Starting to feel disheartened with my service in the Reserves. Any suggestions?

2015-08-20T19:05:57-04:00

Sorry I submitted this topic before I filled it out correctly.

What I am referring to is I basically grew up in the Active Duty world I loved to serve and felt it was truly a calling. As my career progressed and I decided to pursue commissioning I was excited to get that honor of being a leader. I was saddened when I was assigned to the reserves but set out to do my part and give it my all. I joined a unit that has so many officers filling one line number there really wasn't that much work to do. I fell that I am being under used as well as just not enjoying this part time soldier role. I have started to contemplate of resigning my commission so I can re-enlist back into active duty. I don't know if that is the best idea but it is something that has been crossing my mind more and more since this is at the moment the only way I can return to active duty. I also feel at least in the corporate world there is not that brotherhood or that group mentality of working as a true team Everyone I have worked with so far to include some vets, is that they are all about themselves and so worried of lawsuits that you have to be beyond PC and instead of coaching and mentoring they would rather just cut you lose. I don't know if this is truly the right place to vent this to but I wonder if I am the only one or not and if anyone has any ideas how to at least improve my experience in the reserves?
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Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Aug 20 at 2015 7:07 PM

2015-08-20T19:07:29-04:00

Why so CPT Private RallyPoint Member? Perhaps you could provide a little detail as to why you feel this way ...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 7:17 PM

2015-08-20T19:17:29-04:00

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 20 at 2015 7:20 PM

2015-08-20T19:20:21-04:00

is it something personal, professional, not being challenged? Foe most Lieutenants, they hit the wall 50 meters shy of the top of the hill and without realizing they are about to crest and get over the hump....you have to know where you are and what you want out of your time in uniform while remembering that people are people and WE ALL make mistakes. Don't give up CPT Private RallyPoint Member.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Aug 21 at 2015 1:37 AM

2015-08-21T01:37:38-04:00

Chris - you get out what you put in. I mean that. Congrats on your congratulations. I would caution Reserves not to quit their full-time job for a p/t. But I'd hope you would be a 300+ APFT and leading from the front!!!!!

Response by 1LT Christopher Sorge made Aug 25 at 2015 11:46 AM

2015-08-25T11:46:16-04:00

Don't give up - leadership starts with you. Remember leadership isn't just down but is lateral and upward in nature. It's not fun but this is what corporations and governments are looking for right now in their leaders.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 11:46 AM

2015-08-25T11:46:47-04:00

LT, I failed out of OCS after 3 trys. Honestly im glad because im a Sgt now, I get to be more hands on with the troops. I let God control my military career. I say whatever opportunity comes up im gonna take it. Wait, pray if your a praying man and take every opportunity that comes. Best advice I can give.

Response by MAJ Anthony DeStefano made Aug 25 at 2015 12:07 PM

2015-08-25T12:07:34-04:00

LT I know how you feel, but before you resign your commission, you can try to get assigned to another unit that needs you, or is there no way to get back on AD as an officer? You worked hard for those butter bars. I would hate to see you give up on this new calling... It can be really rewarding and life changing for yourself and others if you get into the right circumstances. Maybe a change in reserve component would help you - say from ARNG to Reserve or vice versa. There are options... Good Luck to you Chris.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Aug 25 at 2015 12:08 PM

2015-08-25T12:08:29-04:00

Sir, It is a personal decision for each and every soldier. Go to a mentor, or What Would Patton Do??
Or, Talk with your Career Counselor at your unit. The military is changing everyday. Ask yourself this question, Where do I see myself 5 years from now. For myself, I am very content with the decison I made. Good Luck.

Response by CW4 Dana Ahl made Aug 25 at 2015 12:10 PM

2015-08-25T12:10:55-04:00

2LT Garcia,
Sounds like you are not looking into the future of your career. As a leader, you should be able to understand that your bed of roses is going to be full of thorns. Look to what your end goal is and that should help you get over the bad times. Have you looked into other units in your area?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-08-25T12:15:23-04:00

Sir,
Depending on how long you have been commissioned you can speak to your branch about submitting an active duty packet. If you are losing the love for it, I would say try to remember why you did what you are doing to begin with then see what you like about your current situation. Then basically decide what direction you want to go from there. It is always a pleasure finding people who love this job. Speak someone face to face to get further guidance.

Response by MSgt Wells Farr made Aug 25 at 2015 12:19 PM

2015-08-25T12:19:40-04:00

There is a huge difference between AD and the Reserve component. I think the Reserve is somewhat more similar to AD but I found that for the most part, the NG is truly a good-old-boys club. Promotions and choice assignments are based in no small part on your position on the pecking order and your popularity. From my perspective, it's not just sour grapes. I did my 20 from E1 to E7. I've been promised promotions that were ultimately dealt away. I shrugged and pressed on, but if I had it to do over again, I would have gone in on AD sooner and stayed longer.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 12:40 PM

2015-08-25T12:40:07-04:00

I spent 11 years AD, 2 years AGR in the guard and am in my fourth year as a traditional guardsman. I work at the Air National Guard/Air Force Reserve Test Center. I can say, with confidence, that the air side of the guard and reserve are MUCH better than AD in terms of concern for the well-being of their forces, advancement of technological capabilities, focus on leading edge training, and development of training plans that truly prepare their members for success in theater. That being said.....as a few have mentioned....there are problems. The "good old boys club" has been mentioned by several people. Yes, that is a problem....but it also a problem I observed when I was working with the AD Army. If the SGM or a platoon SGT didn't like you, regardless of your job knowledge or ability to lead effectively, you would get a crap score out of your board and wait at least another year for promotion. The saving grace for AD is the PCS. It got you away from those bad leaders who let personality conflicts affect objectivity.

Bottom line....every service and every component has problems. You want to be an effective leader? Help address those problems. Your assignment to the Reserves offers you the opportunity to delve into the world of NGREA funding (Google it if you are unfamiliar) and potentially affect the modernization of the entire Army. Shove your way in there and do something to improve your entire service from this position you are less tha enthused about having.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 12:48 PM

2015-08-25T12:48:29-04:00

Are you refereeing to todays military environment? Are you saying the es·prit de corps has changed drastically? If so, spill it out I want to know. My feeling in here, what is expressed in Rally Point stays in Rally Point.
Chief

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 12:48 PM

2015-08-25T12:48:50-04:00

Get involved in your unit. your experience is what you make it! There is money out there for orders to do some pretty cool stuff. Looking at the Reserve as some part-time, sub par organization is the WRONG idea. There are ADOS Tours, Tour of Duties, Individual Augmention Mobs that will give you a TOTALLY difference experience ON ACTIVE DUTY for the reserves. If there are too many officers in your unit then go find a new home! There are units out there that NEED good officers. Ask for schools like Airborne and Sapper! I have been in the reserves for 4 years and they have slots out there! I proved myself and got an airborne slot and passed! I had a peer of mine get a Sapper Tab as a TPU! It does happen. If you really want to apply your talents apply for AGR too. the reserves is a great organization! I have been to Dominican Republic on the governments dime! Deployments are still going even though the demand is smaller but its out there!
Bottom liine: You are a Leader. You can impact your unit! The sky is the limit! Its bullshit to believe that being in the reserves makes you less of a leader or a soldier!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 12:49 PM

2015-08-25T12:49:11-04:00

Get involved in your unit. Your experience is what you make it! There is money out there for orders to do some pretty cool stuff. Looking at the Reserve as some part-time, sub-par organization is the WRONG idea. There are ADOS Tours, Tour of Duties, Individual Augmention Mobs that will give you a TOTALLY difference experience ON ACTIVE DUTY for the reserves. If there are too many officers in your unit then go find a new home! There are units out there that NEED good officers. Ask for schools like Airborne and Sapper! I have been in the reserves for 4 years and they have slots out there! I proved myself, then got an airborne slot and passed! I had a peer of mine got the Engineer coveted Sapper Tab as a TPU! It does happen. If you really want to apply your talents then apply for AGR too. The reserves is a great organization! I have been to Dominican Republic on the governments dime! Deployments are still going even though the demand is smaller but its out there!
Bottom line: You are a Leader. You can impact your unit! The sky is the limit! Its bullshit to believe that being in the reserves makes you less of a leader or a soldier!

Response by 1stSgt David Welch made Aug 25 at 2015 1:00 PM

2015-08-25T13:00:08-04:00

Are you a sheep in uniform or a real sheepdog? We have enough officers who are sheep in uniform. The Reserve will never be the same as active duty. I was an active duty first sergeant for years, went into the reserve and it was never as fulfilling, however, it gave me the freedom to complete graduate school and I am now working on my doctorate. On the AF side, you can volunteer for deployments that will give you some active duty time and see how being an officer on a 24/7 basis compares to your enlisted experience on Active Duty. If you can, I'd suggest volunteering for deployments/activation before deciding to return to the enlisted ranks.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 1:00 PM

2015-08-25T13:00:48-04:00

LT:
BLUF: Don't give up quite yet on your officer career. We all go through peaks and valleys in our careers. You are just stuck in a valley a little earlier than most.
I have spent 32 years in both the ARNG and USAR, enlisted and commissioned service. I work with a lot of AC personnel transitioning to the RC. One major difference you are experiencing is moving from centralized career management (AC) to a system that really puts more onus on the individual to manage their own career (RC). If you are not challenged in your current assignment, start networking to find a new one that will challenge you. Also, don't be afraid to transfer between components to advance in your MOS or to get experience you can't get in one component vs. the other. For example, if you are a combat arms officer, you need to be in the ARNG to get the platoon to company level experience you need. Combat support or Combat Service Support (the enablers) are more heavily concentrated in the USAR. Not sure what your MOS is but your career manager in HRC should be able to provide some guidance. Don't be afraid to ask a more senior officer to mentor you. Bottom-line, don't wait for the system to point you towards your next great assignment.
Regarding your transition to the civilian world, you are experiencing very common feelings. The private sector does not and can not act like a military organization. They try to find that same team spirit but I have yet to see any company do it perfectly. What you can do is either get involved with the veterans employee resource group at your company or start one. Find other vets like yourself and help change your company's culture, support your fellow veterans as they transition, encourage increased veterans hiring or better veteran-friendly policies at your company. It can be done. We have done it at my civilian employer.
If you need career coaching or mentoring, look into a group called American Corporate Partners (ACP). They will align you with an experienced private sector executive to serve as your mentor. We provide career guidance and just a sounding board to transitioning veterans like you. It is a great program.
Final words...action is better than inaction. Instead of dwelling on the negatives...do something about changing what you don't like in your military and civilian careers. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

COL Dan Arkins

Response by Lt Col Brett Meyer made Aug 25 at 2015 1:03 PM

2015-08-25T13:03:44-04:00

There is always work to do. Talk to your chain of command and see what needs to be "fixed or improved" before the next annual inspection. As a many time former commander, there were always areas that needed "help" in just meeting standards. Take your knowledge and insight from your AD time and get involved with unit training. The leaders that are constantly looking for and doing things to improve the unit are the ones that stay busy and connected to their soldiers.

