Continuing to Serve Your Country is Choosing to Continue Growing Professionally

2023-03-07T11:43:16-05:00

Continuing service in the United States Army Reserve (USAR) can provide numerous benefits for veterans, including medical/health care coverage, credentialing assistance, career advancement possibilities, the Public-Private Partnership Program, in-service officer/warrant officer programs, USAR family programs, and flexible service options. By continuing their service in the USAR, veterans can continue to serve their country while also receiving valuable support and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Check out these stories to see how people are continuing to serve in the USAR: https://rly.pt/3fGMDFy

In the coming weeks, we will outline these benefits in detail and resources to help you access them; but first, here’s a brief overview:

Medical/Health Care Coverage while in the USAR: One of the most significant benefits of continuing service in the USAR is the medical and health care coverage available to its members. USAR soldiers have access to the same medical and dental care as active-duty soldiers, including medical exams, immunizations, and mental health services. This is particularly important for veterans who may have service-related injuries or disabilities that require ongoing care.

Look at the Tricare coverage available for United States Army Reserve Soldiers here: https://rly.pt/3ygT3ky

Credentialing Assistance: Another great benefit of serving in the USAR is the credentialing assistance available to its members. The Army Credentialing Assistance Program helps soldiers earn civilian credentials and certifications related to their military occupational specialties. This can include everything from commercial driver's licenses to professional certifications in fields like cybersecurity and project management. This can be particularly valuable for veterans who are transitioning into civilian careers after their military service.

Check it out here:
https://rly.pt/3Jguk6l

Career Advancement Possibilities: Serving in the USAR can also provide opportunities for career advancement. USAR soldiers can continue to progress in their military careers, including opportunities to become officers or warrant officers. This can provide additional responsibilities, leadership opportunities, and potentially higher pay.

The Public-Private Partnership Program: The USAR’s Public-Private Partnership (P3) Program is a unique benefit available to Army Reserve soldiers. This program helps connect soldiers with private sector employers who value their military skills and experience. This can help veterans find meaningful civilian careers that are a good fit for their skills and interests.

Check it out here:
https://rly.pt/3mB15CA

In-Service Officer/Warrant Officer Programs: The USAR offers several in-service officer and warrant officer programs that can help soldiers advance their careers. These programs include the Warrant Officer Candidate School and the Officer Candidate School. These programs provide soldiers with the training and education needed to become officers or warrant officers in the USAR.

Find out more here:
https://rly.pt/41ToC1G

USAR Family Programs: USAR soldiers also have access to a variety of family programs designed to support them and their loved ones. These programs can include everything from counseling and financial assistance to educational and employment services for spouses and children. This can help alleviate some of the stress and challenges that come with military service, particularly for families who may be dealing with deployments or other extended absences. These include Military One Source, Survivor Outreach Services, Child and Youth Services, the Exceptional Family Member Program, Military Family Life Counselors, and Soldier and Family Readiness Groups.

Learn more about these Army Reserve Family Programs here:
https://rly.pt/3JjEFi1

Flexible Service Options: Finally, one of the biggest benefits of serving in the USAR is the flexibility it offers. USAR soldiers can choose from a variety of service options, including the Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) program, the Troop Program Unit (TPU), and the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program. These options allow soldiers to choose the level of commitment that works best for their personal and professional lives, while still allowing them to continue serving their country.

Join our team today:
https://rly.pt/3fGMDFy

How to Join

Official site of the U.S. Army Reserve, the federal military reserve forces of the United States.

Response by CPT David Gowel made Mar 8 at 2023 12:33 PM

2023-03-08T12:33:47-05:00

I transitioned from the Active Duty Army to the Army Reserve in 2008 (just before the economy crashed) and don't know where I'd be now if I didn't make that decision. Transition would have been so much harder had I just left the Army "cold turkey" by going from active duty directly to civilian status. I think we should all be taught the first day we raise our hands for active duty service that the reserve compo is a no brainer step in our eventual transition back to civilian life.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2023 1:12 PM

2023-03-08T13:12:42-05:00

I was never AD, but being in the Reserves has been incredibly beneficial for me and my family. Those benefits listed are REAL, and has allowed me to continue growing in my civilian career. Coming up on 12 years in the Reserves and very thankful for everything it has provided me.

Response by LTC Hugo Lentze made Mar 8 at 2023 1:31 PM

2023-03-08T13:31:27-05:00

During my active duty time, one of my assignments was with the 91st Training Division; I was part of a Reserve unit that trained staffs preparing to head to OIF and OEF. Having just returned from Iraq, this was extremely meaningful work for me, and incredibly important work to prepare Soldiers for combat. The Reservists I worked with was some of the hardest working people I have ever met: successful civilian careers as well as Reserve duty. I was always impressed with how prepared and focused they were during their mission times.

I checked out the Reserves when I retired; turns out it would not have worked for me, but had I not retired, the Reserves would have been an incredible option: continuing to serve my country continuing to receive benefits, and continuing to work with great dedicated, mission-focused Soldiers. What's not to love?

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Mar 8 at 2023 4:43 PM

2023-03-08T16:43:46-05:00

Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2023 3:06 PM

2023-03-09T15:06:32-05:00

Glad to see ARCG using creative means of advertising the Army Reserve! Nice job, team.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Mar 10 at 2023 8:32 AM

2023-03-10T08:32:17-05:00

thanks for sharing

Response by PVT Nathan Bousfield made Mar 10 at 2023 8:52 AM

2023-03-10T08:52:39-05:00

Its masochism.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2023 11:58 PM

2023-03-10T23:58:14-05:00

Serving in the USAR benefitted my civilian career and vice versa --> Win. Win.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2023 8:11 AM

2023-03-17T08:11:52-04:00

I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to continue to serve after leaving Active Duty in 2005. After receiving IRR recall orders in 2005, I deployed to Iraq and fell back in love with the Army. Two tours later, I joined the AGR program, and now 15 years later, I've had the opportunity to serve, personally develop, and lead and work alongside some absolutely incredible Army Reserve Soldiers. I feel as if the USAR was a second chance for me and will be eternally grateful.