Joining the military is a decision that requires sacrifice and dedication. It's a life-changing experience that offers unique opportunities and benefits. When considering military service, one question that often arises is whether to join as active duty or reserves. Each branch has different components for both options, and it can be challenging to decide which path suits your needs. In this article, we will dive into the world of military reserves, exploring the descriptions, organizational structures, jobs, pay, benefits, pros, and cons for each branch.
US Army Reserves
Army Reserve soldiers from Medical Command during training. Image: army.mil
The Army Reserve provides a part-time opportunity for individuals to serve their country while staying close to home. It offers the chance to learn job skills that relate to civilian career fields. Army Reserve members serve one weekend a month and two weeks a year in training on contracts that range from 3-6 years, unless they are called to active duty. They can be called to active duty whenever the Army needs someone with their specialty and may be required to deploy.
While positions in the Army Reserves are similar to those in active duty, not all MOS options are available. Some example Reserve positions include Homeland Security, Information Technology, Biohazard Protection, Logistics, Civil Affairs, Military Information Support Operations, and Medical Services. The Army Reserves require individuals to be 17 to 34 years old, a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien, in good moral standing, and in good physical condition.
Army Reserve members receive drill pay ranging from just over $3,000 to over $5,000 a year, depending on their rank. The benefits for Army Reserves include job bonuses, tuition assistance, student loan debt assistance, low-cost health/dental insurance, low-cost life insurance, and access to veteran retirement benefits.
In summary, the Army Reserves offer the ability to serve part-time while staying close to home and receiving training that translates to civilian careers.
US Navy Reserves
Image: Jbsa.mil
The US Navy Reserve is composed of both full-time and part-time individuals who can enter or have previously been in active duty. The Navy Reserves are divided into three organizational categories: the Ready Reserve, Standby Reserve, and Retired Reserve-Inactive.
Ready Reserve consists of Selected Reserve (Drilling Reservists and Full-Time Support) and Individual Ready Reserve (Inactive and Active). The Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve have different levels of commitment and responsibilities. Navy Reservists serving in the Ready Reserve component must meet Navy qualification standards.
Most Navy Reservists serve one weekend a month, plus two weeks a year for training. However, full-time opportunities are available as Navy Full-Time Support or New Individual Augmentees. Navy Reservists perform job functions similar to their enlisted counterparts, with roles such as Hospital Corpsman, Information Systems Technician, Master-At-Arms, Seabees, and Gunners Mate, among others.
Reservists receive four days of base pay for every two days of traditional weekend drilling, based on the same pay scale for rank and time of service as active duty personnel. They can also receive bonuses and special pay. Health care, dental, bonuses, and tuition assistance are available to reservists depending on their duty status.
In summary, the US Navy Reserves offer the flexibility to serve full or part-time while enjoying bonuses, special pay, and following the same promotion and pay raise scale as active duty.
US Air Force Reserves
Image: af.mil
The US Air Force Reserves welcome non-prior service, prior service, and officer personnel. It currently has over 69,000 members. Most positions are part-time, and initial service commitments are for six years active duty, with two additional years inactive. Other options include Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMAs), Active Guard Reserve, and Air Reserve Technicians (ART).
Reservists can serve on Air Force Bases, Air Reserve Bases, or air stations shared with other military branches. The Air Force Reserves offer most of the same jobs as enlisted personnel and have the same uniform and rank structure. Some examples of Air Force Reserve jobs (AFSC's) include Loadmaster, Tactical Air Control Party, Special Missions Aviation, Cyber Warfare, and Flight Attendant.
Pay for Reserve members is based on rank, time of service, and the type of work performed. Reservists have access to low-cost medical and dental care, bonuses, and in some positions, tuition assistance.
In summary, the US Air Force Reserves provide opportunities for non-prior service, prior service, and officer personnel to serve part-time while enjoying potential enlistment bonuses, direct transfer options, and the ability to serve close to home.
US Marine Corps Reserves
Image: Marines.mil
The Marine Corps Reserves offer a part-time option similar to other military branches. The Selected Marine Corps Reserve allows individuals to work one weekend a month and two consecutive weeks a year, with the same training and MOS options as enlisted members. Individuals can choose different options for their term, such as 6 years in drill status with 2 years in Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) or 5 years in drill status with 3 years in IRR.
The training and requirements to enter an MOS in the Marine Corps Reserves are almost identical to those of an enlisted active duty member. Individuals can also join as Active Reserve, Individual Mobilization Augmentee, or Individual Ready Reserve.
Marine Corps Reservists are offered discounted health care, education assistance, potential cash bonuses, and a paycheck depending on participation and rank.
In summary, the US Marine Corps Reserves offer the opportunity to find your MOS, receive advanced training, and have the same training as active duty Marines.
US Coast Guard Reserves
In 2016, the Coast Guard celebrated 75 years of Coast Guard Reserves. Image: dodlive.mil
The Coast Guard Reserves support maritime homeland security, national defense, and domestic disaster operations. To enter the reserves, you must be a U.S. Citizen or resident alien, 17-40 years old, have a high school diploma, have no more than three dependents, and pass entry testing.
The Coast Guard Reserve offers five programs to assist in entering as a reserve: Split Training Program, Consecutive Training Program, Direct Entry Petty Officer Program, Direct Entry Education Program, and Prior-Military Service Program. These programs cater to individuals' prior skills or education, allowing for higher ranks or specialized training.
Coast Guard Reservists can serve in one of 17 different ratings, including Investigator, which is unique to the reservist role. Jobs range from Boatswain’s Mate and Culinary Specialist to Information System Technician and Maritime Enforcement Specialist.
Reserve non-officer members can start out making roughly $292.00 per month for each drill weekend. Coast Guard Reservists are offered low-cost health care, education assistance, loan opportunities, life insurance, retirement, and veteran preference points.
In summary, the US Coast Guard Reserves offer the ability to serve part-time with unique programs for entering, a wide range of job opportunities, and access to various benefits.
Conclusion
Military reserves differ across each branch of the military. While the most popular option is part-time service, each branch offers different possibilities for full or part-time commitment. Time commitments, job opportunities, and benefits may vary between branches, influencing your decision on which branch to join and whether to choose active duty or reserves.
Whether you decide to serve as active duty or reserves, both options have their advantages. Working full time in active duty offers a great career choice, while working part-time in the reserves allows individuals to continue their civilian jobs or pursue education while serving their country. Veterans who retire from reserves can enjoy the benefits of retirement and an additional income for a minimal time commitment.
In conclusion, the military reserves provide a unique opportunity to serve your country while maintaining your civilian life. Consider this guide to compare each branch and its active duty counterpart, ultimately helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
References:
- Army Reserves
- Navy Reserves
- Air Force Reserves
- Marine Corps Reserves
- Coast Guard Reserves
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