Response by COL Roxanne Arndt made Aug 25 at 2015 1:04 PM

2015-08-25T13:04:13-04:00

LT, I understand where you are coming from. It is difficult to transition from Active Duty into the Reserves. The same thing happened to me when I left Active Duty. I joined a unit and was not at all happy or felt a sense of accomplishment. I went into the IRR and stayed there for a few years. I was lucky to find a unit where I felt I could contribute something and ended up retiring from that unit. The road in the Reserves is not easy. You will often feel you are not being challenged and the reserves is filled with soldiers that just do the minimum and collect drill pay. There is a lack of accountability, and it is challenging for a high speed soldier to feel a sense of accomplishment. Additionally the Reserves are at the bottom of the list when it comes getting resources for training even though you are expected to train. I was in a medical unit and the Reserves has the majority of medical resources and we were expected to train for our mission but there was never any money to do that and there was no support from higher command. I have to tell you though that if I had not stayed in my reserve unit I never would have made 06 and I certainly would not have gotten to do the things I did. All that being said maybe you need to transfer to the IRR and weigh your options, don't resign your commission, you worked too hard for that. I don't know what your AOC is but there is a (or was) a website you could go to find out where there were vacancies for various positions. It used to be on the HRC website (previously known as 2X the citizen.) There are a few options for you. 1. You could transfer to another unit if possible. 2. Put in an AGR packet and see if you could get picked up for that program. 3. Find a mobilization tour through MOBCAP (I don't know if that has changed either). 4. Contact your branch manager and see if there are any positions for you elsewhere. 5. Contact your career manager for a mob tour somewhere. Don't give up! Being in the Reserves these days is difficult due to funding etc. but stick it out. There are many ways to earn retirement points even if you are in the IRR. The retirement benefits are worth it. Plus your Active Duty years count as points for retirement. I retired after 24 years. It goes by fast.....stay focused!

Response by SSG Brian Kresge made Aug 25 at 2015 1:08 PM

2015-08-25T13:08:37-04:00

This may be more difficult, as I'm sure being commissioned leaves you a little more isolated than it might an enlisted person, but perhaps it would be helpful to concentrate less on the role and more on building relationships with personnel in your unit?
You'd probably be amazed by how many of us are in the same boat. When I was still an infantryman, it was easier because we were all on the same page, and the only thing that stood between us and gainful hip-pocket training was our imaginations.
But now, in a Brigade Support Battalion, it's more difficult to find CMF-related relevancy. I'm a transportation coordinator now, but most of the actual work is done by full-timers. So my typical drill weekend, like the rest of my peers, is maintenance, inventory, details - very little work related to my military occupation. The only thing that keeps me going is the filial bond with my peers, and it's a formula that's worked for me now, as a part timer, since 1999.
And in the civilian world, I'm an MBA and mid-level management, and absolutely, there is a total lack of understanding or similar levels of loyalty - the Army Values aren't just words; even if we go through the motions for drill, there's an inherent adherence to them that is evident in all things.

I toyed with commissioning about 10 years ago, but it's precisely fears that I'd feel as you do that kept me from it (that and with deployments for the units, who wanted to be away from home/life any longer than necessary?).

Another possibility would be to look for voluntary extra duties, like EO guy, or the unit pee pee officer, etc.

All the best, sir, in whatever direction you go. You can elevate yourself from the mundane, or you can try to elevate the mundane itself. I think we're all lucky to have an officer in the ranks that cares so much about being purposeful.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 1:13 PM

2015-08-25T13:13:14-04:00

What you feel is not uncommon. For those who want to serve actively, the Reserves are never enough. It's ok for college students and older guys winding down. But it's quite boring and feels quite limited. The Regular Army offers more excitement, more career opportunities, better job security, and better post service benefits. If you're still interested in Active Duty now is the time to act. Doors are closing for the budget cuts.

Response by BG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 1:15 PM

2015-08-25T13:15:10-04:00

Chris,

Take a deep breathe, you have several options...and none of them involve resigning your commission.
1. Apply to go back to AD as an officer. Hopefully, you have already finished BOLC as they will likely want to see your effort at that before approving your to return to AD. Despite a lot of CPTs getting pink slips, they always need to have a new year group of officers starting out.
2. Consider joining the AGR program where you have a job every day. You won't be bored, but do be prepared for handling bureaucracy.
3. Join an RC unit that has more of an operational role. For example Psyops or Civil Affairs. They do much more than one weekend a month and two weeks as a unit during the summer. Be prepared to provide that extra effort and do that extra duty however.
4. Apply to be a General's Aide. I know a lot of officers avoid this at all costs, but it will provide you will excellent visibility at what goes on at the higher ranks and you can then understand the big picture. Plus, if you do a good job, your GO will ensure that you have a mentor for life.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Aug 25 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-08-25T13:16:39-04:00

2LT Garcia, you are going through a transition, I looked at your profile and you are definitely a hard charger. When I was enlisted for 22 years as a SSG I went WO1 and that was the most difficult transition. When I went from CW2 to 2LT I had to go back to old school leaders who had a deep drive and compassion to lead.

What I found was many leaders to day are transactional leaders, and I came from leaders who are transformational leaders and lead from the front. I am now a CPT with 31 years in and I had to take a knees and re-structure my military identity. You have what it takes you have the heart of a Marine, you have transitioned over to green, and transitioned again to be an Army Officer. That is a remarkable accomplishment. You have to remember that you are in a crawl phase. The hard part for me was I wanted to skip development.

The military is a brotherhood and you have to build trusted relationships, and this takes time, commitment, and an introspection into correction. This was the hardest process for me. My Mentor would tell me if you are corrected you are protected.

Humility and patience, give it time, and connect with others that have paved the way and have gone through multiple transitions. If I can help you in any way please let me know!!
I AM PROUD OF YOU!!!
V/R
CH (CPT) Davis

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-08-25T13:16:53-04:00

Thanks, have a good day. And wall away.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 1:20 PM

2015-08-25T13:20:59-04:00

Mr. Garcia-I understand your feelings very well. I've done both active and reserve duty, and each had it's individual "carrots" and "sticks". It was truly depressing to come back from working "downrange" to the tedium of medical readiness and sexual harassment training slides...So, I took advantage of the obvious "hole" in the drill schedule and began training my SELRES sailors for deployment. We extended the PT program, scheduled range time, gave lectures on procedures in the AO. In short, I tried to bring what I had learned in the AD component to the Reserves. This may be an excellent place for you to start.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 25 at 2015 1:21 PM

2015-08-25T13:21:59-04:00

You should be OCS bound.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 1:44 PM

2015-08-25T13:44:40-04:00

The reserves, just like anything in life is what you make it. Even the worst assingment or tasking possible can have a positive impact on you down the road. (Even if it is to remember how horrible something was and to prevent others from having to endure that suck in the same manner you did). There is a huge difference from being in an active duty environment and then to be placed into a reserve environment. I can attest to that. I can also agree with you that the core values in the civilian corporate world don't come close to what we share in the military world. Often we can not change the situation we are put in but we can definetly impact or improve it while we are there - even if it is short term and only impacts our immediate area of responsibility.

I can not tell you that it gets better - only you can make the choices to improve upon it or cut bait and jump ship. Consider carefully however what your decision is - it is not always greener on the other side of the fence.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 1:45 PM

2015-08-25T13:45:29-04:00

Coming from the Reserve side of things (33years), I understand where you are coming from. But having that many Soldier in the same slot, I found you can be as engaged or as involved as you personally want to be. For the most part people are not going to stop you from doing "work", unless they are really motivated and do not want you to move ahead of them. The reserves is like a self paced course. I suggest for you to take a project that has been thrown out there (or even one that you have been thinking about) and take the ball and run with it. I have found anyone can be as involved or uninvolved as they want to be. They can just sit there and mildew or they can go out there and get involved. My unit is a training unit and we have similar characteristics and you can see who are the doers and who are the mildewers.

Response by SGT Daniel Lancaster made Aug 25 at 2015 1:47 PM

2015-08-25T13:47:12-04:00

I was in the reserves for 13 years and just got out in June. I heard this exact same thing from many people who came to the reserves from active duty. And honestly, I was never that impressed with the reserves myself.

One of the best soldiers I ever knew came from active duty and she absolutely hated the reserves. She only switched to the reserves to attend college. Talking to her and hearing her complaints about the reserves really opened my eyes to how drastically "different" the culture in the reserves is from what active duty personnel are accustomed to. After that, I started to notice how much other former active duty personnel complained about the reserves as well.

I started and ended in the reserves. I felt like we had an advantage during deployments, because we had a different mentality from active duty personnel. We were only there to accomplish the mission, nothing else. So all our attention was focused on the mission. I noticed that active duty units were still locked into a training mentality, which we didn't ever worry about.

But drill weekends and annual training for the reserves always seemed like a joke to me. Drill weekends usually consisted of trying to accomplish a months worth of administrative tasks in a single weekend. This usually meant that officers and senior NCOs were sitting in their offices all day filling out paperwork while junior soldiers and NCOs completed frivolous training classes (not even worthwhile military training, but illogical nonsense like "tornado safety" and "power tool safety" etc). Annual training usually consisted of an ad hoc trip to a nearby military base to pretend to be active duty for a few weeks. We got as drunk as active duty soldiers, but didn't ever experience much else.

As I said, I just got out of the reserves in June. I don't suppose I have any productive advice for you, but I can certainly sympathize with being disheartened by the reserves. I'm glad to be done with them, since I already feel like I do more productive work as a civilian doing something of my own choosing on the weekend, rather than taking up a chair in a reserve center. I do volunteer work on the weekends now.

As for resigning your commission to re-enlist in active duty, I would investigate that option VERY CAREFULLY before attempting it, to make sure you have a confirmed path back onto active duty. Several soldiers I knew wanted to get out of the reserves and back onto active duty, but they kept running into brick walls at the end of every route they took. It seems that active duty does not want to accept soldiers from the reserves and even the military as a whole is not interested in letting prior service members re-enlist right now. (I personally have a conspiracy theory that the military has decided that the current batch of military veterans are all screwed up folks suffering with PTSD from Iraq and Afghanistan, so they are trying to wash us all out to make room for a fresh batch of new recruits to start over with. Hence the blockade to keep out all prior service members.)

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 1:47 PM

2015-08-25T13:47:39-04:00

You're responsible for your career and your happiness, not your unit. You have to be optimistic on what you do. You're an officer for godsake. Your enlisted and looking at you at the microscopic way. They know when you're heart is not into the mission. They would abandon and treat you like garbage if you keep the same pace. Act like an officer and take a look at the bigger picture instead of whining. You're responsible for your unit even if there is tons of officer on the same line. Even if you go to the active duty side if your mentality is the same you wouldn't progress. I was told once I can dine in the most expensive restaurant but if I'm dining with a jerk the food would taste awful and vice versa if I dine in Taco Bell but I enjoy the company it'll be much fruitful and exciting. As an officer be the torch that lead the men and women to the right direction. Don't be the anchor that weighs everyone down

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 1:49 PM

2015-08-25T13:49:17-04:00

Being a Reserve soldier is uniquely rewarding and also frustrating. If you have a meaningful civilian career then service in the Reserve can be very rewarding and satisfying. You are a citizen-soldier, a very American and democratic ideal as old as the Republic itself! If you feel that your civilian career, however, is not challenging you or you simply enjoy soldiering enough to make it the full focus of you career then perhaps a return to the Regular Army is best for you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 1:53 PM

2015-08-25T13:53:45-04:00

Sir, your job, your duty is to lead by example at every opportunity. Don't let the standards drop because its only part time. The uniform says U.S. Army above the pocket not guard or reserve. Look for tours or agr assignments or find another unit to transfer into. There is a reason you are in the reserve. Keep reservists ready for the call.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 2:07 PM

2015-08-25T14:07:51-04:00

Yes, there is a profound difference between active and reserve components, but don't let the quality of the unit influence your decision to stay in--things will get better. One of the characteristics of the reserves is that you essentially manage your own career, which makes you more competent in many aspects than the active side. In my experience, some of the best Soldiers in particular MOSs are in the reserves. Bottom line: stick it out and make it work for you....

