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?

Active duty is a whole lot different from reserve duty. The pace is completely different because there is a limited amount of time to prepare, train and do
All of the administrative things there are to be ready for the wartime mission. I have served with a lot of former active duty service members who had a very hard time adjusting but those who stick it out understand the duty is just as satisfying. It is just different. I agree with SSgt Tedrow that much depends on the unit, too.

It is an interesting transition, I left active duty went into the reserves than the Guard and back to the reserves, 33 yrs total. I am convinced the best Reservist/Guardsmen are prior active duty servicemen. The Reserves have changed a lot over the years, most Reservist/Guardsmen have been deployed and bring a lot to the table.

I'm in agreement with my colleagues here. Visit a reserve unit in your area you'd like to serve with and attend drills with them. If it's something you're fully committed to see your USMC or any other sister branch's (if you don't want to be part of the USMCR) recruiting center to get the ball rolling on your reserve career.

However--and this goes for ALL Marines on IRR--please make our lives easier and get with the USMC IRR and get your promotion orders. Chances are highly likely, Cpl Rocha, that you're actually SGT Rocha! The Marines IRR promotes you with your peers even while on IRR but neglect to inform or even give their IRR personnel their promotion certificate and orders!! Need to know how to get this information just hit up any recruiting center or shoot me a message. Best of luck to you Cpl Rocha!

Cpl Raquel Rocha One year is nothing. Reserves/Guard will be different than active duty, but it can be extremely rewarding.

My advice to you would be to think about what you want to do. You can, but do not need to limit yourself to the Corps (that service will not be taken away from you). In thinking about what it is that you would like to do (possibly something entirely different) you can make educated decisions about which service/unit to join. You have many options.

Keep in mind, as many have already stated, that while service is essentially the same, each unit can be wildly different. You have the advantage of being able to go out and take a look before signing up. Unlike AD, in the Guard/Reserves, you will not be PCSing in 3-4 years, so you can make choices that fit what "you" are looking for. Unit location, Ops Tempo, career/education choices, unit sizes, branches of service etc. **the right choices of Military training can align with what you are looking for civilian-career-wise as well.

Good luck. My advice would be this. If you think that you are missing something, you are. If you come back in, you are coming back in because there was something that you wanted/missed. You are not alone in this line of thinking (to come back in).

If you join the reserves, you may find that you miss active duty that much more. I got out after my initial four year enlistment and went right into a reserve unit. It lasted about a year and a half before I decided to go active again. It just didn't have the same feel. On the other hand, you may find a unit that you can fit right into. Check out other branches of the military as you may find something you like in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. If you find a unit that looks good and might want to consider joining, you should be able to make arrangements to come in on a drill weekend with no obligation to see what the unit is like.

I did that and do not regret it. It has several advantages over staying out altogether. First and foremost you do get a retirement, secondly you advance faster, third you often have an opportunity to network with others in your field so if the economy goes south you have leads and friends who can help. Fourth you can go on active duty or at least you used to be able to, go on active duty for up to I think it was 17 months as a reservist and then lay off and then apply again. I used to know folks who spent so much time working the active duty thing that it was the same as being on active duty. Just some thoughts. Good luck

I had a four year break from AD before deciding to come back in as Reservist. It took a few years but I too definitely started to feel that void of being away from the military lifestyle. I grew up as a brat and went joined the service right out of high school so it had always been a part of my life. Never thought I would miss it as much as I did and am glad I was able to come back in.

Reserves does operate differently. I will say that I can relate to that emptiness though so by all means If being in uniform or whatever it is that is calling you back then do it. I'm doing reserves fresh off of active duty and I can say I've liked it. It if kind of difficult juggling two lives at the same time but not impossible.

My brother did it and it was great for him I also had some friends do it and they were brought in a rank higher

Along with what the others are saying, it will depend on what yo are looking for I separated f 13 years and came back into the reserves. I have hit more tours/deployments than some that are on active duty. But like they are telling you, check it out 1st as the reserves are quite different from active duty.