Original vintage recruitment poster flyer for the United States Naval Reserve, a compelling piece of 20th-century military ephemera designed to bolster the nation’s "Citizen Sailor" force during a time of global mobilization.

The U.S. Naval Reserve (established in 1915) became the backbone of American sea power during WWI; by the end of WWII, approximately 84% of all U.S. Navy personnel were reservists.

Poster flyers like this were an essential tool for "Naval Procurement," specifically targeting skilled civilians—mechanics, radio operators, and tradesmen—who could be quickly indoctrinated to man the thousands of new vessels being launched from American shipyards.

The need for reservists was a matter of survival; with the sudden two-ocean threat, the Regular Navy simply did not have the manpower to staff the burgeoning "Fleet of the Future" without the massive influx of volunteer citizen-sailors recruited through local stations and post offices using advertisements exactly like this one.

Measures 8 x 10.5 inches, suitable for framing

Good condition, with center fold crease and some age wear

Please see images