What advice do you have for a 3-year Reservist going onto active duty (with 10th Mtn Div)?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 19:08:08 -0400

I've been in the reserves as a 68w (medic) for just over three years. I just signed a contract for active duty for another three, I leave in less than a week for Ft Drum. I've been working on my PT and trying to brush up on my MARCH/TC3 since the reserves hasn't had much to offer in the way of training or experience. If anyone has any advice for a reservist going regular I would appreciate it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2017 7:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 19:22:41 -0400

PT is number one. Be able to run. You will be judged on your ability to run (APFT).

Be in the right place right time with the right attitude and do everything your leadership tells you to do while being simultaneously good at PT and you'll be better than 80 percent of the Soldiers they already have.

On the Medical aspect of it look into TC 800 (table 8) and master the basics (M A R CH trauma assessment). Be able to do this with your eyes closed.

Every new Soldier in our unit gets a diagnostic APFT and Trauma lane Day 1. This reveals a lot.

Dont think that being in the reserves has set you behind the power curve. If your high speed youll be good.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2017 7:23 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 19:23:11 -0400

I've done this myself. I will say it all depends on the unit, however active duty is completely different than the reserves and national guard. However given the fact that you are not that far removed from basic, I do not think it will be that much of a culture shock for you. Just have some expectation management and you'll be fine.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jul 8 at 2017 7:23 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 19:23:14 -0400

You can't really go wrong with any of the units up at Drum, they're all top-notch. It's a nice post, and Watertown isn't bad at all for a military town. Just keep doing your thing as far as PT and just do what you can to fit in once you're at your unit. Everyone loves the Medic though, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Response by MSG Les Amaya made Jul 8 at 2017 8:03 PM

MSG Les Amaya — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 20:03:14 -0400

If you have confidence in your medic ability and apft fitness, you shouldn't have any problems. Approach it with the right attitude.

Response by SPC Eduardo Gomez made Jul 10 at 2017 2:49 PM

SPC Eduardo Gomez — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 14:49:12 -0400

Take have heavy winter clothes. Hell freezes over there. Ft. Drum was my duty station while I was in, the PT your doing now is nothing compared to what you will doing there. But in order to be part of the 10th mountain You must earn the tab.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2017 6:22 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 06:22:01 -0400

It's no dog and pony show. That's an amazing unit hardcore boots on the ground training. If you get stationed with an Infantry or Cavalry unit.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2017 8:02 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 08:02:52 -0400

Congratulations on the assignment. You asked a great question and I would recommend that you discuss the same with your squad leader and platoon sergeant. I'd also get all the certifications that are required for your MOS and ensure you timeline it out.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jul 11 at 2017 9:15 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 09:15:38 -0400

Run and Ruck.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2017 10:48 AM

Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 10:48:41 -0400

I was a medic for 3 years before I commissioned into the regular Army. All I can say is be in top notch shape, and take advantage of every training opportunity that is thrown your way. Study up as much as possible so when you hit the ground running you will not be too far behind, if at all.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2017 11:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 23:46:41 -0400

Don't

Response by Cpl John Barker made Jul 20 at 2017 3:24 PM

Cpl John Barker — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 15:24:54 -0400

Get your cardio up, buddy of mine from the 10th said you guys run like gazelles

Response by SPC Mickey Stinson made Jul 22 at 2017 9:17 PM

SPC Mickey Stinson — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 21:17:12 -0400

Make it what you want to make it .You will be ok . Don't be afraid of anything always do your best good luck .

Response by SPC Michael Lege made Aug 6 at 2017 10:57 AM

SPC Michael Lege — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 10:57:35 -0400

Work on your PT! I went through PLDC with a bunch of those guys when they were stationed at Ft. Benning, Ga. They're a rough and tough unit, (at least they were in '86), but I was very impressed with their skills!

Response by SPC Jason Schulte made Aug 9 at 2017 12:04 PM

SPC Jason Schulte — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 12:04:56 -0400

Stay away from 10TH mountain they suck

Response by SPC Todd Rhoades made Aug 16 at 2017 9:09 PM

SPC Todd Rhoades — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 21:09:55 -0400

Welcome, the North Country has changed a lot in thirty years. I was just there in June for a reunion, Watertown has everything you need these days, it's not the middle of nowhere anymore. Still the beautiful North Country though, tons of outdoor activities, hunt, fish, ski. Lots of great people, active, seep rated and retired still in the area and across the country that stay in touch and support the post. It will be as good or bad as you make it. And yes, lots of PT, but it becomes just part of the job. Reactivated the place back in 86 and if my old ass could go back, that's where it would be.

Response by SPC Rahn Martz made Aug 18 at 2017 4:25 PM

SPC Rahn Martz — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 16:25:21 -0400

Just have fun. Military life is the best. I sure do miss it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2017 1:13 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 13:13:05 -0400

Get yourself a snow shovel. And a vehicle that's 4wd

Response by SGT William Brown made Sep 3 at 2017 10:30 PM

SGT William Brown — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 22:30:30 -0400

Go for it and give it everything you have, 10th doesn't like half steppers.

Response by CPL Chris Palmberg made Jan 25 at 2018 12:03 AM

CPL Chris Palmberg — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 00:03:14 -0500

I think the hardest part of the transition to active duty for me was learning the different mindset and organizational culture. Unlike reserve units, where it's not uncommon to see specialists with 15 to 20 years in service, junior and listed are actually young in most cases. Add to the fact that while some of the soldiers you work with attended school together, most of them do not have common background or interests. This Can make finding your place somewhat challenging.

Perhaps however, the most pervasive problem for a reserve component soldier on active duty is The comfort level dealing with officers in the reserve. Because so many medical and nursing officers are direct commissioned into the Reserve hospitals, you may be too comfortable with brass. Trust me... popping a salute with a big cheesy smile and a "Hey, sir... How's it going?"at a brigade staff officer is contraindicated if you want to survive.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2019 11:18 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 11:18:35 -0500

Cold weather gear.