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 2:30 PM

2015-08-25T14:30:33-04:00

SIR,

Have you looked into any IMA positions? I was at SOUTHCOM in Miami yesterday and they are in need depending on your branch. There also some high speed joint compo units that are looking for quality officers and NCOS. With the IMA positions they often pay your travel and have many ADOS opportunities as well.

Response by 1SG Alex Mendoza made Aug 25 at 2015 2:34 PM

2015-08-25T14:34:32-04:00

Lt it's what you make of it. When I left AD and went into a Reserve unit, I felt the same way. Then I moved to another unit and exceled. Look around and find another unit or go on short tours. Decide what type of world you want to live in.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 2:35 PM

2015-08-25T14:35:34-04:00

First off...are you AGR or TPU?

Now onto your comments.

Not much work to do? There is always something to do, whether it be planning for future AT's (by trying to go to new locations, better organize current AT, cost analysis of current/future AT's to see about getting or saving gov't money), since you have more "free time"...learn/review Army regs, volunteer your services to other units, take on additional duties, or finally transfer to another unit. You need to be more proactive.

"I have started to contemplate of resigning my commission so I can re-enlist back into active duty."
Why not change your branch and go into active duty as an officer or warrant? (i.e. Cyber)

I know your pain and my words my seem harsh, but it is your responsibility to keep busy (and not with meaningless work).

It is a different world outside of active duty and some people have a difficult time with it. Good luck.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 2:50 PM

2015-08-25T14:50:57-04:00

I feel disheartened as well but mostly because drill just isn't enough time. I am with a cyber unit and everyone there has so much knowledge and most want to learn and share but between all the things we are required to do by big Army, you are left with far too little time to do the rest. I wish I knew an answer.

Response by LTC Andrae Evans made Aug 25 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-08-25T15:11:55-04:00

LT Garcia, Will try to answer your question as complete as possible.

This will be over simplified but you will get my point.

1st Never give up your commission. It is one of the great honors an American can earn. Especially with a last name like Garcia or if you belong to a non-white group. The amount of men and women who died, sacrificing blood and treasure, for you to wear that Gold Bar, receive a salute, and stand proud as an American demonstrates the tremendous price paid, and represents a debt you owe to those whose bone long since turned to dust.

2nd There are plenty of Reserve and National Guard units out there. DO not let this one unit fool you as to the quality of soldiers of the Guard/ Reserve or how high speed the units can be. Yes, there are some dogs out there and some I even question why or how they still exist.

My advice is to find a very active unit, go for a visit, talk to the soldiers and commanders, look at their training schedule, talk to the soldiers and leaders, and look at where they are going and where they came from. You may have to travel a distance but that is the great part about the Guard and Reserve you are not stuck with one unit, you can choose.

If you are with a suck ass unit run for the hills. The suck on you as a person and the suck on your career may never be righted, Trust me, Lived through a unit without my interest at heart. Because of loyalty stuck it out and they screwed me at every turn. Bad seeds are not worth it. Remember Loyalty is a one way street. You can choose to get off of it at any time. Hopefully, you will find a unity Loyal to you as you are to it, but, unlike me, never fool yourself. On the other hand, I served with the 33rd Infantry out of Illinois National Guard and it was one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. To this day, the commanders and members show me love, respect and loyalty.

Know the difference between Guard and Reserves. Guard works like active duty units. One Unit, One Fight. However, they can be cliquish and insular. Especially to outsiders, no matter where you served. Focus for National Guard should be on Combat and Combat Support. Reserves are of many colors. Focus is on admin, special services (like PSYOP and CA, INTEL) and logistics not combat. More of the corporate army.

You should never be able to tell the difference between Active Duty Soldier vs Reservist of any stripe. Pride, Duty, Honor, Country is inherent to all.

Where you land depends on the road map someone draws for you. The road map should be clear for a successful career to 06 in 20 years at a minimum. Yes, as a 2nd Lieuy that should be your focus, do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Yes, they will laugh at you. Be proficient, be professional and they will stop.

If that does not float your boat, put in your package for active duty, or AGR or switch services. The bottom line is the unit you join you can affect. The cliche only boring people are bored is true. The way things are is not the way it has to be. Make shit happen, seize life by the balls and Welcome Citizen Soldier.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 3:27 PM

2015-08-25T15:27:16-04:00

Thanks for the responses from everyone and there is indeed a lot of true insight here. I think what is my biggest gripe and hurdle is, I came from AD Marines and I was fortunate to have in my early days leaders that where truly lead from the front lets all get this done together mentalities and thats what was ingrained in me as how it should be done. My current situation is I am a leader with really no one to lead I am in a team that is officer heavy and part of a training unit that does no training has no budget for training and has mostly senior NCOs and officers that really only want to out a check in to box for that months BA. My unit is gearing up for activation for a year so that might help but ultimately it will stand down and close after that activation. So I am trying to find unit I feel will help me in my career as much as I can help that unit progress. But I still feel as a regular reservist that I don't want to say my time is wasted but feel more my abilities are waisted.

I truly feel that to serve is a calling and for me that calling is something I want to dedicate my time to not just once a month but fully commit to. And I also feel that being a leader is truly an honor to receive. So I want to live that commitment and live up to that honor that has been given to me and show Im worthy of it. And its those drives inside of me that cause these grips with me. I want to return AD some how some way because thats where I feel I should be.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-08-25T16:32:19-04:00

I was part of a similar Reserve unit when I first left active duty. I was a 1LT among field grade officers and was basically a gopher. But I found another unit nearby and transferred. I eventually took a command. This meant lots of hours with no pay (but I should have at least done paperwork to get the retirement points), which isn't really that different from the extra hours we put in on active duty. Eventually, I was deployed twice to Iraq. My first deployment was a support role, which my unit was way more qualified to do. As a signal unit, the soldiers did this daily and at skill levels way beyond their active duty counterparts. My second tour was with Civil Affairs and again, I was extremely impressed by the skills brought to the table by the reservists in my unit. These CA soldiers had up to 3 tours in Afghanistan and taught me the ropes (I was an O-4!). Bottom line, the unit you are in doesn't define you. Go find a unit where your expertise and skills will contribute. Get the training the military wants you to have as an officer (not too soon to start looking at an advanced course, for example) and make yourself better than your peers. Of the group of 4 LTs that were in my first reserve unit, 1 is a LTC with good prospects of making O-6, one left after promotion to CPT (teaches at Univ of Colorado after getting his PhD from Berkeley), one is an FBI agent (and still an O-4 in the NG), and I am retired (only because I was told no more military parachuting) after 2 deployments (with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star). The military is what you make of it, active, reserve, or guard. Now go out there and make a difference!

Response by COL Randy Alicea made Aug 25 at 2015 4:43 PM

2015-08-25T16:43:29-04:00

Hey, don't quit or get discourage, a matter of fact you can change the situation to your benefit by getting involved on a weekly basis with your unit commander, by assisting him and the non AGR soldiers.
I totally understand your situation, as I once was in the same boat, but I changed it by keeping myself (Family) focus on the mission, maintaining a positive attitude, not talking negative about anything. I also, approached each boring drill two weeks out with a real training plan that met the CDR's intent, plus it helped or least assisted the AGR's as much as possible. Anyway, 30 years later I made my goal of making 06, Commanding several active and reserve units, plus having the reserve pay my higher education, that’s including more than one cool deployment, but I'll receive a retirement that is better than a civilian 401K. Good Luck

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 5:20 PM

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CPT Private RallyPoint Member Please understand that everyone has some disenchantment with their jobs or at least some parts of their job.

Remember when you are having a bad day that if it weren't for the bad days the would call it play instead of work.

Hang in there. In the end the good days will override the bad ones.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 5:39 PM

2015-08-25T17:39:58-04:00

Looking at the number of responses here already, I don't know if any of these nuggets are unique, but:
- don't give up; there are too many options and we are way short, especially of CPTs and MAJs, in the USAR
- a unit's culture is a reflection of its leadership. take note of what is and isn't working so you can apply the lessons of what to do, and what NOT to do, in the future
- if you are not being challenged, seek a challenge. either go for a "bigger" job (S1, Asst S3, S4) or go to another unit. one of the great things about the USAR is the flexibility; use it to your advantage
- i doubt you will ever truly "replace" the camaraderie you felt on Active Duty. That's just the reality. so, either embrace what you have, the freedom to earn what you want/can/are worth and the ability to control your destiny, or find a route back to the Active Duty. realize that the Active Duty is going to change in this drawdown as well. promotion rates will drop (I had to survive a 1LT Retention Board before being considered for CPT) and the big-picture culture is likely to become more political as the force "right-sizes." nothing is constant but change. accept it.
best of luck to you!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 6:02 PM

2015-08-25T18:02:15-04:00

Don't give up. I can honestly say what you are feeling is normal and many of us have had the same feeling. However you must remember you are an officer now and it can sometimes be a lonely and hard road. Stick with it and get out there and find the challenges you want.

