If you went from Active Duty to Reserves, how was your experience?

This is a great option, if you want to stay in and move on at the same time. Be prepared though, Reserve life is often frustrating for those who have AC experience. Be patient, be flexible, and you will do fine.

Depends upon your expectations. Big picture: each day you served AD you earn 1 retirement point which is equivalent to $0.25-.30 upon retirement as an E-7. That doesn't sound like much now but over a 20+-year career it adds up. You also retain commissary and exchange privileges which can mean significant savings when you buy big ticket items (no taxes) like electronics, tires, etc. You also have a full-time job whenever the local economy turns south (as it did several times during natural and man-made disasters in '90, '92, and '01). At age 60 you will begin to draw full military pay and benefits which includes medical insurance (Tricare Prime) and free meds (MedExpress or nearby base). The Mutual Assistance program was available to me at a time when I needed it most--recovering from service-related Stage IV neck cancer and the local Army Medical Center took care of me as if I were one of their own--all at no cost to me. Joining the reserves was one of the few best decisions I've made in life, and both my wife and I continue to benefit from those brief 20+ years. Good luck and thank you for serving our country!

Just don't get out.....trust me.