U.S. Army/Air Force/Marines Reserves? Is it worth looking into?

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Daniel H

New member
I have been kicking this question around for a little while, as my dad just retired as a CW4 from the Army after 23 years. I currently have a good job, $40k annually, 50k in a year, 65k in 3 years. 75% tuition reimbursement and full benefits (good benefits at that). I have my Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice and I will have a Bachelor's in Public Administration in Summer 2010, followed by my Master's in Spring 2011.

Now, the question: Are the reserves for me? I'm not afraid to go overseas and fight for my country. What benefits do you get when you are not on active duty? What rank would I be eligible for? Has anyone in the reserves experienced bias from employers due to the fact that you may get shipped out? What kind of jobs are available to a reserve? I'm interested in CID. Any info is helpful- thanks in advance!
 
I'm not sure why you want to join the military, being that you already have a good job and an education. The only benefit the military offers, that you don't already have is great health insurance. Otherwise, you can get a lot of great experience from the military. I can't speak for the other branches, but I think Army reservists being deployed is tragic. They're poorly trained and for the most part they rarely take the job seriously. I was active Army for 41/2 years and I've seen lots of reservists, and they all sucked. I was a forward observer with a light infantry unit and we were training almost constantly, unlike the reservists. I don't think you'll encounter a lot of prejudice from employers. Mostly, people view soldiers with a combination of curiosity and respect, but there's always the one idiot who's anti-military. Hope this helps and feel free to e-mail me if you have any more questions.
 
Do your research in advance. Contact a reserve recruiter, and find out if there is a unit in your area that has openings for the job you want (CID). The reserves gets many of the same benefits as AD, Tuition Assistance, 100% up to $4,500 per academic year, Reserve MGIB, with kickers, possible college funds, depending on service.

Note, TA does NOT cover Masters degrees, for some weird reason.

As for rank, it depends on the service, and whether you are interested in Enlisted or Officer careers. Personally, I would be looking at Army/Air Force for you. Army has the Civilian Acquired Skills Program, and advanced promotion program for Enlisted members.

You will not be making as much money, unless you are good with savings, at least until you are advanced in rank. It does offer job security however :) Email me if you have any specific questions.
 
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