How can I get more out of my Reservist Career (74D)?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 01:45:17 -0500

I graduated AIT over 4 months ago. Long story short: I havent been in Uniform for those four months because of JRTC I couldn't attend (too close to my graduation) and government shutdowns. Ive sorta lost the motivation and I still have 6 months before I start College where ill do ROTC. For now I want more of an experience out of it. I have M249b & HAZMAT courses coming up, but what else is there?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2018 2:04 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 02:04:14 -0500

You've already taken it one big step Mr. Mason, "Talking to others here at the Rally Point. There are all kinds of Teachers here, and all kinds of Students, the best thing is, you can be ether one of them, your choice. Information and Experiences for your travels in life. Salute!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2018 2:30 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 02:30:21 -0500

If you can get Tech Escort, that would be a bonus. However, I don't think they have any Reserve seats for Tech Escort because (if I recall right) that is a mission for National Guard CST (Civil Support Teams) and not Reserves.

Are you assigned to a chemical unit, or CBRN specialist for a non-CBRN unit?

One thing to realize is that you are coming from the intensity of IET/AIT and now are back to the relative slow pace of being a part-time Soldier. This sense of needing to find motivation (bored?) is partially because you are, quite frankly, at a very low level of responsbility. If you can remain motivated and do what you can to keep informed and occupied in your unit, you will eventully find that your MOS does carry some amount of Value, especially as you progress in rank. Right now, there is a renewed focus on CBRN because of North Korea, as well as Syria/Iraqi activiites. Stay current; bring your knowledge to the CBRN Soldiers that have been in for a couple minutes, and take every opportunity you can to practice being in front of groups of Soldiers. You will have a big role in training and that will require confidence.

I wish I had a fresh 74D under my wing, just so I could pick his/her brain about what they know from current training, as well as to train/prep for advancment in the CBRN corps.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2018 2:52 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 02:52:47 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, if you are going through ROTC you have seventeen (17) branches to choose from. Please review the link for information regarding each of them: https://branching-rotc.army.mil/resources/static/talentdemands.html
You also have the option of commissioning active duty from the Reserves. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Good luck!

OEMA | ROTC Branching

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Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Feb 23 at 2018 3:34 PM

SGT Frank Pritchett — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 15:34:25 -0500

I'm not sure what State you live in, but there is so much you can do. You have just started a great career and HAZMAT is perfect. You can get with your Unit and see what courses are open in your Unit and let your 1st Sergeant know that your open for volunteer work. You can be placed on temporary orders but you need to talk to the unit your assigned to. In St. Louis when I was in the reserves they kept me so busy until I went active. If you want to get in touch with me, send me an email.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 1:35 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 13:35:08 -0500

You could just go active, but enjoy the relaxed lifestyle and atmosphere, remember progress isn't always a straight path

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 2:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 14:38:34 -0400

Join your local HAZ- MAT Team. You'll learn things the Army doesn't teach, get "refreshed" on existing skills, settle your mind for the tasks at hand. I'm over 30 years service, Officer and NCO, Active and Reserve. I've been with a HAZ-MAT Team for 16 years and The Military and civilian skill sets compliment each other. All that plus you'll meet some great people, some really crazy folks and all the while build your civilian resume`.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2018 8:36 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 08:36:11 -0400

Rad Ops, Rad Safety, Mass Casualty Decon, HAZMAT Tech level 3, Tech Escort,...