wabpilot

That was the way the USAF did business. In the Navy, we tended to have our reserve air wings equipped similarly to our active air wings. During the 1980s, we upgraded the reserves to F-14s from the F-4S. That was while we still had F-4N and F-4S squadrons in the regular navy. The same happened with F-18s replacing the A-7. However, the A-7 hung on for a long time in both the regulars and reserves. (It was a good light attack type.)

In the Naval Reserve Force we haven't done as well. They still have too many FFGs. But, almost every Naval Reserve Center has either a Bridge, CIC, Damage Control or Engine Room simulator. The Reservists arrive for their reserve cruise well drilled on how to operate their particular part of the ship, even if their ship is now very much out of date. Thus, a reserve cruise can concentrate on integrating the reservists into the ship's routine without worrying about teaching them their primary duty.

Our system also has two other types of reserves. First there are the active duty reserves. Those are officers who have a reserve commission rather than a regular one. The majority of our serving officers are actually reservists. A substantial majority of our naval aviators on active duty are reservists. That is how I was initially commissioned. I transferred to the regular navy after my four year commitment was complete because the retirement benefits were better. I served under reservists until I got my third stripe. From there on, it was rare to see a reservist on active duty. But, there are reserve Captains and even Admirals. They just tend to be on reserve duty.

The next group of reserves are officers and NCOs who have completed their active service obligations, but are not retired or discharged. They are assigned to the inactive reserve. Which is more what I think your understanding of the reserve is. Definitely people who could be called up in the event of an emergency, but not training on a regular basis.