About this Unit
**V6** was a designation used by the United States Navy during World War II for the Naval Reserve’s Volunteer Specialist Branch. Established in the early 1940s, the V6 unit was composed of enlisted personnel who possessed specialized civilian skills—such as engineering, communications, and technical trades—that were critical to the war effort. Members of V6 served primarily in support roles both stateside and overseas, ensuring the Navy’s operations were efficient and well-supplied. After World War II, the V6 classification was discontinued as the Navy reorganized its reserve and specialist programs for the postwar era.
Historical Facts
• Naval Reserve Classification: The designation "V-6" was used by the United States Navy during World War II to classify members of the Naval Reserve who served as general service and specialist members.
• Established During WWII: The V-6 classification was created in the early 1940s as part of the Navy's effort to rapidly expand its manpower for the war effort.
• General Service Reserve: V-6 reservists were often called the "General Service and Specialist" group, allowing the Navy to draw on a wide range of civilian skills.
• Massive Enrollment: Hundreds of thousands of Americans were enrolled in the V-6 program, making it one of the largest components of the Naval Reserve during WWII.
• Flexible Assignments: V-6 reservists could be assigned to almost any duty—ashore or at sea—making them crucial to filling gaps in the rapidly growing Navy.
• Training Stations: Many V-6 personnel received basic training at famous naval stations such as Great Lakes, Illinois, and Newport, Rhode Island.
• Specialist Ratings: The Navy used the V-6 designation to recruit and utilize specialists in fields such as engineering, communications, medicine, and more.
• Inactive Duty: Many V-6 reservists served on inactive duty, meaning they were on call and could be activated as needed, providing a strategic manpower reserve.
• Demobilization and Legacy: After WWII, the V-6 program was phased out as the Navy demobilized, but its flexible reserve model influenced later reserve force structures.
• Veteran Recognition: Many V-6 veterans went on to have distinguished postwar careers, and their unique service is still recognized in veterans’ records and by organizations such as the American Legion.
