There are two separate service options to choose from in the US army, full time active duty or a part time commitment through the army reserves. While, during a war, Active Duty Soldiers are deployed overseas, Army Reserve Soldiers take care of the situation at home, by serving as instructors, security personnel etc. In the event of natural disasters like floods or earthquakes, Army Reserve Soldiers support the relief and rescue operations.
Active Duty and Reserve Jobs:
Some of the army jobs are in fields like administrative support, which includes religious services, finance and administration. Arts & media jobs include graphic designers, journalists, musicians, broadcast technicians, and translators. Combat jobs include artillery, infantry, tank crew, etc. (combat MOS are closed to women). Some of the other fields include computers & technology, construction & engineering, intelligence & combat support, legal & law enforcement MOS including firefighters, military police, criminal investigators, etc. Mechanics, medical & emergency jobs within the military health care field, and transportation & aviation related jobs are also included. There are also specialized categories like army bands, chaplain corps, army law (Judge Advocate General), training corps, and Special Forces which are now open to civilians.
Army Reserves:
Apart from relief and rescue operations, the Army Reserve develops new and secure communications technologies, maintains and troubleshoots various military information systems, responds to chemical and biological threats, and provides biohazard training to federal agencies. It maintains and supervises equipment for chemical, biological and nuclear detection and decontamination, takes care of and operates the transportation and supply systems, trains and deploys cultural experts to establish or restore governmental functions, and staffs most of the army’s hospitals, clinics, and field units. They also serve in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Soldiers develop, analyze, and distribute information to influence the behavior of foreign populations, to help friendly forces.
Training:
You can become a soldier, either on active duty or in the reserves, after you have attended Basic Combat Training (BCT) and completed your Advanced Individual Training (AIT), to learn specific job skills. BCT is a nine-week program that focuses on physical strength and combat skills. AIT is what equips the soldier with the required skills to perform his/her job, through training and field instruction. Both BCT and AIT are full-time, after which active duty soldiers leave for their post, while reserve soldiers return to civilian life. Both, however, undergo a variety of ongoing training like leadership training, unit training etc. In addition, reserve soldiers spend one weekend a month in training at an army reserve unit, and are tested once a year in a two-week, intensive field training exercise.
Army Reserve soldiers can be called to active duty service for limited periods if necessary. If they are called to active duty, their jobs are protected until their return, under the Federal law.
Pay and Benefits:
Every Soldier earns a salary, over and above which, there are allowances, bonuses, and educational benefits. Apart from Basic Pay/ Drill Pay, there is extra remuneration for those with special skills, extra responsibility or risk duties. One-time bonuses exist that reward Army Reserve Soldiers with certain civilian skills and education, or special Army Reserve training. The army provides access to some of the best medical technology and staff, while also providing access to group insurance at discounted and affordable rates. It also provides housing, meal and uniform allowances. In addition, the army has a program of scholarships for college. The reserves provide job certifications as well as benefits of veterans. The wages for both categories increase with rank and experience. Drill pay, for reserve soldiers is on the basis of two weeks of training of each year and one weekend of every month.
Kris Koonar
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/active-duty-and-army-reserve-86863.html
#1 by Jeremy S on May 27th, 2009
Quote
Is there any way to transfer from active duty army to reserve before you have completed your enlistment?
I'm currently serving on active duty in Army, in trainee status. I've decided i should have gone reserve first to get a feel of how the military was. If there is anyway to transfer i would like to know.
#2 by Barky on May 27th, 2009
Quote
Hell no, The Army owns you. You signed a contract and are obligated to finish your active duty time. It is very easy to transfer from the reserves to active duty but not the other way. I recommend doing your time like the rest of us. This is going to be the hardest thing you ever do in your life but if you can do it, the rest of your life will be gravy.
References :
#3 by Brian B on May 27th, 2009
Quote
no.
References :
#4 by Mrsjvb on May 27th, 2009
Quote
no. you signed a contract agreeing to serve x number of years on AD in exchange for the training they are giving you.
References :
#5 by Hawaiisweetie on May 27th, 2009
Quote
No you can't make that switch, you can go from Reserves to active at any point but not the other way around, you should have considered everything before getting signed up, sorry
References :
#6 by kit f on May 27th, 2009
Quote
Well it depends on your circumstances, You cold switch from active Marines to Acive Army and you can switch from Reserve and National Guard to active duty. But to go from full time to part time isnt that easy unless you have a good reason, if you are desperate u should try getting married and having alot ofkids or appeal for an early discharge. It only matters if you dont try, so I would advice talking to your base legal affairs officer or even try the chaplian, he may provide you with guidance and you might end up changing your mind, another thing is if your are still training u havent really gotten a good taste of the military life just stick it out cause once your through with the basic and AIT training its gets a little ewasier as you progress. Try going to collegetheres is an option for enlisted personnel to get a abesence of leave for you to complet a BS degree, look into it.
References :
Prior Service Army
#7 by daniel s on May 27th, 2009
Quote
Being in the field of recruiting, I have never been asked that question. From doing some research, I have found out that it is impossible to do it from AD Army to Army Reserves. Like everyone else has answered, Army Reserves to AD Army happens all the time in our area of recruiting. Army Strong! Stick out the rest of your time and come see me. LOL
References :
AR 601-210