The primary mission of the Naval Reserve is to provide trained units and individuals available for active duty in time of war or national emergency or to supplement the peacetime needs of the active forces. The ``total force'' of the Navy embraces all of its assets‹people and hardware. As a result, Naval Reserve strength is directly related to the inventory of ships, aircraft and support equipment. Wherever they may be, drilling at Reserve Centers all over the country or on active duty for training on the high seas, Naval Reservists are full partners with the active Navy.

In their civilian roles, out of uniform, Reservists fulfill their life's work in the mainstreams of America's economy and society. But they are always ready, as depicted in sculptor Leo Irrera's bronze relief, to leave the civilian world behind and don the uniforms, obligations and sacrifices of active service in the Navy. In this regard they are, in all respects, "twice a citizen." Sponsored the Naval Reserve Association with assistance from the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association.