Response by LTC Donell Kelly made Aug 25 at 2015 6:02 PM

2015-08-25T18:02:55-04:00

First of all, thanks to the Army, I was able to graduate from nursing school in '71. Two years of AD & I was out & resigned my commission. Went back in 12 years later, & as an experienced nurse, I was soon seeking out jobs in the unit that were outside of what I normally did as a civilian.
In my TPU, S1-2, S-3, S-4 & Mob were all held by nurses and we worked hard at schools, being mentored by our NCO's & learning our jobs. Go outside your comfort zone. Assuming you were a prior NCO, or E-4, you certainly have a lot of experience observing NCO's & Officers who were both good & bad. Model your behavior & attitude on those you admired on AD.
That and looking for education & experiences outside your comfort zone will re-energize you and you can offer your skill sets as prior AD to help others. Good luck! PS; I retired with over 25 years of total service.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 6:07 PM

2015-08-25T18:07:53-04:00

Congrats on your commissioning! I have been a career reservist/Guardmember, I have found that units vary, but found more of what you are apparently experiencing happened in the 70s when the reserves were not taken seriously and were filled with draft-dodgers. That started in change in the 80s. If you have the desire to deploy look into some high-speed units PSYOP/Civil Affairs; the some of the training divisions like the 75th Div (Mission Command Training) which conducts exercise might be more satisfying. I was in a similar unit back in the 80s and 90s. Looks in the some of the Special Forces units in the Guard. If your high-speed, they could send you to the Q course and you can be an SF Officer. I realize the Army is cutting back, but if you have a good record, try for AGR. If you find the drills are a drag and you cannot find a unit to your liking, apply for an IMA position. You would work for 2 weeks or more with an active unit and don't have to go to drill. Some have opportunities to work for longer period of time with the agency/unit. Perhaps the transition to officer could be an issue. Officers do more big picture stuff and admin; the NCOs do more the direct troop-pushing. I know one very dedicated PSYOP Reserve NCO who is working on his masters degree, and seems to be a very good leader and planner. i encouraged him to apply for a commission. He didin't want it, he preferred the direct troop-pushing! If that's your passion, I understand. However give it a chance; you now have your commission; you will get more leadership opportunities over time. Even if you stay in your present unit and positions, chances are if you do what you know is right for your unit, its mission and your soldiers, you will make a difference and enjoy it. Take the challenge of increased leadership responsibility.
There are a lot of options out there. Look at all of them before considering reverting to NCO. I'm confident you will find a satisfying and successful role as an Army officer!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 6:17 PM

2015-08-25T18:17:06-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, for better or worse, you've arrived at your unit and into the USAR during the period of transition which invariably follows the end of over a decade of intense OPTEMPO and activity for our organizations and our Soldiers as they have performed their instrumental roles in supporting combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. It is hard to believe that as recently as three years ago, the USAR was a force heavily engaged in these operations and today we are at a virtual standstill. The effects of the current Sequestration have had a profound impact on training and operations across the USAR this FY and are likely exacerbating the conditions that fueling your sense of frustration at present.
Sure, it would be easy to throw in the towel during a time like this, but is it the right thing to do? I would tell you no. You stand in the darkness of breaking new dawn for the USAR, one that is bringing with it a fundamental transformation in the way the organization is structured, trained, deployed and employed. The USAR that I've grown up in will soon be replaced by a more modular, adaptable, responsive model - one that is requires less response time and less time at the mobilization station prior to deployment and employment.
To make this new model work, the Army is going to require leaders who have been to the latest schools and have received the most up-to-date training to put this system in motion. CPT Private RallyPoint Member, you're ahead of the power-curve on this. Provided you remain current on your Army OES schools, you will likely be briefing your Battalion Commander and his staff and the way ahead on these changes in the very near future! You have the unique opportunity to assist in reshaping the USAR and it's overarching structure for the next 30 years! You, along with you peer group, will be responsible for developing the long-term direction of this institution for the next 50 years!

Find a way to become a valued and trusted Officer among the pack; set yourself apart. It's too easy to resign yourself to sitting quietly among the flock; take on the tasks nobody else is eager to do - do something, but don't let this opportunity that lies ahead of you slip from your grasp. And don't let temporary frustrations cloud your long-term vision!

Response by LTC Christopher Sands made Aug 25 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-08-25T18:19:24-04:00

Why dont you find a unit that has a slot open? Then you could do the job assigned.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-08-25T18:19:36-04:00

Step back from the edge Sir. There are hundreds of units that are not getting their UMR filled that would take you. That may mean traving a bit further. But if you do your DTS correctly you are entitled up to 300$ for IDT travel. Have you been on mobcop? Or tried to look for a tour? In the reserves, your career is ultimately in your own hands, but if you need assistance, IM me.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 6:23 PM

2015-08-25T18:23:08-04:00

Sir, you can serve in the reserves as long as you are not receiving your pension. And any time spent in the reserves will add to your years of service.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 6:28 PM

2015-08-25T18:28:26-04:00

Sir, if you did not get a certificate or "letter" its because your unit administrator or UA Tech did not submit the packet for one. Your unit is required to submit a packet through HRPAS for you to get the certificate. If you do not have a UA or UAT you may have an RPAC that does those actions for you

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 6:37 PM

2015-08-25T18:37:09-04:00

Sir, your UA is only going to be as "good" as you let them. Before i became the UA (i had to fight for 6 years to get the position) only ONE Soldier was sent to an NCOES. In my first year i sent 22 Soldiers to NCOES ond another 56 To other impactful training. The commander and SSA HAVE to hold the UAs accountable. UAs are critical to training and must have the knowledge and resources to get that training. The U A also has to have the tact (and balls) to call higher out when they cry "no money for training ". If your UA is not getting it done they need to be counseled. But remember, the UA us not the replacement for the Commander or the 1SG. TPU Commanders & 1SGs must still contribute significantly during nonIDT days.

Response by PO3 Richard Freitas made Aug 25 at 2015 6:59 PM

2015-08-25T18:59:54-04:00

Hi Chris,

I can't recommend either for or against either action ... just that you consider all sides before you make your final decision. All of us, at one time or another, make choices that we wish we could reverse but we don't always have that option. I was in a Navy Reserve Officer Candidate program when I found out that I was partially color-blind; I was told that I could not be an officer so I went enlisted after two years of college. When I reported for active duty and had been in processing about two weeks I was asked why I didn't choose to remain in the program as a LDO (Limited Duty Officer). It was explained then that I could be an officer - just not a line officer; one had ever mentioned this option to me until then. Since I had already left school and started my active duty period, I decided to stay enlisted rather than muster out, finish my education, then re-enter active duty. After my active duty, I finished my education and enjoyed working in the corporate world. In restrospect, however, I wish I had known about my other options. I was active duty during Vietnam and was not welcomed upon return; the military was not very popular at that time so I also did not stay in the reserves. I do wish that I had at least remained in the reserves; I truly wanted to become an officer and I could've received my commission after finishing college. Had I done so I have no doubt that I would've remained in the reserves at least another 20 years. Think long and hard before you act.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Aug 25 at 2015 7:00 PM

2015-08-25T19:00:17-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member There is a lot of wisdom in these other answers. I can understand your frustrations. I commissioned active duty Infantry out of ROTC but in 1995, I was passed over for promotion to Major. So I left active duty, went into the IRR and a couple of years later, I joined a Reserve Unit. I finally retired from the Army Reserve this past June. The best advice I will give you is to look for an MTOE unit where you can serve. You have the opportunity to stand out over your peers and that will open doors for you with your unit and beyond. Seek out the challenging positions including company command and excel in those. Good luck!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 7:21 PM

2015-08-25T19:21:40-04:00

No advice other than don't resign your commission. I ran into the same problem coming from 3ID to the National Guard. Even as an AGR I felt that the "good ol' boy system" was still large and in charge, so I quit that (my own mistake). I assure you there will be another conflict and another reason to beef up the regular component, and that's when your chance to return to active duty will come. You'll appreciate the fact that you are commissioned, it's better for your retirement and better for your civilian résumé. Just hang in there, do as much as you can to beef your OERs, and check Tour of Duty for ADOS positions constantly.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 7:34 PM

2015-08-25T19:34:14-04:00

You've heard the same thing forever, save your hand receipt! That's the only way, unless someone happens to have some you can make a drug deal for.

Response by MAJ Danny Clark made Aug 25 at 2015 7:41 PM

2015-08-25T19:41:15-04:00

Keep your chin up LT. While I am very proud of my active duty service, some of my most rewarding military accomplishments happened in National Guard and USAR units. I didn't look through all of the comments, so I apologize if I'm repeating someone else's advice. Each state has a state National Guard headquarters with a lot of civil service positions. These are "excepted" positions that require you to be a drilling member of the Guard, wear your uniform to work, adhere to military customs and courtesies. But you get paid on a General Schedule (GS) or Wage Grade (WG) civil service pay scale.

Response by SGT Carissa Lara, RCS made Aug 25 at 2015 8:13 PM

2015-08-25T20:13:03-04:00

LT, I feel the same way. I've been so disheartened since joining the reserves from Active Duty. I have a very rare specialty and no one seems to know what to do with me. I'm the only 68N in my unit. I drive 3 1/2 hours one way every month to just sit around doing next to nothing. All of the missions that come up ask for medics, lab techs, x-ray techs, etc. No one asks for a Cardiovascular Tech. I even had to find my own AT this year since the unit didn't schedule one.
When we were briefed at the upcoming changes in ARMEDCOM my MOS wasn't even on the list and no one can tell me what's going to happen to me come Oct 1.

Response by SSG Edward Evans made Aug 25 at 2015 8:13 PM

2015-08-25T20:13:13-04:00

You are the only one that can improve your situation, sir. There is always someone that needs guidance, being a 2nd Lt many will treat you as a glorified Private, sir. I cannot count the time that I had soldiers that needed guidance and the unit failed them. You can only do so much, but you will never be sorry for investing your time in helping a soldier that needs a little, or more guidance. I hope things get better for you, we always lead by example, good luck, sir.

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Aug 25 at 2015 8:24 PM

2015-08-25T20:24:56-04:00

When I was a brand new E2, my reserve unit was a club of guys who sat around until 4pm and then drank or hooked up with women while they were away from their wives for the weekend. A warrant officer went to the CO and asked if he could hand pick some of the motivated guys and drill on a different weekend so they could concentrate on developing skills. He got the go ahead and that sparked some real improvements. The deadbeats really stood out after that and they were encouraged to get out. We ended up with 4 weekends of motivated, training people who really wanted to work. I don't know if it is possible for you to do try something like that in the Army, but it might be worth a try to get a core group of motivated people together and push them to achieve something that is outside the norm.

Response by Col Hank Birkdale made Aug 25 at 2015 8:55 PM

2015-08-25T20:55:47-04:00

I had the same experience as you. I initially enlisted into the active duty Air Force, got out, went to college and re-entered as a 2LT. After a few years, I got out and joined the Reserves.

Initially I had the same opinion as you. Not much to do, the unit did not have the same feel as an active duty unit, and my civilian job gave me less responsibility than when I was on active duty.

Over time though, things changed - and many opportunities came along. I eventually became an Ops Officer and Squadron Commander - and was able to influence more than when I was a junior officer. Other opportunities came along - deployments, training exercises, TDYs etc. Eventually I retired as an O6 a few years back. It was all worth it.

So don't resign your commission - just keep looking for opportunities - and when once comes along - take it. Good luck.

Response by MG Hugh Van Roosen made Aug 25 at 2015 8:57 PM

2015-08-25T20:57:02-04:00

Chris. It is all about building a team of people who you trust and who trust you as a leader because you have their interests before your own. When I joined a reserve component unit many years ago as a new 2LT, I was met at the door by a group of troops openly doing drugs. Within 6 months, we fired the unsalvageable, recruited new troops and built a unit we were all proud of. Any leader can and should do this. Don't sweat the admin- just do it. Then get down to the business of training and leading. You and your soldiers will be better for it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 10:00 PM

2015-08-25T22:00:57-04:00

I had the same issues when I first commissioned and served in the National Guard, but I then I switched to the Army Reserve and it was as different as night and day. Based on reports I've read from the field (IG, climate surveys, etc.), you're not alone in your attitude. Retention is getting to be more and more of a problem as Battle Assemblies become administrative exercises, rather than training. On my end, our CG is aware of the situation and trying to determine COAs to resolve it. I would encourage you to step out and look at other USAR units in the area. I'm biased against the Guard because my experience was dealing with the good old boys' club. People were promoted not based on their performance but instead on their connections. It's similar to that corporate atmosphere that you described. Although, I did encounter that corporate atmosphere frequently on AD, but mostly at major headquarters. The Army is a heaven on Earth for narcissists.

