What should I be prepared for if I transition to a Reserve TSgt as opposed to my past as an active Army SSG? (Medic, 68W>4N)

2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 01:27:17 -0400

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 1:28 AM

2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 01:28:30 -0400

As the post says I am transitioning to the Air Force Reserve. What words of advice might you have?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 7:01 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 07:01:41 -0400

The good ole boy system x's 100

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 4:08 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 16:08:19 -0400

It all depends on what type of unit, what your new job is, where the unit is located, the unit's command climate and leadership style. There's really too many variables to consider. Your question is very broad and has not one specific answer.

The one certainty is that the Reserves are not active duty. If you're used to being in an active duty environment where everything is yes/no sir/ma'am then you may be in for bit of a culture shock. The fact that you're going from Army to Air is a shock in and of itself not to mention going active Army to Reserve Air. That's a huge jump in mindset. Whatever you do, be proud of your Army service but don't be that guy who qualifies every statement out of their mouth by saying 'when I was active duty Army...blah blah blah..' or 'in the Army we used to do it this way' or even worst 'when I was deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan...' Ah...no.

The Air Force is not a right-shoulder patch community, not even the active side. Deployments don't mean as much as what your abilities are. Remember, you're not in the Army anymore. If you find that you liked the way the Army did things better than what the Air Force Reserves does then I suggest you just keep it to yourself and carry on or go back in the Army.

You're also probably going to be around folks that have been in for a long time and have worked with each other for just as long. This is not a bad thing. Learn from them, especially the technicians. Don't be that guy who thinks active duty is better and you're going to come in and try to run it like active. If you can avoid doing this then you should have a smooth transition.

Also, I don't know what job you're going into but in the Air Force aircraft maintenance is the jewel. If you're not aircraft maintenance then you're probably a nonner. That's not a bad thing but just remember, if you're attached in support of a flying operation then make sure you support the ones that keep the planes flying.

And, and the comment about the good ole boy system from the other poster, it is what it is. Again, these folks have been knowing each other for a long time. You're the new guy. Be open minded and just learn.

Good luck!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 10:51 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 10:51:18 -0400

You will likely transition to SSgt in the AF. Every prior service person in my unit lost one grade when coming from another branch. The AF is more of a business, so it's a good transition if you plan to do anything business related civilian side

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Aug 28 at 2015 7:51 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 19:51:57 -0400

I made the same jump many years ago. The first thing to remember is that the AF is not the Army. It made sound like simple advice, but keep reminding yourself that all the time. The AF (even the Reserves) is much more civilian like. First of all, everyone is called "sir," regardless of being a NCO or Officer. But you may many other like yourself. One of my previous units was filled with prior service Army and Marines. The other difference is the AF is much more rank heavy. There are many more SNCO's around than in the Army, so although you will be a Tech (TSgt) and in charge of some stuff, there will always be plenty of Masters (MSgt E-7's) around to guide you until you get your feet wet.

Good luck.

Response by MSgt Guillermo Ybarra III made Sep 4 at 2015 9:35 AM

MSgt Guillermo Ybarra III — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 09:35:19 -0400

Air force life and army life are very different.