experience.

Answer 4

Ensigns are not like fungible goods.  Your duties will be based on whatever kind of work you do.  You could be a finance officer, a supply officer, an engineer, inspector, etc.

Answer 5

in truth? the  Dept Head's Female Dog.   you are expected to know nothing , s***w up often and make a complete idiot of yourself, all while learning how to be a Leader of Sailors.