What would you recommend I do for reporting to my new Reserve unit, despite not being provided with any good contact information for them?

2020-03-07T22:45:08-05:00

I’m a recently graduated AIT soldier. I was told I had 72 hours to report to my unit. However, the number I was given to contact my unit took me to a random guy in another state. He actually claimed multiple soldiers have been calling him so I’m not the only one. I have gotten online and all the numbers I have for the unit take me to the general operator and I’ve been told I need a specific extension for the party I’m trying to reach, otherwise I can’t be helped. I have no such thing. 11 hours after landing home, I reached out to my recruiter to ask for help. He also gave me a number that doesn’t work, I informed him it didn’t and he said he’d look into it. I have contacted him everyday since to inquire and he has not been helpful, he just keeps telling me to “relax” and frankly I’m not able to. I have officially been back for 96 hours and feel like I’m pushing it. I’d drive down to the unit but it’s a 3 hour drive from where I live and I’d hate wasting time and gas just to be turned away once I get there because I don’t know who to look for but it might be my last resort. Is this something I can just do? What should I do in a situation like this? I’m scared I might be making a bad impression already.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Mar 7 at 2020 11:05 PM

2020-03-07T23:05:36-05:00

Army Reserve? Drive down to the unit during weekday working hours and check in, introduce yourself and get your drill and AT schedule. They should be able to tell you where you are assigned and your first line supervisor. Is your unit at the old Ft.Dix? If you don't know where it is located on the base, the people at the gate will generally be very helpful.
Unless things have changes a lot, to be honest, the unit probably doesn't care unless you don't show up for your first scheduled drill.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2020 11:41 PM

2020-03-07T23:41:15-05:00

Does the reserve’s not do 5434’s? If they do your sponsors email and phone number should be on there and you can ask for guidance. If y’all don’t do the sponsorship form then just show up to the base and find your unit

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2020 1:18 AM

2020-03-08T01:18:18-05:00

Just show up there. It's not your fault. Your recruiter and others made an attempt and you weren't properly set up for success. Happened to me when I switched from AD to the RC. All the numbers didn't work. Spent hours on the phone being bounced around different retention NCOs, BN and BDE PoCs, to finally get in contact with my UA. You'll be fine. When you arrive at your unit, let them know what happened and they'll square you away with contacts for your CoC, Drill schedule, and any in processing you need to do.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Mar 8 at 2020 3:32 AM

2020-03-08T03:32:23-04:00

Ok, reserves are a lot different that Regular Army. I was a reservist myself starting out. That 72 hour report thing, while relevant is not overly important. What they are going to tell you to do is bring all your paperwork to the next drill and at that time you will be in-processed and draw your equipment and such. Reserves are more laid back and no, AWOL is not really a thing unless you are at AT.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2020 7:53 AM

2020-03-08T07:53:36-04:00

Welcome to the Army Reserve!

You should expect more of this. Don't worry about it find out their drill schedule and start going in the next few months.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2020 9:58 AM

2020-03-08T09:58:24-04:00

The Reserves do not have a mandated report time (in hours) after returning from AIT. Sorry you were not provided better contact information, however, each unit (typically) has at least 1 full time support staff that works in the building Mon-Fri. If you know the location you should be able to show up and someone will direct you to the right office.

Response by SPC Richard Zacke made Mar 8 at 2020 3:07 PM

2020-03-08T15:07:07-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member If your only 3 hours away drive there during regular buisness hours and check in...I agree with you that you don't want to give a bad first impression. Drive down on Monday morning so you arrive well before lunch. Good luck soldier!

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Mar 8 at 2020 3:49 PM

2020-03-08T15:49:43-04:00

I'll echo the comments of the others here. Go to the unit during the week and check in. Don't take 'we'll do this at drill weekend' as an answer.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2020 10:47 PM

2020-03-08T22:47:04-04:00

Call your recruiters office and ask them to help you get in contact with them. They have a list of all contact info for the reserve units they enlist you to. Also it prevents you from unauthorized absence.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2020 1:29 PM

2020-03-09T13:29:43-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Please update us when you have contacted/checked in with your unit. Good luck.