The United States Army Reserve provides excellent opportunities for professional and personal growth. You get to serve your country as a member of the United States Armed Forces while still maintaining your life and choosing where to live. This article discusses the benefits of an Army Reserve career and shows you how to join.
But first, let’s find out what it means to be an Army Reserve soldier.
What is the Army Reserve?
The Army Reserve is a branch of the United States military that lets you serve part-time while maintaining a civilian life. As an Army reservist, you can be a member of the United States Armed Forces and still go to college or pursue a career. The total service length is 3–8 years, depending on your specific role.
To become an Army Reserve soldier, you must complete basic combat and advanced individual training. Only then can you perform your duties, including one annual two-week training and one drill weekend every month. The Army Reserve offers a fulfilling and challenging career and empowers you with skills that carry over to every aspect of your life.
How Much Does Army Reserve Pay
The base pay for an Army Reserve soldier varies depending on your rank and experience. The base pay for entry-level part-time Enlisted Soldiers (Private, E1) is $3,849.93 for less than two years of experience. At the highest level, the base pay for part-time Commissioned Officers (Major, O4) is $15,511.23 for eight years of experience.
You also receive several other benefits, including:
- Training: The Army Reserve provides training in over 200 specialized areas, equipping you with skills to build your career within and without the Army Reserve.
- Employment Benefits: You receive employment benefits, including health insurance and access to affordable loan facilities. You also qualify for funding facilities for education.
- Employment Opportunities: The Army Reserve provides numerous opportunities for part-time employment in other government organizations. You can work in fields such as law enforcement, engineering or medicine.
- Bonuses: The Army Reserve provides bonuses and incentives, such as translator aide bonus, Officer Candidate School bonus and skills bonus.
How Does the Army Reserve Work?
To become a member of the Army Reserve, you must first meet several requirements:
- Age: You must be between 17 and 34 years old.
- Physical: You must pass the standardized physical screening test.
- Education: You must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
Once you meet these requirements, you must complete the same training as your counterparts in active duty, including basic combat and advanced individual training, after which you can return to civilian life. However, you must spend two weeks yearly on training and one week on duty monthly. Furthermore, if the United States has a wartime crisis, it may call upon you for active duty at any time.
Joining the Army Reserve
You’ve researched all the United States military branches and settled on the Army Reserve because you believe it’s the best fit for your passions, skills and calling. The next step is meeting with an Army Reserve recruiter to answer your questions and help you get through all the steps for joining the Army Reserve.
First, you must provide documentation to verify that you meet age, physical, education and citizenship requirements. Next, you will complete the application form at the recruitment office with the help of the Army Reserve recruiter. You will then need to pass the ASVAB test before enlisting in the Army Reserve for 3–6 years.
Find Your Army Military recruiter here.
Written By: usmilitary.com
