In your opinion, what is the best Reserve branch to join as an officer?

2018-06-27T14:33:47-04:00

If you have time, please explain your answer.
Some background info: I’ve been thinking about joining the Reserves for a few years now, but the timing was never right. I’m seriously considering joining in the next year. I would most likely go for intel or public affairs. I have a B.S. in Marketing and an International MBA. I currently work for a DoD contractor that specializes in intelligence. My husband is an officer in the USMC and is planning on staying in until retirement.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 27 at 2018 2:36 PM

2018-06-27T14:36:26-04:00

Seriously consider USCHR, also, look at the defense attache system attached to State Dept, I don't know if they take Reserve, however, you could always ask, you know?

Response by LTC Thomas Tennant made Jun 27 at 2018 2:51 PM

2018-06-27T14:51:03-04:00

I did not base my answer solely because I serve in the USAR as an Officer and Military Technician. I have other sources of data and information to support it as well.

It all boils down to the USAR has the strongest reserve career opportunities. Part of this stems from having the most paid drilling positions nation wide. Not so with the other reserve components, with the exception of the Army & Air Force National Guard (which was not part of your choices).

But even the ARNG & AFNG when broken down to the state levels does not have the transportability of career felids and a significant decrease of upward mobility. Add in state politics and things could get dicey. With the USAR you can be working in a civilian job in LA, CA and then have a transfer move to Boston, MA. Chances are you will easily find a local paid billet upon arrival. Not so in the other reserves and ARNG/AFNG.

Response by 1SG Jason Rose made Jun 27 at 2018 7:42 PM

2018-06-27T19:42:06-04:00

A few questions to start asking yourself is why do I want to serve? And what do I want to achieve from my service?
As a former Army recruiter I ask if you are even qualified. Physically can you pass a physical fitness test right now? (Each branch has different standards)
What leadership qualities do you possess? What is your college GPA? and lastly can you interview (board process) and convince a panel to recommend you? Along with passing the ASVAB test. I have seen people with masters degrees not pass.
Once those questions are answered have an open mind about career fields. All branches will offer something unique. In my biased opinion, the Army has a little bit of each.
Speak to a recruiter from each branch. It’s okay to shop around. Even if you get a bad recruiter don’t let that influence your opinion about that particular branch. Talk to people, read forums, especially ones that have or are wearing the uniform.
Best of luck to you in the process!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 28 at 2018 11:00 AM

2018-06-28T11:00:59-04:00

The best branch will be the one that has pay billets and supports travel. The second part has become very problematical over the past 15 years. Oh, we have a pay billet, but you have to do the 400 miles each way on your own time and dime. As you progress up the ranks, the local pay billets disappear because you're over-graded. The exception are the communities that are so small, the only way they can exist is to support travel. The other thing to consider is a specialty or designator that lends itself to telework. I had billets out in the Pacific but didn't need to go there all the time. I'd drill with my laptop at the local center. Public Affairs might be one of those options. The billets are scattered so they have to have enough supported travel to make it work. I'll caveat as "Work = Work Sorta". Nobody is fat on travel.