Response by MSG(P) Thomas Finn made Aug 26 at 2015 1:04 AM

2015-08-26T01:04:44-04:00

Sir
The Reserves needs leaders like yourself. Hang in there, grow and make the difference you yearn for. You will be surprised how much NCO support you will receive.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Aug 26 at 2015 1:40 AM

2015-08-26T01:40:40-04:00

Sounds like you need to be back on Active Duty Sir. Go talk to a Recruiter, get connected to an Officer Recruiter. Maybe you have to change your specialty. If that fails, give up the commission and enlist. I bet a dollar some day you'll be happier.

Response by SSgt Jeffrey Andrews made Aug 26 at 2015 3:13 AM

2015-08-26T03:13:24-04:00

Well Sir, you have to make the ultimate decision, but I would offer two pieces of info for your contemplation. One, the Reserve unit can be turned around into something alive and exciting if you are a true leader of men with a will and desire to improve your troops. Find like minded Staff NCO's and NCO's within your unit and motivate them to motivate you. The second comment would be the reason I left the Reserves. After getting back from Desert Storm and going into the IMA from Active Duty Congress changed the rules to where those who spend the rest of their time in the Reserves would not receive Retirement Pay until they were 65 years old or 63 if I am not mistaken. My family has a history of Heart Disease and my Father, Brother, Uncles and Grandfathers all died in their 50's or 60's from heart attacks. Due to my family medical history I decided it was not worth my spending the last few years in the Reserves to Possibly never receive my retirement before I died so I resigned my position in the Individual Mobilized Augmentee (IMA) Reserves.

Response by MAJ Luis Fernando Hernandez made Aug 26 at 2015 7:41 AM

2015-08-26T07:41:26-04:00

Why don't you look around and visit other units and see if they are a better fit for you? Also, you might consider volunteering for special assignments or other schools.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 8:21 AM

2015-08-26T08:21:54-04:00

I started my civilian career while still in the reserves, and I have felt that way since day one, even with the veteran that trained me. I did eventually leave the reserves because I too felt under utilized. I made the decision to get out for my family, so I feel a little better about my decision of not re-enlisting, but I definitely miss the camaraderie. I don't think I will ever get that feeling again.
My favorite time in the reserves was before I deployed, I had an OIC who kept us involved. We did Habitat for Humanity, tactical training, and got involved with the community. I was a Seabee so those activities made sense for us. Maybe creating opportunities like that could make your time in the reserves more meaningful for you and your subordinates.
Good Luck.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 9:05 AM

2015-08-26T09:05:27-04:00

Have you tried AGR (active guard/reserve)

You're like an active duty with pay and benefits but you are still under reserve.

I came from active duty and went to the reserve. Then I was hired as an AGR and I love it. They are more understanding than active duty. If I'm night shift and there is a commander's call at 1300, they don't force me to wake up for the 2 hour long cammander's call like how active duty used to do it to me.

It's more like a "Big Boy" program. You know what you're supposed to do so just do it and they don't have time to baby sit you.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 10:08 AM

2015-08-26T10:08:59-04:00

First 2LT, the Army Reserves is what you make of it and you are in control of your own career path, in other words you pave your own path,with that said how evr there are numerious reserve units and all are different some have realistic task and while others training to to stay ready and not all are as exiting as others for example as the 75TC which is currently conduct live MDMP Staff training for PACOM in Hawaii Korea and Japan just to mention one of the many real live training. Then You have to find a unit that best fits you, if you are in a unit that is Top heavy you will always feel that way unless you have that one leader who will take you under his/her wing and mentor you . In the mean time find your mentor in your case he is that sharp NCO SFC who you need to listen to and let him/her teach. Now if your heart is set on active duty which there is nothing wrong with that then you go where your heart takes you because in order to be successful and a great leader you have got to love what you do not just enjoy, Good luck to you 2LT

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 12:34 PM

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There are opportunities and challenges out there in the Reserve Component. I promise. Be proactive and look. Get with the S-3 and see what future operations are coming up so you can get a head start on planning. The hardest part is getting my soldiers motivated and they sure as hell aren't going to be if I'm not. Once you get a PL slot, make training challenging and efficient so they don't "Just show up." No, it's not AD. But a lot of your experience will be what you make it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 12:36 PM

2015-08-26T12:36:50-04:00

take this time to plan the next 5 years of your life and career. No Organization is perfect. Plus in the USAR, you can voluneteer for deployments.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 1:02 PM

2015-08-26T13:02:49-04:00

LT. It is amazing that you feel this way because I am right along with you brother. I am going on 19 years of service and I commissioned back in 2010. I actually tried to go active when I commissioned but they were not accepting prior service. I Also Just recently left a civilian job and it was the same thing there that you experienced. Everyone was about self and there was no accepting the new guy especially when they found out I was military. Everyone felt threatened due to our work ethic and they found a bull@$!# reason to release me. My unit is mobilizing soon so I will have some sense of accomplishment when we go but what about when I return. I will try to go AGR to finish my career but I want nothing to do with the civilian sector upon my return.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Aug 26 at 2015 1:18 PM

2015-08-26T13:18:33-04:00

2LT Chris Garcia, Chris, I will send you a private message, and ask that we discuss this in private, I will admit that you are over reacting. You need to view the reserves as a challenge, so you learn to beat it or it beat you. I will help you.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 1:35 PM

2015-08-26T13:35:57-04:00

I wholeheartedly feel your concerns and frustration. The active duty entry level period for me was a great time of building/enhancing your skills/resume, good camaraderie, ability to venture into outward areas of the US and overseas while having the stability and satisfaction of serving your country. It was very frustrating transitioning into the private sector from active duty to small business ownership...uncertainty, long hours, heavy administrative burden, multitude of taxes, less family time, little to no time off during the initial years. Although the hours can still be daunting and tax burdens/regulations are heavier, like anything in life...with hard work and persistence it has been worth the time and effort in small business ownership. I also went from 6 years of fond service, memories, relationships on active duty to close to 20 years and still serving within the reserve force. You are right...and this is a great place to vent your feelings with respect to your journey within the reserve force. Many within the walls of our reserve support centers have continually voiced their dissatisfaction with the current leadership, environment in general, politically correctness gone wild, ineffective redundant obsolete GMT/NKO training and recently little to no response to increasing service member security within our support centers (refusal to allow our MAA's and other certified personnel to arm themselves). Similar to what you see in Washington...our reserve force has transitioned over the past few decades from local/regional innovative personal training and stimulating environment of growth... to a microcosm of Washington in being a bogged-down ineffective obsolete under-utilized politically correct entity. The unfortunate result has been the exiting of many talented service members and all too many existing members with long faces counting the months/years of their exit/retirement date. My suggestion is to target what professional interest takes to your liking, go back to school (GI Bill if you are eligible and paid into it previously) for more formal/professional education. You want to continue to hone your skills and education to where "you are of more value to the military" compared to the current value level of where currently the "military is more value to you". Of course, if you truly feel that your past active duty service was extremely satisfying and could be your true vocation in employment...then go back in and work your tail off, serve/mentor your fellow comrades and with persistence success should follow you. I hope this helps a touch. I truly feel for the younger service members such as yourself as our reserve force continues to evolve into the politically correct ineffective microcosm of Washington.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 26 at 2015 1:52 PM

2015-08-26T13:52:15-04:00

Have you tried AGR?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 2:04 PM

2015-08-26T14:04:43-04:00

Chris,
I was enlisted, an E5 in the 82nd, then went to ROTC. I commissioned in 1992 and selected Reserve duty due to my perception of how officers and senior NCOs were responding to the drawdowns. I fully relate to the culture shock of joining the Reserves and not feeling what I felt as a troop in active duty.

If there are many officers in a given line number at your level, it sounds like you're not in a line company. My first advice is to away from any sort of unit above battalion level and fight to get into a platoon -- any sort of platoon. Be a platoon leader. That is where your prior service becomes an asset and you will be a leader, not an executive/management type. Get dirty.

Second -- other than maybe as a platoon leader, you will never ever feel that camaraderie you did as a junior enlisted surrounded by peers. You will always be separate. You will always have to have some form of separation. Your job is to work for those troops, set the stage for the mission and its success by planning and resourcing, then do quality control on the mission while setting up the next batch of missions and shielding your troops from as much crap from higher as possible. Until you embrace the fact you are never going to be a "just a troop" again, you won't be able to focus on doing your new job and doing the right things to make your troops look great.

Finally -- regarding active duty -- there are not enough platoon leaders in the Reserves. When I was a company commander of a combat engineer company I spent over half my tenure as the ONLY officer. You have the chance to make a difference in the Reserves. I'm not saying "do not consider active duty". I'm saying you may find more chances to make a difference, particularly being prior service, for those young soldiers who do not have active duty backgrounds. If and when your unit mobilizes, then you will be even more in a position to coach and mentor your troops. Yes, you have a PSG, but it's a team effort. If he doesnt' have a good PL, then he has to cover than and delegate his job to another NCO, who in turn has to rebalance his stack. You commissioned to be a leader. Find a platoon -- MP, engineer, anyone whose job it is to "get dirty", and enjoy every minute of it.

Good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 5:39 PM

2015-08-26T17:39:49-04:00

Sir,

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 5:41 PM

2015-08-26T17:41:49-04:00

Sir as an officer you have the power to implement change and break the norm of the unit your assigned to. You need to comega up with a plan and then enlist your NCO's to execute.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Aug 26 at 2015 6:11 PM

2015-08-26T18:11:50-04:00

LT2, it takes a special leader to fully understand the 'purgatory' reserve service can be, a hybrid 'no man's land' between pure civilian (every person for themselves) and active duty (every person for the team) and how to merge the two. Given my para-military profession at the time (law enforcement) I was more inclined to enjoy the esprit de corps that came with my reserve service than my fellow civilians who chafed at the rigid structure and made a leader's work harder than it needed to be. Being a role model soldier is always easiest to do in hindsight, but if you can find it in yourself and your training to be the person you wish your subordinates to become, then you may find pleasure and satisfaction in knowing that you will have influenced someone's life for the better. Unfortunately, you may never know who that person might be for years, if ever. It is easier to remember those who gave up and left us to fend for ourselves, metaphorically-speaking, as they pursued their own career and interests.

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made Aug 26 at 2015 7:55 PM

2015-08-26T19:55:10-04:00

Sir, I totally understand your feelings concerning transitioning from Active Duty to the Reserves. There is a big difference. It's a shame they make it so hard to go back on Active Duty from the Reserves. Hope things work out for you! Respectfully, HMCM ((FMF) John F. Bradshaw, USNR, Ret.

Response by SSG Toryn Green made Aug 27 at 2015 12:52 AM

2015-08-27T00:52:52-04:00

Sir, I can completely understand how you are beginning to feel. I felt the same way for a long time. Then I realized I will get out of the Reserve what I put in it like anything else. I began to volunteer for every school, deployment, and training opportunity that was available to me. I was constantly asking, "What else can I do?" This type of attitude will get you far in the Reserve. I have learned so much through both training and combat experiences based on volunteering.

