Going from active duty to reserves

Cpl Nathan Sandy — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 21:14:15 -0400

I want to know what some of y'all's openions are about goin from active duty and then joining the reserves. It can be for any branch.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2014 9:15 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 21:15:03 -0400

Well my wife is going from Active to Reserves week after next and is getting a $20k bonus, so I'm totally cool with it!

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jul 26 at 2014 9:30 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 21:30:30 -0400

Cpl Nathan Sandy I can relate to where you are coming from (going to). It is entirely different and takes much getting used to. It is however, worth it.

Staying in the reserves is much harder than staying on active duty. Because you are now managing two careers.

My advice-try it. The best part about the Guard/Reserves is that you can continue to serve.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 26 at 2014 10:43 PM

COL Randall C. — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 22:43:14 -0400

Cpl Nathan Sandy, I absolutely recommend that any troop getting off of active duty explore reserve component options.

There are numerous benefits to staying in the RC, not the least of which is that you can capitalize on your years in the AC and apply them towards a retirement in the RC.

Lots of good comments already given at https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-recently-e-t-s-ed-from-active-duty-army-and-transferred-to-the-reserves-have-you-done-the-same-and-are-glad-you-did-why-or-why-not

I recently e.t.s'ed from active duty army and transferred to the reserves. have you done the same...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2015 2:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 14:02:56 -0500

I am doing this in early 2017. Does anyone have any insight what challenges lie ahead besides finding civilian employment?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2015 2:48 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 14:48:27 -0500

I did what you are considering doing. I was 4 years active and went reserves and still currently. It's totally different environment. It's not as strict yet it is. Of course every branch is different or could possibly be the same. If you want to go reserves, ask a lot of questions when you go to TAPS with the recruiter available. If you can't get a hold of anyone, ask a reservist in the Corps if it's what you really want to do. It's difficult unless you have a great full-proof plan. I wish I stayed active but I"ll deal with the cards that have been dealt to me. If you want, go to school (I would suggest a trade school than a 4 year degree unless you want to become officer). Understand your benefits, your availability of what you can have as a reservist. Keep Tricare because it's better than majority of what is out there (unless you have to switch).

If you like, you can message me and I can discuss a bit more if you would like. Either way, good luck to you, shipmate!