Any advice for those transitioning from active duty to reserves?

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 16:45:28 -0500

I am half way through the 90 days of terminal leave before my end of active service and beginning a new path into civilian life and the Select Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR).  There are many differences between active duty and reserves that I have learned through experiences and research.  For those who have made the switch, please share your experiences and advice. 

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 5:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 17:24:14 -0500

Start looking for work now. The job market is still weak in my opinion so get a head start. Good resume will help too. Be sure to try staffing agencies, USAJobs.gov also.

Response by CDR Kenneth Kaiser made Sep 21 at 2014 11:01 PM

CDR Kenneth Kaiser — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 23:01:08 -0400

You are in a good area for DoD related jobs and affiliating with the reserves has several advantages. First you find folks who are working in the same area which gives you networking opportunities. Also they used to have active duty opportunities which isn't as bad as it sounds. I know there used to be a large reserve presence at the Space and Naval Warfare Center (SPAWAR) down there on Pacific Highway. The advice about getting a degree if you don't have one is good, many companies have programs that help you pay for that. I worked with MCTSSA as well, they are up the road they also had contract and civil service support folks as well. I have know folks that would go on 6 month active duty with folks like SPAWAR then come off and apply to go again. You could not have a longer stint than 5 months at that time but you could do 5 plus then have a two week break then go another five. It is a good way to network while you increase your skills and accumulate retirement points. Good luck

Response by SPC Thomas Lema made Nov 18 at 2014 10:49 PM

SPC Thomas Lema — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 22:49:08 -0500

try a diff branch' you get a whole new perspective of other branches, i went from active air force to the army guard very big diff

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 1:09 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 13:09:28 -0400

Good morning SSgt,

Say hi to Sgt McReedy.

S/F

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 28 at 2015 1:45 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 13:45:25 -0400

Don't get to frustrated when you see some FUBAR.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2017 12:29 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 12:29:48 -0400

Check emails often, ask a lot of questions, being your records with you to your first drill, and be prepared to wait a while for TA50 and other issued items (if you have your own it helps tremendously), supply has to request stuff for you.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Jun 7 at 2019 3:49 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 15:49:36 -0400

Be prepared for a culture shock

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 6 at 2019 5:44 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 17:44:40 -0400

Expect to have to stay on top of annual requirements and NCOERs because the units often drop the ball.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Jul 6 at 2019 7:47 PM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 19:47:21 -0400

Culture shock. They try to cram to much in two days a month.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Jul 7 at 2019 7:06 AM

Maj Marty Hogan — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 07:06:31 -0400

Make sure you have copies of medical and personnel records. Check the 214 close door awards and decs, service time, and anything missing.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Oct 17 at 2019 11:09 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 11:09:15 -0400

Be aware that The Army Reserve and other Reserve Services are part time and different from AD. Does that help?

The Army Reserve is the largest Ready Reserve Service/Component though.

Response by SSG Merry Metzler made May 20 at 2020 5:13 PM

SSG Merry Metzler — Wed, 20 May 2020 17:13:59 -0400

Be patient. There's a lot of pros & cons on both sides.