After getting approved for the IRR, what steps should I take next?

2015-12-23T17:47:03-05:00

I have orders in hand, and I'm in the IRR as of 1 January. Now what? This is my first time ever!

...and I'm back *out* of the IRR as of last August. Got a very good unit, and a very good commander....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 5:59 PM

2015-12-23T17:59:46-05:00

Sir, now you sit back and do what you want in life. Keep your uniforms handy and in good repair along with any gear you may still have. And of course, keep yourself in shape. Again, now you just do your own thing.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 6:03 PM

2015-12-23T18:03:08-05:00

A more break down:

An individual assigned to the IRR typically receives no pay and is not obligated to drill, conduct annual training, or participate in any military activities (except for periodic Muster activities) until activated by Presidential Reserve Callup Authority or until electing to drill, train, or serve in a "Drill without Pay" or an "Active Duty" role. Unlike members of the Standby Reserve (active and inactive) and Retired Reserve, IRR personnel are members of the Ready Reserve and as such, they retain their status as uniformed military personnel, their military specialty (i.e., pilot, Surface Warfare Officer, infantryman, intelligence officer or enlisted intelligence specialist, etc.) and rank/pay grade. IRR personnel also receive benefits similar to other members of the Reserve Components of the Armed Forces to include: Entitlement to a Military ID Card, ID Cards for their dependents, PX/BX/NEX/MCX/CGX (Exchange) benefits, Commissary benefits, and MWR (Morale Welfare and Recreation) Benefits. (Note: These benefits are only available to IRR Members in the "CONUS" 48 States.) An individual assigned to the IRR may receive pay and full benefits (including medical care and dental care for member and dependents) for voluntarily performing specific types of active duty. Because members of the IRR rarely serve on extended active duty and are not retired from military service most are not eligible for TRICARE. However, if honorably discharged, they do have the VA for medical benefits.[1]

By law, IRR members are required to retain possession of their service uniforms, retain their military identification card, and notify their service branch if they move and change their address.

Upon being called up, service members will usually be screened for their medical and personal status in order to qualify or disqualify them for activation. During the process, IRR members who seek to delay, defer, or exempt their activations have the opportunity to present their case to the mobilization authority for a decision.

An enlisted service member's IRR service ends after the completion of their mandatory service obligation (MSO), usually 8 years.

The Individual Ready Reserve, Selected Reserve, and Inactive National Guard comprise the three Ready Reserve programs.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 23 at 2015 6:52 PM

2015-12-23T18:52:27-05:00

Defend Fort Living room!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 7:10 PM

2015-12-23T19:10:23-05:00

Now, you chill.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Dec 23 at 2015 7:22 PM

2015-12-23T19:22:09-05:00

Depends. What do you WANT to do?
All you are REQUIRED to do is keep your contact info up to date and report if there is an IRR muster. It is a great place to hang out if you are looking for tours. Lots of flexibility.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 7:34 PM

2015-12-23T19:34:49-05:00

During this time you should work on your education and take advantage of completing online military courses. No one knows what the future holds so do your best to stay at the top of your game. CW3 Private RallyPoint Member

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Dec 23 at 2015 7:35 PM

2015-12-23T19:35:14-05:00

Like LTC Stoneking said, it depends on what you want to do. If you want to look at active duty tours, checkout Army's Tour of Duty site. You can filter the available tours to your rank, MOS, etc. Otherwise, you can get on with your life and your civilian aspirations. Like SSG Livingston said, stay in some kind of shape just in case (and for your own health). If you decide that you miss the USAR, it is also an easy way back in. Wish you the best on this holiday season and for your future.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Dec 23 at 2015 7:55 PM

2015-12-23T19:55:22-05:00