How can I better myself in the Army Reserve?

2015-04-17T18:44:04-04:00

Let me start by saying that I love RALLYPOINT and it has been a big help for me! My year since enlisting is coming up next month and I told my self I'm not just joining just to join I'm joining because I want to better my self and SERVE my country.When I was in high-school I thought I was going to go active and do my 20 but things change so I joined the Reserves and I work two jobs while in school, ever since I took the oath I told myself when I get in I'm going to hit the ground running and go after every opportunity the ARMY RESERVES has to offer.Any advice from anyone on how to better my in the USAR would be greatly appreciated.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Apr 17 at 2015 6:48 PM

2015-04-17T18:48:38-04:00

Sounds like you're going to college, so that's a great start. Look into military correspondence courses as well. Also, if you can get the time off, volunteer for any Army school you can get. My advice would be not to rule out at least one active tour to see if maybe that 20 year career really is for you. You're young and 4 years is a very short time in the scope of a lifetime.

Response by CSM Carlson C. made Nov 23 at 2015 12:14 PM

2015-11-23T12:14:36-05:00

Well, I'm a 1SG in a reserve unit. Nothing makes me happier than what I call "autonomous Soldiers". These are the troops that you never have to repeat anything to them twice. The always go out and maintain their dental and medical reediness. Pass their APFT, complete their SSD.... All without being told. That is FAR and FEW between. As a Soldier you know your responsibilities, you may need clarification but you know what it is. Get you promotion packet together. Even if your not eligible... have it ready for review so when you are eligible to drop it, you not scrambling to get it done. The first hurdle is asking what you need to do to be better, the net step is completing said tasks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 1:52 PM

2015-12-30T13:52:19-05:00

Take care of your own career in the Reserves. Be proactive. Don't wait around when there's opportunities on the table.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 1:58 PM

2015-12-30T13:58:10-05:00

Always keep up on medical readiness, APFT, and online mandatory training.
Volunteer (or ask) for additional schools/tasks - as an E5 there will be more opportunities: UPL, NBC, Arms Room, etc.
Continue your civilian education - that's where the new point system is heading.
You can get as much as you want out of the reserves as long as you are doing the right thing.