Reince Priebus selected to join Navy as reserve officer

Reince Priebus could be joining the Navy as a reserve officer. (Reuters)

Reince Priebus may be heading to the Navy.

The former White House chief of staff and Republican National Committee chairman could be joining the Navy as a reserve officer, two U.S. defense officials confirmed to Fox News on Friday. The news was first reported by The Washington Post.

Priebus, 46, following a process that incorporated a recommendation from Defense Secretary James Mattis, will have to attend a two-week long training in Rhode Island in addition to a monthly drill as a reservist if he’s commissioned.

In addition to Mattis’ recommendation, a board of officers also chose Priebus as a reserve officer, The Post reported, citing defense officials and a memo.

Forty-two candidates were evaluated in December by a Navy review board, The Post reported, with the ex-chief of staff and four others being “professionally recommended” to join the service. Because Priebus is four years past the age limit of 42, he will need a waiver to join. He also needs to ink a deal admitting to possible career limitations.

“Reince’s experience, education, and personality make him an ideal fit to be commissioned into the Navy Reserve,” Mattis wrote in a summer letter obtained by The Post.

The former RNC chair will have some company should he pursue the new role. Multiple Navy reserve officers have political backgrounds, including ex-White House press secretary Sean Spicer, Priebus’ former colleague.

Priebus didn’t comment to The Post.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report.