Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 7/14/2009

Question
Hello. First, I'd like to thank you all so much for your service and sacrific you make for this nation and for taking the time to answer all of these questions. I know you are busy, and your time and answers are VERY much appreciated!
My fiance is a MA3 in the Navy Reserves, soon to be 35 in August. We have a 2 year old son together, and will be getting married soon. He/we have been tossing around the idea of him enlisting full time into the Navy. I have many questions, but I'll limit them for you!
1. Is he too old?
2. How would that transition take place? Would he have to fulfill his contract with the reserves, then do the same for the Navy?
3. Should we get married first to make his "spousal status" more clear?
4. Will his rate stay the same?
5. Will his years of service in the reserves "count" in the actual military?
6. What would life for the 3 of us be like? Where would we be stationed because he is a MA? Is there any way not to move so often? What happens to our son and me when/if he goes on deployment?
I know there is a better way to get ALL my questions answered, but I have no idea where to start, or exactly who to talk to. I don't want to wait on my fiance to get the answers, I want to do my part to find out for myself and for our family. I just happened upon this site, and ANY help you can give me is absolutely appreciated. Thank you so much and God bless you all!

Answer
Jennifer,
Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding!
Sorry I was slow in answering, but my computer has been down for repairs for a week.
Yes, this is a good choice to get your questions answered.

The short answer is no.  He cannot simply transfer.  Although the name sounds similar, the Reserves and Active Duty are completely different components.  It's just a component that when activated will report to the Navy.

He cannot simply transfer from the Reserves to active duty. He must get an approved discharge from the Reserve component, and then separately process for enlistment for the Navy.

There are several other reasons why he can't switch:

At age 35 he is too old.  34 is the limit.

Even if he were within the age limit, MA3 is a Petty Officer Third Class and he would forfeit one rank from E-4 to E-3.

Also, the Master-at-Arms career field is undermanned right now so they probably wouldn't release him.

To satisfy your curiosity on the other questions,
#2 - Yes
#3 - Yes
#4 - No
#5 - Yes
#6 - When sailors with children go on deployment they must submit a written plan to their supervisor stating how his/her children will be cared for.  Assuming you're married, the plan is simple, they remain in your care.  If you're not yet married, he can still designate the child would remain in the mother or grandmother's care.  The Navy doesn't really care what his plan is, as long as it is viable.  They're just ensuring he's thinking about his children.
Colonel H