Posted on Nov 12, 2018
PV2 Carpentry and Masonry Specialist
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I’m 28 I have a family going in as E2
In the DEP program
I’m debating either active or reserve for few reason I want to experience the full time army go see new places. But the same time I’m don’t want be financially screw But if go reserve I wont plus I will spent more time with my family
Anyone has ever been in this situation any help will help
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Responses: 11
SFC Retention Operations Nco
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Of you're in the DEP then you've already committed to a component. You can't just go switching back and forth.
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PO1 Construction Mechanic
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When I was single, the better choice for me was Active Duty. I am now a Reservist, and have made more deployments as such.

Do you have a civilian career now? Is your family ready to handle year long plus deployments? Can your Military job enhance future civilian employement (Air traffic controller in the Military translate to good career outside)?
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PV2 Carpentry and Masonry Specialist
PV2 (Join to see)
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I don’t think been painter count a a career and
Yes family support for either choice
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SSG Recruiter
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There are a couple factors to consider when making this decision. I’ve served in the Reserves for 7 years and just now went Active duty. So I can tell you this, only go Reserves if you have a good paying civilian job with good benefits. The Reserves don’t come with any benefits other than education. If you don’t, then go active so you and your family would be taken care of. If you feel like you make more money in your civilian job than you would as active duty then the Reserves will do fine for you. Always remember that once you make the choice, take the oath, start serving, and then later on you change your mind and want to switch you’ll have to wait until the end of your contract to make the switch. Best of luck Private. If you have any questions feel from to message me.
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I see your dilemma. Let me ask you this , which component did you sign up for? When you go into the DEP you’ve already signed on. So with that being said it might be too late to reconsider. If you signed on as active duty then have your wife save up money before you go to Basic training and AIT, and when you’re there save up as mo h money as you can so that way when you reach your duty station you and you’re family will be ok. I know how low the salary is for Junior enlisted. Bear in mind that since you have a family you will most likely live outside of base and will BAH (basic allowance for housing) so your house will be taken care of. You will also get a money allowance for food which is called BAS. If you live in family housing on base then your house will be taken care of you still get BAS. Once on base your wife can apply for jobs on post or in the area. She’ll also be eligible for government jobbecaude she’s your spouse. My wife is doing the same thing currently. You’d be surprised how quickly your wife can get picked up for a post job. So don’t fret about the finances. PV2 (Join to see)
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Much*
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PV2 Carpentry and Masonry Specialist
PV2 (Join to see)
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That’s a bit complicated
I’m either one of them because they has to give me a clearance first for been GC holder after everything is ok with it I will be able to choose active or reserves The other thing is my wife she got a BA which it may be easy or hard for her to get a job whatever I’ll be station
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Hm that is a bit complicated. Rest assured if your wife is willing to relocate with you and is willing to find another job the financial burden won’t be just in you should you decide to go Active. Discuss this with her before making a final decision. Remember all the hey points everybody has given you on this post and go from there. But first and foremost talk to your wife. You can always message me if you have anymore questions. Don’t hesitate to ask. PV2 (Join to see)
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