Have you had any experience with the Military Reserve Exchange Program (MREP)?

2015-12-22T13:16:16-05:00

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs (OSD RA) coordinated international exchange programs with NATO militaries. These are the Military Reserve Exchange Program (MREP) between the United States, United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, the Estonia, and Australia for Reserve Training. The Office of the Chief of Army Reserve (OCAR) will hold their annual selection board 5 February 2016 to select eligible Soldiers.

Major Subordinate Commands (MSCs) nominate and provide qualified Soldiers for the FY 16 Military Reserve Exchange Program (MREP). Application must be submitted to OCAR G-35 NLT 1 February 2016 to fill the allocated positions for FY16 international exchange.

MREP is an Army Reserve’s Line of Effort (LoE) supporting Cultural understanding Regional Expertise and Language Proficiency (CREL) and Interoperability. Developing regional expertise and cultural sensitivity is a vital component of enhancing the Army’s ability to be successful in the current and future operational environment; these actions are a critical components supporting the accomplishment of the Army efforts that Prevent, Shape, and Win. MREP supports the Chief of the Army Reserve’s vision of a globally responsive, regionally engaged Army Reserve possessing an expeditionary mindset that provides ready forces in support of Combatant Command requirements. Army Reserve Soldiers will use this leader development program to expand training opportunities, enhance understanding of partners, share and leverage best practices that influence bi and multi-lateral interoperability as they forge meaningful professional relationships with international partners.

https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/army-reserve-international-programs

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2015 1:20 PM

2015-12-22T13:20:54-05:00

Sir, as I sit at my civilian employment, I cannot pull up the site. I am interested. Are there rank and MOS specific requirements? Tour of Duty length of accepted?

Response by CPT John M. O'Connor made Dec 22 at 2015 5:09 PM

2015-12-22T17:09:22-05:00

I have not. Tell us more.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 5:27 AM

2015-12-23T05:27:53-05:00

Sir, I have never heard of that but I'll do some research

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 11:12 AM

2015-12-23T11:12:37-05:00

I've already applied one time for the Army Reserve program, and got turned down, though I speak, read, and write fluent German and did two tours over there when I was active duty. We were also told not to communicate with the program to ask why we were turned down.. so I don't know what I can improve about myself in order to be selected.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-12-23T13:28:29-05:00

I had the privilege of participating in the program last FY. It was a great experience and I am glad I got to work with the Bundeswher as well as see Northern Germany. It seemed difficult at times to get guidance on some of the prerequirements for the program and some things like orders were not approved until last minute. Overall it was a very valuable experience.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2015 4:59 AM

2015-12-25T04:59:18-05:00

Dave,
Thanks for the post. I'll be sure to promote the opportunity among those eligible here.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2016 12:03 PM

2016-07-14T12:03:35-04:00

I know this is a late post but in case anyone reads this in time for NEXT years board, I wanted to chime in. I am a CID WO and was selected and assigned to the S-3 section in a German Military Police Battalion (Feldjager Battalion 152 in Hanover). It was a great experience that was one of the highlights of my career. I encourage all service members to apply as many times as it takes to be selected. In comparing notes with other participants in the AAR, I found they left with the same sentiment as I. Also discussed between the participants was a common theme of providing a well thought out description of what you can do for the host unit and what specifically you intend to get out of the experience and how that can be applied to your own unit. It wasn't an exclusive group of "superstars" out there so don't be intimidated by the process.