Navy Reserve Birthday
The U.S. Navy Reserve celebrates its birthday every March 3.
Formed in 1915 in response to the outbreak of World War I, the Navy Reserve made up almost 84 percent of the Navy's fighting force during the war. Among its ranks were five future U.S. Presidents and 15 recipients of the Medal of Honor. The Navy Reserve has since had reservists serve in every major war in which the United States has fought.
On any particular day, 25 percent of the Navy Reserve is delivering global operational support to the fleet and combat forces. The Reserve has seen over 70,000 mobilizations of Selected Reservists since September 11, 2001, and more than 4,500 deployments by reservists serving on Full-Time Support.
Today, over 100,000 reservists serve as either the Selected Reserve (SELRES) or Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) Sailors. Reservists serve to amplify the Navy’s core capabilities, which include forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response.
![](http://images02.military.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2024-04/1time%20red%20o%27neill%20platoon%201200.jpg?itok=w-2J41Bh "John C. McGinley as Sgt. O'Neill in Oliver Stone's "Platoon." (Orion Pictures)")
