What is the best reserve component for those with no prior military experience in their 30's?

2021-05-12T00:46:55-04:00

Air Force Reserve
Air National Guard
Army National Guard
Army Reserve
Coast Guard Reserve
Navy Reserve

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2021 12:55 AM

2021-05-12T00:55:49-04:00

The best one is the one you pick. Honestly, you will be getting many a biased answer to this. Simply take the PROs and CONS for each and figure out which one will best fit you.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made May 12 at 2021 1:55 AM

2021-05-12T01:55:18-04:00

what is it that you want to do, beyond merely serving? If you have a specific interest or field in which you want to serve, then the best answer is research each, and see which has the opportunities available.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2021 8:43 AM

2021-05-12T08:43:46-04:00

I had a 40 year old Private in the regular army. He was the best Private in the Platoon!

Response by SrA John Monette made May 12 at 2021 8:57 AM

2021-05-12T08:57:40-04:00

Air Force Reserve, but like SFC Livingston said, I'm biased

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made May 12 at 2021 10:49 AM

2021-05-12T10:49:00-04:00

Easiest to join and generally better College Funding, Army National Guard. Quickest advancement, Army National Guard, as long as you pick one of the 11, 12, or 19 series MOS's (check to see which is the biggest presence). After E-6, I would look at switching to the Army Reserve even though that means an MOS change for the 11 and 19 series MOS.
My second choice would be Air National Guard for the same reasons.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2021 12:32 PM

2021-05-12T12:32:57-04:00

You're joining the Reserve Component which is comprised of the National Guard and the Reserves, so that means that you will reside within your State so where you will serve is not something to concern yourself with. What you will need to consider is what type of job you will want and is it available in the units in your State.

So the biggest question, what do you want to do?
- Do you want a combat MOS? Then you should join the Guard as the Reserves don't have combat units (at least in the Army).
- Do you want admin? Each branch has that, so if that's the case which branch aligns with your thoughts? Which sounds better to you? Soldier, Airmen, Sailor, Marine, Coast Guardsmen?
- If you want something like artillery, does your State have an artillery unit?

Ultimately the best one is the one you want.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made May 12 at 2021 1:04 PM

2021-05-12T13:04:48-04:00

You would have to define "best." Do you want to avoid deployment, or do you want to be deployed?
Do you want to serve in a specialty that matches your civilian occupation, or do you want to branch out to another occupational specialty?
There's the obvious choice/decision of what branch you prefer, or don't prefer, along with the opportunities that each may/may not offer.
The biggest question you need to answer is, "WHY do you want to join?" Service? Expanded experience? Travel, etc.

Response by SSG Brian G. made May 12 at 2021 2:43 PM

2021-05-12T14:43:04-04:00

There is no "best" because people are going to vary in mentality, physical fitness and capabilities. Also you have to look at the fact that the reserves are not like AD where you are assigned a unit and are shipped there. Reserves are stationed at a geographic area and staffed from those available. You have to look at what is around you and choose. Not all places have all the options.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made May 12 at 2021 2:43 PM

2021-05-12T14:43:25-04:00

Air Force Reserve, air traffic controller. That's my take and I'm stickin' to it.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2021 3:55 PM

2021-05-12T15:55:10-04:00

First and foremost would be who has the job (MOS, AFSC or Rate) that you are interested in. Next to consider would be your physical fitness. The Marines and Coast Guard would have the most physical demanding recruit training. Next would be officer or enlisted and what age restrictions might be imposed and if there might be possible waivers. But most importantly you need to talk to a recruiter to see what’s available in that branch and figure out if it fits you. Don’t limit yourself to just your immediate area there might be other units 50 or so miles away that will have what your looking for. Or you may be willing to cross state lines or move. If you have decided to do it act now and start working on it. Best of luck!