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?

It happens all the time. Its not hard as long as your still in shape. Talk to prior service recruiter. They will guide you, but like i said time means nothing as long as your in regs.

I felt the same way after I got out and almost two years later, it's still there... Try the reserves out. Heck, change branches if you have to to find something close to where you are. My buddy left the Marines and became a police officer, then he ended up being in the Air Force reserves for a bit.... it helps fill the gap and keeps you in the loop for a bit.... Ultimately, my new job made it impossible for me, but I definitely thought about it.

I went from active duty, with Vietnam Service, to a nine year break in service, and enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve. After eleven years I got sick of the B S and transferred to the Army National Guard, and I didn't regret it a bit. Going into a reserve unit after active duty is a bit of a let down. They train one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer. I'm not ragging on them, they do the best they an in the time they have to train. I found there was less spit shine, and more--lets figure out a way to get it done. Also, if you become a reservist you'll be disappointed in the conduct of the active duty of the house. They show more respect to the Taliban than they will a reservist. They seem to forget your an American citizen, and their professional conduct is questionable at best. You have to decide what ii is you want to do with your life. I would suggest you try being a civilian for a couple of years, and then go for active duty, or reserve. Back in 1979 when I made this move I was thinking, twenty years gave me another pension along with health insurance. Back then I really didn't believe social security or Medicare would exist when I retired.

I did 6 years reserves same MOS as you and it depends on if you find it worth it as it is a juggling game ballancing your military life and all the things that are in your civian life. If I could have a do over I would have gone active duty.

My civilian friends ask me "hey do you know about any great parties happening this month or social events" I respond with let me check what day I have mandatory drill this month and I'll tell you" yup get ready for that.

Well I want to begin with its completely different from active duty. For one it's harder to promote, and the level of "squared away" is not like active duty. It is definitely more chill, you won't see people getting blasted as much because we all live in the NORMAL world. It is very common to see sergeants hang out with Lances so this may be a culture shock. Many of the active duty people who come to the reserve end up feeling out of place because they look a bit too uptight than everyone else. So jut a pointer to help you out. If you're you and going to school just know that drill mysteriously finds its way to just simply take place during a great celebration, party, holiday, and even the weekend before midterm/finals(never fails). But honestly I like it. It's been fun so far.

Just had a friend come back to the corps through the reserve route, he said he was able to do a non obligatory deal where if he likes it cool if he doesn't he doesn't have to show back up.

It's not easy living in both worlds, if your already stressed or something joining the reserves will make it worse with scheduling and everything you have to do outside of the reserves.

Go army reserve awesome incentives right now.

I was in the Navy for six years, from 1990 -1996. I got the itch I guess for more military service, and in 2003 joined the Army National Guard. One of the best decisions of my life. First, they gave me credit for time already served, which means more retirement points and an earlier ritirement date in the Guard. And secondly, it ads about $8,000 a year to my bottom line. Thirdly, we get to serve our country part time, with the comradarie I missed from being in the Navy. It's an all around good deal, and really it is what you make it.

I was active duty Army for 11 years as an E5 tanker and a CWO flying helicopters. I got out of active duty and spent the next 22 years in a civilian job. War came along and I went back in the National Guard in order to deploy to Iraq. I'm still in and it feels good. Come on back! It was one hell of a transition to the "new Army" that I'm still shaking my head over.