text: does anyone know if you are in the navy if you can transfer the rest of your active duty to the reserves? i know the airforce allows you to do this if you have less than 2 years of active duty left. yes and no.  the us navy requires a six year commitment for all enlistments.  most enlistments are for 4 years of active duty which would require two years of reserve duty.  the amount of active duty time depends on your choice of schooling and enlistment contract.  if your contract requires 4 years of active duty, you must remain on active duty for four years.