Response by 2LT Earl Dean made Aug 27 at 2015 1:39 AM

2015-08-27T01:39:05-04:00

Dear 2LT. I spent twenty years in the service and about fifteen years in I decided as an E7 I was tired of getting new 2Lt's to bring up to date on the way things really was at the time, so I too became a 2LT after doing OCS. I gave back my commission because I was going to a Artillery battery instead of Infantry which I had always been and I didn't want to play the political game that was going on in the Army at the time. Then Deseret Storm came. My unit was sent in about at the start! A national Guard Unit! I must tell you there was a difference in the way the full time Army and the Reserves and National Guard train and are equipped and trained. Those Minute men are what makes it possible for the Army to do what they do! Sounds stupid and I am sure people and full time guys will argue that! But When the Army is cutting back to less than a million men and the stuff hits the fan you know who they will send in to take the heat! Yes its true! They will call your unit and if your not trained as best as you can train your men! They will die! We trained hard as a Guard Unit. But back then we had thousands of men that had been green berets and SF from Vietnam coming home and not having a way to get rid of the strain and feelings! so they Joined Units like mine! They trained Hard and as real as possible! Yes we lost blood training and we even lost some lives training! About half my men wound up with PTSD because the training was a real as we could make it! But when the stuff hit the fan we lost only four men out of our unit to The storm. You were one of the ones that because the officer core was either filled or the reserves was short got stuck going there! Concentrate on training 2LT, Make that your main goal! They may need you and your training some times soon. The Army is cutting back more and ISIS is not done, Keep your eye on what is going on all over the world! You will be called! Be ready and have your men ready! Believe me when I say you want them ready! You want to bring them home marching and not in body bags and boxes!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2015 2:11 AM

2015-08-27T02:11:39-04:00

Keep your head up Sir! Those of us who have gone from AC to RC had to make some kind of adjustment. Check the AGR positions that are available or volunteer with a unit within your command that is deploying. The opportunities are out there Sir. I have a cousin who's a CPT and when he first came in, it was through the Chaplain Corps. Things didn't work out and he changed branches and units and then jumped to another unit to get some deployment time. Anything is possible you just have to look for it Sir.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2015 9:20 AM

2015-08-27T09:20:27-04:00

Chris, My comments are somewhere on the page regarding your Reserve career. Now I want to respond as a fellow vet who made a very successful career in the civilian sector. As in the military, there are bosses (not leaders) and companies that are not conducive to happiness. They will get the bills paid, but at the end of the day, life sucks there. I encourage you to actively seek out a mentor and a new job. The civilian sector rarely takes true talent and molds it. One has to shape oneself and career. I had many horrible bosses and a few jobs that were not desired, but I used all of that as experience. Interestingly enough, I learned more from my bad bosses than the good ones. I learned what not to do as a leader when it was my turn. I highly encourage you to think long and hard about where you want to be in 5, 10, 20 years from now. Then start (right away) preparing your self for that journey. Get the graduate degree and the certifications necessary to reach those goals. Also try to make the right job moves (even outside your current one) to reach those goals. My career is marked with very strategic moves (even when I didn't realize that at the time), I used each position as a stepping stone to reach my current position of Director (and eyeing a VP role). Be sure to have fun along the way as well though. Remember that we work to live, not live to work!

Response by Col Bill Marrs made Aug 27 at 2015 9:30 AM

2015-08-27T09:30:03-04:00

It may seem ridiculous to mention there is a waiver for everything, but I will. If you are motivated and patient and direct some "positive energy" in the right directions you may experience the results you desire. Stay flexible and willing to change careers. In 28 years in the Guard and Reserve I earned four AFSCs. First, the standard practices, particularly of a downsizing force, do not allow the non-active duty person many opportunities. Those inside the force are pushed to change based on the dwindling opportunities. I tried for 17 years to enter the Air Force and was finally commissioned in the Guard a few months before my 35th birthday. This only happened because I finally located the right, supportive personnel who assisted with the right waivers for my vision. Second, my career only really took off when I joined the Reserve. The right place at the right time with the right skills resulting in so many backfill command opportunities I could not take advantage of them all.

Don't take no for an answer. Use the specific advice received from others about which office to contact. If you don't receive good direction or options or info on what waivers are possible, keep asking up the chain. It is tough today, but you can make it happen. The Air Force needs you in one branch or another.

Remember, too, the excitement of active duty, of being needed every day, of encountering and overcoming challenges is something we may have a tough time finding outside the force.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2015 4:40 PM

2015-08-27T16:40:50-04:00

Chris,
I can assure you that every Soldier that ever ETS from the AD into the Army Reserve or National Guard at some point experienced the same feelings that you are experiencing now. If you don't mind me asking, what is your branch? What rank were you as an enlisted?
I was very fortunate I did not experienced what you are experiencing now until year 5 into my officer career. I commissioned as a QM officer and right of the back I was as a distro platoon leader for a BSB, Xo, and then company commander. I experienced what you are experiencing now after my company commander time things started slowing down, and I was not ready to slouch yet. I was an assistant to the assistant S4 meaning I really had nothing to do. I started wondering about what my next evaluation will look like that is when I made the decision to transfer into the Army Reserve and become a CA Officer. Once again I am happy because I am always on the move and I am again being challenged every single day. My point Chris is that in the Reserve, you have to take control of career especially as an officer.
Change your unit look, look for units that have officers vacations, if that doesn’t work try changing your branch altogether. It sounds to me like you are also unhappy with your civilian job to the point that you are willing to relinquish your commission to enlist back into the AD for the need of a stable job am I right? Remember why you decided to ETS because whatever the reason was it is still there.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-08-27T16:49:48-04:00

Sounds to me sir that it's your unit

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Aug 27 at 2015 8:10 PM

2015-08-27T20:10:29-04:00

Sir do not give up.
You will find that your nco's will step up and back you up faster than you could ever believe.
The hardest thing about the guard and reserves is that everything is up to you and on your shoulders as far as career.
Find those nco's whether in your current unit or another.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Aug 27 at 2015 8:25 PM

2015-08-27T20:25:20-04:00

Before you do that, sir, consider transferring to a training unit, such as a Drill Sergeant or OC/T unit. I know from personal experience the DS units are pretty high speed.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2015 11:12 PM

2015-08-27T23:12:22-04:00

Chris,

I have to agree with the recommendations on the thread, however, it is your career. During my 37.5 years, I served 17.5 on Active Duty (AC and ADOS) with another 10 in the National Guard and 10 in the USAR. Like you, I transitioned from AC as an NCO prior to becoming an officer in the National Guard. Like you, I struggled to find a fit. But, I remember my NCO training and accepted that it was my responsibility to succeed or fail. Along the way, I had great mentors, terrible leaders/Commanders, toxic units and yet, I stayed. In addition to the advice provided elsewhere, I recommend the following:

1. Find a Platoon SGT/1SG to serve as a mentor.
2. Find a Major/LTC to serve as a mentor.
3. Build a relationship with your Senior Rater and Commander.
4. Take every opportunity to obtain training (correspondence, schools in lieu of AT, OJT, development assignments, etc.)
5. Take every additional duty assignment (Training Officer, Junior Maintenance Officer, Annual Training Plans officer, Convoy Commander, whatever).
6. Trust your NCOs to keep you current on soldier skills and build a good relationship with your unit NCOs. However, keep it professional and don't slip back into an NCO mentality.
7. Trust your senior rater to prepare you for your career.

Finally, in every assignment, I considered 3 questions:
1. Is the unit leadership more concerned about their career than the success of the 'team?' If 'yes,' then they fail the selfless service value litmus test and you should consider a new home/unit.
2. Will the assignment provide you with new skills and enhance current skills? If 'no,' then you need to consider a new assignment. Skills grow stale and promotions are competitive.
3. Can you lead and train others in the unit? If 'no,' then you need to seek an assignment (in the unit or another) to develop your leadership skills. Every good leadership position requires some risk of failure but you will most likely learn more from failure than success.

The only limitations you have in your career are the ones you choose to accept rather than overcome. You have the ability to choose your path and there are many paths to choose from. Good luck.

Response by LTC Darryl Hamilton made Aug 28 at 2015 12:59 AM

2015-08-28T00:59:06-04:00

2LT Garcia you have gotten some very good advice here from some very accomplished Officers and NCO’s. So I'll just share my own experience with you. I spent almost 18 years in a Reserve Training Division. It was good unit overall, and I enjoyed my time there as well as most of the people I worked with. But as time went on I realized just how limited my exposure and experience was as compared to my active duty counter-parts. That knowledge gap became very apparent to me when I was in a CGSC class at FT. Bragg NC that was a mix of AC and RC Officers. I decided I needed to learn how the rest of the Army worked outside of the isolated bubble of my current unit. I did my first voluntary Active Duty tour in 2004 with the intention of returning to my reserve unit at the conclusion of that tour. Instead I ended up doing about 10 years active time utilizing a combination of COADOS and MOB tours. I finally retired in 2013 in Germany after 28 years of service. The experience I gained was invaluable and opened all sorts of doors for me. I had the opportunity to work with units and individuals that I would never have imagined even in my wildest dreams. Times have changed and I don't know how open RC commanders are to letting Soldiers in their commands volunteer for these types tours. I also don't know how plentiful these tours are in the current fiscal environment. But it's worth exploring. I moved from a TPU slot in to an IMA slot and eventually IRR because it removed several layers of the approval process that I had to go through every time I requested a new set of orders. Of course the downside was I was basically living one year at a time because you never know if something changes and your orders don't get approved. I would have seriously considered AGR if I had been at an earlier stage in my career, but I was already a MAJ. It seemed the vast majority of available AGR slots tended to be at the 03 level.
Just my 2 cents.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 9:52 AM

2015-08-28T09:52:17-04:00

Sir,

There is a lot of great advice coming from all ranks in response to your post. I am not sure where you reside or what type of unit you are in currently. I will say that there are a number of Army Reserve Drill Sergeant units looking for Officers to fill Company Commander and Company XO positions. I was recently promoted and was moved from a Battalion and into a Brigade slot. Although I did not want to give up my Brown Round, sometimes a change of scenery is a much needed and surprising change to ones military future. I wish you the best of luck in making your decision but "DO NOT" give up your commission. Best of luck SIR.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Aug 28 at 2015 10:18 AM

2015-08-28T10:18:27-04:00

No disrespect CPT Private RallyPoint Member but, is it not your job to be part of the solution? If you look around your unit and see problems, can you not take positive steps to try and correct them. In my experience, there will always be a few malcontents in a unit, but what you are describing is a sad unit. Also, I am sure that there are probably a few of your unit members that are on this site, and now they sitting back wondering if the LT thinks that they are "lackluster at best". One comment would be to very careful about airing unit laundry.
You came from the enlisted background, so it is not like you are a 22 year old 2LT, you know what it is like to have leaders, and hopefully what is to lead. If your unit is as you describe, perhaps they are looking to someone like yourself to step the hell up and start making things happen?
My recommendation to you sir, is that you step in as a leader and at least make the attempt. Then, the second part would be, do not give up on commission, you earned that. If you are not exactly happy where you sit, the Army is big, put in for a different assignment. I have to believe that there would not be a huge difficulty in getting orders to somewhere difficult (which is where we grow the most) as a 2LT.
Good luck sir, quitting is not an option.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 8:32 AM

2015-08-31T08:32:10-04:00

I hear what you are saying, I was active duty first then joined the Reserves. I can't deny it was a shock and true it is nothing like active duty. But there is a team and family feeling in the Reserves but I have found it's not so prevelant in all units. In some units yes you are on your own and waiting for nothing good,I'm sad to say . lucky me on my last deployment I went with the 443 trans out of Nebraska. We were a family from day one some of the best NCO's and Officers that exist today. It was to me like being active duty again every one had your back friend or not they were there to help if needed. So my suggestion to you is make the best out of your situation and be the best (lead the way) if you can't or they won't let you find another home. The Reserves is nothing like active but you help make the team or step aside and let someone else make the team.

