After I separate from AD, will my AF Reserve drills be held in my local area? If not, can I get a waiver to stay in the local area?

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 15:38:26 -0400

Hi everyone,
I'm separating from the Air Force soon and I'm thinking going to the reserve. I just have a quick question about the annual 2 weeks drill for the reserve. For the 2 weeks drill will it be in the local area also and I still able to go home everyday? If the 2 weeks drills are not in the local area can I get a waiver to stay in the local area? if I have a sick family member that I have to take care of
Thank you everyone in advance

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 22 at 2021 4:04 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 16:04:11 -0400

Is the Unit you are joining in the local area? During your two weeks it is possible to be sent out of the local area from where your unit is located. You will need to have a family care plan in place while in the reserves just as you are required to have while on Active Duty. Military service is not done at the discretion of your convivence or schedule. Sometimes you may be sent away for training or deployments. It's part of the job and should be expected.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jun 22 at 2021 5:09 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 17:09:57 -0400

Have you talked to a Reserve recruiter? I'd start there.

It depends on what unit you get assigned to. I know people who are Army Reserve and don't live in the state their unit is in. One of the civilians I work with is Reserve and since Covid started they've had TEAMS drill once a month. But he's on his AT right now - in another state.

My brother is NG and in a transportation company - so their AT they drive to different places around the country sometimes. For drill his unit is in the same state but he's at the armory all weekend.

I'm assuming AF Reserve or Guard is similar and it just depends on what unit you get assigned to, where but for AT you're likely going to be gone for those 2 weeks. No you're not likely to get a waiver.

If you have family that depends on you as a caregiver, Reserves is likely not what you want to do.

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Jun 23 at 2021 12:00 AM

SMSgt Bob W. — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 00:00:13 -0400

Possible maybe, but very doubtful. What is your job? Is it available locally? Most important, what do you do with the sick family members should you be selected for deployment? BOTTOM LINE: I would think of another way to earn extra money and forget about the reserves.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2021 3:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 03:31:57 -0400

The Reserve unit will be wherever you affiliate with a reserve unit. If they don't have your job you will have to pick a new one that your new unit does have. The Reserves is not AD, you don't pick a job and then move to it, you move to an area then pick a job in the unit close to you