Posted on Dec 23, 2015
Cpl Raquel Rocha
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The day I got my DD214 it wasn't easy. The day prior I was excited to start a new chapter in my life but when I got that DD214 it hit me that I was leaving and I just felt empty. It hasn't gotten easier since. I don't want to go active again but was thinking maybe going into the reserves would help. But I am afraid that it won't be like how I thought.
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SSgt David Tedrow
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Just be prepared that the Reserves are different in some ways. It really depends on the unit and the leadership. I recommend visiting the unit, if possible, before signing on the dotted line. Talk with the I&I staff and get a feel for what you can expect.
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LtCol Robert Quinter
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First, Cpl Raquel Rocha, has your competency as a Marine really diminished significantly in "almost a year"? I'll bet you could become current and make a contribution to the unit's effectiveness without a lot of catching up, but what would be the impact on your efforts to build your civilian life? My son-in-law was a reservist and deployed to Iraq twice. His twin brother was active duty during the same period and never deployed. The potential of being torn away from your civilian life is real under current policies. All of the disadvantages of military service will be there in the reserves and you have to seriously consider your priorities before making the commitment. You might want to contact your local reserve unit and ask if you could "hang around" for a drill weekend to get a feel of what reserve life is. Unusual, but if the people in charge have any imagination it might be beneficial for you and the unit.
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SGM Erik Marquez
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Please go find a reserve unit and ask to hang out a bit... get a feeling of what it will be like.... IOW go in eyes wide open so you have good expectations management...
As others have said it will not be what you remember ...it will be different ..only you can decide if the different meets your needs....but do your best to discover that BEFORE you sign the contract.
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I EASed almost a year ago. I'm thinking about going back in but as Marine reserves. Has anyone done this after being out for so long? Advice?
Sgt Aircraft Ordnance Technician
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After doing that my self going from active to Researves. I would recomend going in during a couple different drill weeks with the unit you are thinking of joining. If you are still on IRR time you can even talk to the unit to bring you on orders for the drills you want to come in for. It will give you a better idea of the Researves atmosphere, because it is different then AD.
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LTC Self Employed
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I think this is true no matter what unit you are checking out. You go in wearing your civies and you go there and report in formation just like everyone else. People are always getting out, retiring or getting promoted so there is always opportunity even now that the active duty is cutting back drastically on its brigade combat teams.
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Sgt Aircraft Ordnance Technician
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The only restriction is that you need to talk with the I & I staff prior to coming for a drill weekend. They have to know you will be there before you show up, it's a liability issue if they don't.
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LTC John Shaw
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Cpl Raquel Rocha I have been in the National Guard or Army Reserve going on my 30th year. I have always thought being a citizen soldier is the right thing, I enjoy my active duty time but never had the desire to cut over to full-time.
I suggest you look back into a Marine Reserve unit and reconnect to the culture you enjoyed.
If you want to use this a skill building block, you can look at positions in all services and choose the skill that you wish to build. In Signal and Intelligence areas the military is the best place to build these skills. Use your reserve/NG time to gain the initial schools and orientation to your new career.
Expect to deploy at least once every five years, I am deploying now, which is my third one year overseas deployment. Also expect stateside mobilizations as well, I have lost count on these.
Finding a civilian employer who will tolerate this duty is difficult. I have been fortunate that Verizon has been a great employer for me, most of this comes down to building a deep level of trust in your team and your boss and volunteering to work both jobs.
Working with people of integrity is the most important component of your career choice, if you find yourself in an organization that the leadership lacks integrity and the ability to set expectations, then seek out a leader and an organization that demonstrates these characteristics, request a transfer or somehow get to become part of their organization and learn from them. Good luck.
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MSgt Keith Hebert
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Remember to look at the army and air force guard and reserves
Went from active duty USMC to guard and retired
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MSgt Electrical Power Production
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Amen brother! Good advice!
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SGT Adrian Thompson
SGT Adrian Thompson
>1 y
Same here, without the retirement. Did my 8 active as an 0311 then a couple as an 11B in the Guard. If it weren't for my current civilian employment, I would have stayed in until retirement time.
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MSgt Keith Hebert
MSgt Keith Hebert
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I had to dig deep to stay in because of civilian enployment (many working 2-3 weeks with no days off) but worth it
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SGT Adrian Thompson
SGT Adrian Thompson
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I know that a different unit might have worked with me a little more as far as making up drills go, however the choice came down to being there for my unit or making room for someone that could. I have no regrets, but I'm sure when that "retirement age" comes I will wonder what my life would have been like if I stayed.
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MSgt Tim Parkhurst
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Before you make any hasty decisions, evaluate the core reasons why you feel the way you do. I transitioned from reserve to active and back several times. I'm now retired after 22 years active duty. It's not easy leaving active service to become a civilian. There are plenty of obstacles, but also many rewards. One thing I find most Marines struggle with after EAS or retirement is finding a meaningful sense of purpose. You knew you'd miss your fellow Marines, but that whole sense of purpose thing probably snuck up on you. I recommend that you evaluate that and see if there are other ways you might continue to serve your community, state, country, or maybe just fellow veterans or people in general. There are infinite options. I can tell you from experience that my reserve time never came close to matching the feeling I had on active duty. It is very different. It may be enough for you. But it may not be. Keep your options open, and find a way ahead that keeps you adding VALUE to the world around you! http://www.cigarsandseastories.com
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Cpl H N
Cpl H N
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"One thing I find most Marines struggle with after EAS or retirement is finding a meaningful sense of purpose." YES! Well said, Master Sergeant!
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CPT Assistant Operations Officer (S3)
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I spent a year out after the first time I got out. I went in to the National Guard and that is where I am still till today. I would do it. I never regretted it. I have found it to be very rewarding. Plus you get your chance to be a part of the team that you so enjoyed.
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CMSgt Mark Schubert
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Cpl Raquel Rocha I served 10 years active duty and got out completely - I joined the Reserves 3 months later and I couldn't be happier. I realized quickly that I missed the military greatly and being in the Reserves was perfect for me. I was lucky to have the support of a GREAT employer. I would really encourage you to give it a try - talk to a recruiter today or let me know if you have any other questions.
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MSgt Electrical Power Production
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Edited >1 y ago
Cpl Raquel Rocha

Just go and talk to a recruiter and see what options you have. Hate seeing anyone throw away their active time and not serve in the reserves. Great way to prep for retirement and for the future. Hope you have good luck! Also don't forget to also check the other branches reserve units or the Army/Air National guard for possible opportunities! I went from active Marine Corps to the Air National Guard. It did take a little getting use to. But it was a good opportunity to continue serving.
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MSgt Keith Hebert
MSgt Keith Hebert
>1 y
100%agree
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