I'll let you know how things work here shortly...
I've been enlisted in the USNR for just over two years now. I graduated college a year ago and I recently applied for Active Duty OCS... I'm still waiting to hear something.
Are looking at a Reserves commission? From what I have seen you must have a job in the civilain world that has prepared you for direct commissioning in the Reserves. This would be something along the lines of doctor, lawyer, civilian aviator, etc. Otherwise you would have to enlist. From what I have heard right the Reserves are looking for corpsmen, seabees and master-at-arms. So if you have a medical, construction, or law enforcement background you're golden. Otherwise the recruiter simply sticks you in a field (hopefully you have somewhat of a choice) that needs to be filled. I enlisted as an undesignated airmen (E-3). I wanted IS (intel specialist) but I was told it wasn't available at the time. Now that I have been in for two years I'm having a hell of a time trying to convert to IS... that conversion package went out a little while ago.
commitment= varies. I'm 8 years of drilling with 2 on the Inactive Ready Reserve
active duty= once your training is complete they'd probably love to have you be deployed... not sure about active duty though- depends on the rate
this is from another thread i posted in; it outlines the ENLISTED aspect of the USNR.
Once you enlist (and complete Phase 1- indoc weekend) you will attend Phase 2- 6 drill weekends (at least 6 months) before you attend a 17 day bootcamp (Phase 3). During the drills leading up to boot you will be attending classes ranging from Naval History to grooming to customs and courtesies. Your bootcamp is an abreviated course revolving around damage control, firefighting, and other basic sailor skills. When you are done with bootcamp you will go back to drill. You will begin Phase 4 which is more classes that are slightly more indepth. This could take a few more drill weekends. At this same time you will be attending rate training and working on your correspondence rating manuals. You complete all of your phases once you have finished the following:
indoc weekend
pre-bootcamp training
bootcamp
additional post-bootcamp training
84 days of contact= drill weekend is 2 days, bootcamp is 17, AT/IDT 12 days; these must add up to 84 before you can be mobilized outside CONUS
complete BMR, airman/seaman/fireman, military requirements for 3rd class PO, and associated rating books.
pass your E-4 exam
At this point in time YOU WILL NOT BE DEPLOYED until your 84 days and subsequent training are finished. This could take well over two years based upon how quickly you can finish everything.
to the best of my knowledge getting a commission directly into the Reserves relies upon your civilian occupation.