Response by PO1 Ron Clark made Aug 31 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-08-31T15:37:57-04:00

I too am the child of Active Duty service, I spent 10 years active and 17 reserves. Sometimes in the reserves though, when you report to a command, until you prove yourself, then it can be a disheartening experience. Some active duty members feel as though since the reservist does it part time that the reservist cant be effective due to them not being onboard 24/7 like the active crew (Which is not true). If you engage yourself in the training your active counterparts engage in an qualify as they did, then the active side will be more inclined to accept you as an equal.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 8:46 PM

2015-08-31T20:46:57-04:00

I know the feeling sir and I feel the same way.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 8:50 PM

2015-08-31T20:50:21-04:00

Sir,
This is coming from a career Reservist, well I spent 4 years active duty with the 82nd Abn Div, but sometimes in the Reserves you need to seek out the opportunity to lead. I've been in the reserves for 11 years now and found that volunteering for the duties that seem mundane and always finding something to do. What Branch are you, sometimes branch detailing to a different branch may help move you along. Like the General said before me look for different units, I am in a Civil Affairs unit and we are always looking for good leaders. Good luck 2LT

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 12:01 PM

2015-09-02T12:01:21-04:00

Chris,
First, thanks for serving. My two cents is that you should get all the facts to see what your options are, and if there is an option that fulfills what your gut is telling you to do, listen to your gut. Balance it with input from your intellect, but I think both you and your Service (you don't say if you're Army, Air Force, or Navy) will get more bang for the buck if you're more engaged than the Reserves are currently allowing you to be. You might try transferring to the National Guard. It is more like family than the Reserves, and though there are a handful of strong Guard states and some that are particularly weak, you might find a good home there. As a young officer, it shouldn't be hard to find AGR slots there, either. You can have an active duty career in the Guard. At the end of the day, again, bottom line up front, listen to your gut.

Response by MSG Gregg Winn made Sep 3 at 2015 4:45 PM

2015-09-03T16:45:05-04:00

As a retired Reclassification Instructor for two MOSs, as well as NCOES Instructor, one of the things I always encouraged Reserve Soldiers to do is to find a need in their unit that isn't being filled. Go in, take ownership, fill it.

We had an NCO in my unit who had a passion for promotions. He adopted as his job the verification of promotion packets for all Soldiers. In the four years he did it, every Soldier who submitted a packet and had this NCO review it was selected and promoted in a timely manner. His track record was 100%.

Every unit I have ever belonged to has had Soldier Care work that needed to be adopted. SO, BLUF, don't give up. Find something that gives you value, and lead your Soldiers.

I wish you well, Sir.

Response by MSgt Joe Tafoya made Sep 8 at 2015 4:15 PM

2015-09-08T16:15:39-04:00

I was active duty and then reserves (all as non-com) and there was a lot of times in the reserves and active duty when we had very little to do so we did our best to bide out time and finish a weekend. In the Air Force I volunteered for every extra duty mission and school that would take me. It was always great getting away from the hum-drum and into a position where I was providing useful service and had a job to do. You may not be able to go active as an officer but you might be able to gain a whole lot of retirement points by volunteering here and there. Don't give up, you will be more proud of yourself for hanging in there even though you feel that you are just spinning your wheels. Talk to other reservists to see if there is another area that you might be able to transfer into that actually needs some extra help. I volunteered for forest fire missions, to go to Saudi so permanent party personnel could go home on leave, and even extra weeks or weekends when they needed extra help for something as mundane as an inventory. With 20 years and a retirement under your belt you will reap benefits. Nothing is perfect but maybe you'll be lucky and a war will break out. The military works best when at war but then you have to put up with being in a war (I have 3 National Defense Medals: Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Enduring Freedom. I loved being active duty again also). Good luck and I hope all works out for you.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 8 at 2015 3:59 PM

2015-10-08T15:59:14-04:00

I too would have disliked serving in the Reserves.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2015 10:22 AM

2015-10-16T10:22:40-04:00

You came to the right place to express your frustration. I bet someone already mentioned the following (if not look into them), sir. AGR? IMA?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2015 11:50 AM

2015-10-16T11:50:58-04:00

Sounds like you need to find a better assignment, or make the one you are in better through your own action.

I've been in the reserves since 1984, both officer and enlisted. Recently I was assigned as a chemical staff officer in a signal brigade. It was a poor fit and my morale started to slip. Today I am in a primary staff position at a reserve unit with the exclusive purpose of augmenting the staff of USFK (US Forces Korea) and couldn't be happier. This unit is very top-heavy, with no fewer than seven officers at O-6 and eight at O-5. As a senior captain coming in I asked the commander for a primary staff duty (we are not an MTOE unit and have no formal staff positions, but the work needs to be done) and was assigned as the J-1.

Volunteer for additional duties. As a lieutenant you should take charge of your units programs like UPL, SHARP or EO. If you are fortunate enough to be a platoon leader then work closely with your platoon sergeant and involve yourself in the platoons training and lead from the front.

Most importantly, remember that this is just one assignment. It gets better.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2015 11:36 PM

2015-10-17T23:36:51-04:00

Cross over to a flying job in the AF Reserves! You'll get plenty of time to work!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2015 12:37 PM

2015-10-18T12:37:56-04:00

I can't really speak to your civilian career, but as an officer in the reserve, I have a few thoughts. It seems like you are in an officer heavy unit. As a 2LT you need to be with Soldiers. I would start searching for TPU vacancies in a line unit, where you would have the opportunity as a PL.

Secondly, the USAR is in desperate need of good company level officers, it is a full time job. You should consider deeply involving yourself with your full time staff, knowing your BN and BDE taskings. This includes the unit metrics. Compos 2 & 3 rely heavily on unit metrics. Find out how you as a PL can contribute. Most importantly you need to be seeking self development and mentoring your platoons FLLs; the result your going for is to ensure your Soldiers are being taken care of.

If you attempt all of these, and are still feeling underutilized or not involved seek transition to active duty, or apply for ARG. I would not resign my commission.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2015 2:31 AM

2015-10-20T02:31:35-04:00

Fill out a AGR packet

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2015 5:04 PM

2015-10-31T17:04:43-04:00

Chris,
you've received great advise from a very diverse crowd. Just a few notes:
1. HRC puts out Call to Active Duty messages usually looking for 1LT's and CPT's.
2. Look into the AGR program, you will have plenty to do.
3. Remember that you became an officer to take on the hard challenges; those that involve leading and decision making.
4. Fight the mental mind crush you're experiencing. Resignation of your commission is not the answer. Survive this, become better for it and be able to mentor when this hits your subordinates.
5. Cross the 20+ year mark.
Stay strong, good hunting.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 9:21 PM

2015-12-28T21:21:29-05:00

In every unit and with every soldier I have mentored, I required 3 questions.

1. Do have the ability to perform my assigned duties. If not, then get trained. If so, then perform.
2. Do the leaders place the mission first (will they sacrifice me when they fail)? If not, then wait it out for a new leader (bad ones tend to depart and good ones get promoted) and learn to manage up.
3. Can the unit perform their assigned mission? If not, then train them until they can perform their mission.

As you can see, it is you, your leadership or the unit. Focus on what you can influence and don't sweat the small stuff. Good luck.

Response by MSgt Joe Tafoya made Dec 31 at 2015 9:10 PM

2015-12-31T21:10:43-05:00

The reserves and active duty are very different. I don't think you can expect civilians in uniform for 39 days a year to be the same as someone who is in uniform 24/7. In the reserves everyone I was activated with performed well and adapted to military life almost immediatly. It went from trying to get training to being able to use what we had been trained to do (lots of prior service in the reserves). As a CB in the Navy reserves I used to feel for the members in the "Fleet." Most of the people I served with in the 'Bees' did the same or similar jobs to make a living in their civilian lives. I was a CE2 (construction electrian) and as a licensed electrician, I didn't need electrician training on my weekend a month or on annual tour. What I did enjoy on my weekends and annual tours were building projects to provide for those who could use our services just like we would if activated. We also had combat training by the USMC and our "Gunny" for drill. The "Fleet" people had very little for training except for their annual tour which gave them hands on with equipment to train with; eg ships, guns, and equipment. In the Air Force reserves there were training plans but most of the time they were stymied when the civilian contractors couldn't comply with training requests. It left us with little to do. Many AF reservists volunteered for extra deployments for the hands on experience. It's hard to get motivated when when your outlook of a drill weekend is that it will be slow or full of spin your wheels busy work. Not sure what type of unit you are assigned to but even when I was active duty artillery we spent a lot of equipment maintenance time rechecking vehicles that didn't move for weeks, lots of idle time. You're in a situation that sounds fruitless but it won't last forever. In the mean time you might start thinking of training options for the drill weekends. If there are impromptu classes in MOSes, combat training, and first aid tucked away they can always come in handy. Take this time for corespondence and computer classes to increase your credentials for knowledge and advancement. Don't worry so much about all the 'peers' in the line number as thinking about your people and improving the unit with positive input. Just like when you were an enlisted guy, prove you can accept what is given you and do your best to prove it.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 19 at 2016 5:55 AM

2016-01-19T05:55:36-05:00

Lt. , I don't know what your MOS is , or what field of expertise you have is, but you could always try to go back and train for a different MOS.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 6:46 AM

2016-01-19T06:46:48-05:00

LT, you need to check out the HRC portal (records portal) and look for vacancies in your area. It's quick and easy. Plus you can search for MOS by state. Finally, if you enjoy the AD world so much look for MOBS on Tour of Duty or talk to other units who are getting ready for a deployment.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Jan 19 at 2016 7:51 AM

2016-01-19T07:51:05-05:00

Sir, Look at it as a opportunity, a learning experience. You set the standard, do not let it drop any,
It is a temporary thing. When one door closes another one opens. Tough Times do not last, but TOUGH PEOPLE DO.

