Posted on Sep 20, 2019
How does the USAR unit assignment process work? Do I get to pick a unit, and can I choose to go overseas?
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I'm looking to enlist in the Army Reserve and I was wondering how the unit assignment works. Do I get to pick/know which unit I'll be assigned to before I sign or after AIT? Could I pick an overseas unit and work something out with them to ensure I have a spot there for me after AIT?
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Army Reserve Elements
Enlisted
Army Reserve Elements Enlisted
Edited 5 y ago
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 4
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The Army Reserves will not contract you to a unit in Europe until after you can demonstrate some sort of legal residency there, such as an approved student visa, or DoD civilian employment.
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No, if you are going into the Reserves you must have a unit before you go to training. Basically, you are slotted against what is called a Line/Paragraph number. This Line/Paragraph number authorizes that particular MOS in that unit along with the funding to pay for that training (Basic/AIT or OUST). Usually, for the lower enlisted, the requirement is to be within a 50 mile radius of the unit. You really don't get to pick your unit unless there are several reserve units in the area and then it is depends on what your MOS is. For example, if I am a 31B (Military Police) and I go to a Supply Company (92Y), the unit may not be authorized any MPs and you can't join the unit. Your spot in training is a totally different process than getting a unit - think apples versus oranges. I was a former Recruiting Company Commander and BN XO in a Basic/AIT unit so this is why I know all this.
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Huey Kim
Am I correct in understanding that I can pick my reserve unit before I enlist so long as they have an opening for the MOS/rank I'd be going in as? If so and I pick an OCONUS reserve unit, with the intention of attending school in that country while fulfilling my reservist duties, would I enter that country as a civilian or a soldier (i.e. would I enter with my CAC and travel orders or my civilian passport)? Thank you, sir.
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MAJ (Join to see)
Huey Kim Yes, you are correct. The Recruiter that you go to has an area and there will be Reserve Units in that area. Your desire to go to a different country while fulfilling your Reserve obligation does not sound like it will work. Your best is to talk with an Army Recruiter and discuss this. On a forum like this, I can only provide a broad explanation due to not knowing all the facts.
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MSG (Join to see)
Huey Kim - yes, you will pick your unit before enlisting (up to 72 hours, we can reserve an avaliable slot for you). you CAN pick a unit overseas, but it is harder to get you a slot in those units due to the location. The Army Reserve just stood up three new units overseas, so they are there. I recommend joining a unit CONUS, and then submitting a conditional release with intent to go OCONUS when you figure out what univeristy you want to attend overseas. You would not travel in a military capacity. you would be a civilian heading overseas since you would be moving on your own and not on "orders."
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You will choose a unit while at MEPS. You can actually sit down with your recruiter 72 hours before going to MEPS and reserve an available slot. Keep in mind, the jobs that will show up are the ones that you A) qualify for and B) are available in a unit in the commuting distance (zip code) the recruiter specifies.
You need to be upfront with your recruiter about where you want to go. (If you want a unit outside of the commuting distance, you will need to sign a statement of understanding and, in some instances, get a letter from the unit). We have units overseas, however, you must live there. We actually just stood up additional units overseas. If you want more information or I can help, let me know. SFC K ( [login to see] )
You need to be upfront with your recruiter about where you want to go. (If you want a unit outside of the commuting distance, you will need to sign a statement of understanding and, in some instances, get a letter from the unit). We have units overseas, however, you must live there. We actually just stood up additional units overseas. If you want more information or I can help, let me know. SFC K ( [login to see] )
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