Response by MAJ Michael Pauling made Jan 19 at 2016 7:54 AM

2016-01-19T07:54:00-05:00

Welcome to the reality of it all Chris, having been where you are now I only got two things for you. 1. Do not quit the Officer Corps, primarily you have no idea what the future may hold and the commission in the long term has more value in retirement as well as prestige. You need to think forest as well as trees my friend. Reserves, in some ways is like AD it dpends on your Unit as well as location, but the 20yr Letter should be your goal for financial security in your old age. 2. Sooner or later that Uniform will come off and you will need to enter the Civilan Reality with a Uniformed perspective which as you can see is different in many ways, alas you will survive and make your path the one you want sometimes and other times, you just suck it up. Just like Active Duty and Reserve Duty eh?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 8:01 AM

2016-01-19T08:01:43-05:00

I was told by my commander there is a shortage of maintenance leadership and many oppurtunities available, good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 9:28 AM

2016-01-19T09:28:20-05:00

Join the national gaurd they will keep you busy

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 9:46 AM

2016-01-19T09:46:34-05:00

Sir, I feel your pain.
Active duty was a calling... I did my job and we made a difference. In the Reserves I feel it is an adult baby sitting service, and all effective tools are locked away. Discipline is impossible to instill because if someone doesn't get to do what they want they go home... and the punishment for leaving in the middle of the duty day you ask? Are you kidding, it is the new army - no one never gets in trouble or faces any consequences for anything. I completely loathe what it has become. First I thought it was my unit, but soon learned that as long as you don't sexual harass or god forbid miss an LHI appointment, you are solid. It's dumb.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 10:48 AM

2016-01-19T10:48:47-05:00

1LT Garcia
I am an Army Reserve Career Counselor. There are a great deal of things that you are able to do in the Reserves that you may not be able to do in the Active Component. If your desire is to serve Full Time drop an AGR Packet all the Active Duty perks less of the Active Duty headaches. Also your Career is governed by your drive and opportunities that are available to you. For example only in the Reserves can you fill an O-3 Billet if you want to move up to the next rank start by filling one of those positions. Additionally, look outside your comfort zone. Figure out how far you are willing to commute to a location to fill a slot. Then look at positions available there. For example I work with a Command Career Counselor (2 of them actually) for a 1 Star and 2 Star Command respectively. One of the Divisions is looking for an Aide de Camp O-3 Branch Immaterial to fill the position. You have just as much of a chance to fill that O-3 Slot as an other person. The position is Vacant here in KY. It is fairly easy to put you in contact with the correct person for that position. Likewise, speak with your local Career Counselor because we have visibility on vacancies that most people don't hear about. Literally if you are willing and have the drive then you can take control of your Career and branch out.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 11:13 AM

2016-01-19T11:13:08-05:00

Sir, I had a glitch and lost my original response. In a nutshell Sir, the Senior officers, my battles and my SNCO's here are absolutely correct, do not lose faith Sir, I would love to say this is an anomaly in the Reserves, but sub standard behavior is sadly the norm, I have gone through a number of units, to advance, do more and just feel I'm in the profession of arms Sir. So do not settle for that in your character, there are many units that still function to and above standard. You happen many positive options that can make a great positive influence on many. If that unit doesn't meet your needs, shop around. As a Chief on this string as well as MAJ stated, you will have peaks and valleys as well as challenges on either side, I as a GS civilian employee for the Army have heard a number of my NCOIC's speak of not so good units they have been in on the AD side, so just as a SM has to tolerate a couple years at a command, the same is for the Reserves. So Sir as a Reservist, and it seems you are in the medical side , many medical units are stellar, and if depending on your AOc, many non medical commands would love have you , especially as a prior enlisted. Do not give up Sir, fight the great fight, you will not be disappointed. HOO AHH!!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 11:23 AM

2016-01-19T11:23:47-05:00

If you don't have enough work, make some. Learn what each part of your organization does and how that impacts the mission. Then find ways to improve their processes by eliminating inefficiencies. Don't worry about being PC, just be kind. The private sector cuts the lowest performers because they invest in and mentor the top performers. This a luxury not found in the military. Under normal circumstances most servicemen are retained for their first term. This is one reason why we focus so much on developing leaders through mentoring and improving skills. Before resisigning your commission you may consider entering a different branch of the military.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 11:43 AM

2016-01-19T11:43:54-05:00

In the short term, you may want to look for a job with a small company, or a small department or plant within a large company. Look in a rural area. Look into agriculture or ag related industries. The smaller you get the better the team aspect comes into play. Agriculture related folks seem to be more of a 'get the job done and do it with what you've got kind of mentality' than do many other industries. Construction and manufacturing may be worth a look too.

On the Reserve side realize that it is a COMPLETELY different critter. There are ways to get back to the active side if only temporarily. You can volunteer for mobilization. You can get into various schools. If you go to school for a posting that is in demand then that helps your attempt to go to Active Duty. Use the system

Response by PO1 Ron Clark made Jan 19 at 2016 1:02 PM

2016-01-19T13:02:07-05:00

Remember even as a Reservist! You serve at the needs of the Navy! As this one assignment can be not what you envisioned, even in the reserves you get transferred to other assignments. I say give this assignment a chance, and then you will be rewarded on another assignment. Sometimes, I know from experience even being an LPO can be challenging, rewarding and oftentimes overwhelming. Just ride the wave and see where it takes you. Also look for assignments in which you can develop yourself and put yourself in front of the crowd. This comes with volunteering, just look before you leap, and give it time. The Navy is always changing! Lean Forward!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 1:59 PM

2016-01-19T13:59:33-05:00

Others have spoken wisely regarding your options. Allow me to speak momentarily on the more esoteric side of the question.

It has been said already that your service is what you make it, which is true - but your perception of that service is also important. While I do not know what unit you are in or what the other O's in it are like, I am going to assume that there is some good and bad in various areas. Do not spend a lot of time thinking about each drill or even each AT - as important as those are, what really matters is what happens if/when the balloon goes up. What will your job be then, and what will you bring to the table? Do you have specific areas of expertise that are lacking in others in your unit? Will you have the opportunity to make a difference? Can you save a life or a mission with your skill set, that others may not have? In other words - is your service going to be needed by your unit then?

None of this may be relative to your situation - I don't know. What I do know, is that many Reserve units (like some Active ones) lack certain skill sets, outlooks, or basic competencies that are needed for war - and often they may not even recognize it. I've found myself in this situation, and while exceedingly frustrating, I found purpose in both trying to do as much as I can to prepare individuals (if not the whole unit) during peace, and to be a good resource for them during war.

Also remember - nothing in the Army is permanent. You will promote, you will transfer - learn what you can now about improvements that need to be made, and when you find the opportunity to fix them - do so.

No matter what you choose, to do, please stay involved in one way or another - we need every good person who cares that we can get. Drive on, and good luck.

Response by SSG Roy Reges made Jan 19 at 2016 9:46 PM

2016-01-19T21:46:16-05:00

Yes the reserves and or the guard will not give you the satisfaction or brotherhood of being regular. Its a taste but its a matter of if its enough for you. I think you have to factor in what else do you have going on. Do you enjoy your civilian job enough to give up what you miss from being active. Do you have a family , how would they be affected if you went back to being active? Can you get assigned active for a short period of time? Just my opinion.

Response by HN Chris Robinette made Jan 19 at 2016 10:26 PM

2016-01-19T22:26:08-05:00

Hang in there. Wait till after the election and sees who is in office and what happens with the military. You are building up pension time for retirement so do not waste it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 12:45 AM

2016-01-20T00:45:14-05:00

The call to active duty program pulls reserve officers to active service. The last two years and currently they are seeking civil affairs captains so consider going into that branch.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made Jan 20 at 2016 10:31 AM

2016-01-20T10:31:05-05:00

I totally understand your dismay! Don't resign your commission. If you have a skill that might be needed in other services, consider applying for an active duty commission. Change your career field to something that is needed. Use your GI bill and go back to school. Change reserve units. Some can be very toxic for several reasons. Poor leadership by civil servants. Cliques, and lack of mission. I was in a very dysfunctional reserve unit for 17 years. I didn't have the freedom to change and quitting wasn't an option. People do tend to be self-serving and entitled when they aren't engaged in a mission and team. I did try to lead and be positive but it was hard. I got very frustrated. There was no balance and we were a flying medical unit, so there were power plays and drama! I hate to think that's normal.
You can bide your time, watch and learn. You are still young and early in your career. Transition from enlisted to officer is also a culture shock. I recommend you lean quietly. Maintain your values and look for opportunity to shine or mentor others. It can be painfully boring, but be patient. Apply for everything and anything. Best of luck!

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 11:04 AM

2016-01-20T11:04:20-05:00

Lt Garcia, you can see several have already expressed the idea that you are not alone in your feelings. I too had that same feeling when I transferred to the Reserve side of the house many years ago. One thing you must ask yourself is why are you there. Reserve is a totally different role than AD. It should allow you to pursue your outside career while continuing to serve. It is a commitment. You may not have witnessed the same things while active duty but those same kind of folks are there too. There are other units out there but you may have to travel to get to them. I have served in several reserve units and had good and bad experiences in each one. I stayed because I loved the military and this way allowed me to provide for my family and continue my connection with the military. It wasn't easy and it was very discouraging many times over but you can make a difference. As what is always said- you are responsible for your own career. If you can find a good mentor then great but you have it also within you to lead, look what you have accomplished already.

Response by TSgt Cory Harrington made Jan 20 at 2016 2:21 PM

2016-01-20T14:21:16-05:00

sounds to me someone overrecruited the o-slots, forgetting that there is no chance to move up with promotions..that being said, there still should be training availabilty to you..we in reserves had to perform training in two days, what active duty had entire month to accomplish..as well as run the base on the weekends..THAT, combined with working regular jobs during the week as a civilian, makes for a hectic lifestyle on you and any family around...but if you do not have those obligations of wife and kids, if you are free and single to do what you please, then why not go back to active duty..but

Response by TSgt Cory Harrington made Jan 20 at 2016 2:22 PM

2016-01-20T14:22:48-05:00

Response by CDR Kenneth Kaiser made Jan 20 at 2016 7:57 PM

2016-01-20T19:57:04-05:00

I remember when I first got commissioned my chief told me the second most dangerous thing in the Navy is an Ensign (0-1) with a pencil. The most dangerous thing was an Ensign with a pencil with an eraser. Give it a little time. Show them what you can do and do your best. Take every opportunity to learn the hows and whys of running a unit. It will serve you well. I don't know how the Army handles the Temporary active duty assignments but see if you can get assigned to a extended active duty where you will learn something. You can take those back to back as long as there is a gap between them. Remember you were selected for a reason, take some time to show them why. It is ok to make mistakes, no one expects perfection of an O-1. Take the ball and run. You have a 50% chance of going the right way.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 7:51 AM

2016-01-21T07:51:01-05:00

There are options.... You could try another unit, try and go active, volunteer for an ADOS tour.... Not all units are the same, some are more active than others and it depends on who is assigned. You said there are a lot of LTs in the same position - sounds like your should look for a unit that is lacking in junior officers so you can take a bigger role in leadership.

Response by MSG Mark Million made Jan 21 at 2016 10:58 AM

2016-01-21T10:58:03-05:00

Sir, the reserves might not be the "Tip of the spear" however they are necessary for the modern army. Withou good leaders that care, should we become onvolved in a serious war, all soldiers would pay the price if people duch as yourself were not filling those necessary positions. Day to day it might seem unworthy, but in the big picture you are a cornerstone.

Response by MSgt James Bowers made Mar 2 at 2016 9:47 PM

2016-03-02T21:47:35-05:00

As a reservist there are many opportunities beyond your home unit if you seek them out. Look at the deployment charts and contact the Commanders to offer to back-fill TDY shortages.
When we were closing everything in Panama I spent a lot of time with Guard and Reserve units as back-fill for shortages.
Good luck Sir.