Which will be the best option going in as active duty or reserves?

2018-11-12T08:56:23-05:00

I’m 28 I have a family going in as E2
In the DEP program
I’m debating either active or reserve for few reason I want to experience the full time army go see new places. But the same time I’m don’t want be financially screw But if go reserve I wont plus I will spent more time with my family
Anyone has ever been in this situation any help will help

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 9:19 AM

2018-11-12T09:19:12-05:00

There are a couple factors to consider when making this decision. I’ve served in the Reserves for 7 years and just now went Active duty. So I can tell you this, only go Reserves if you have a good paying civilian job with good benefits. The Reserves don’t come with any benefits other than education. If you don’t, then go active so you and your family would be taken care of. If you feel like you make more money in your civilian job than you would as active duty then the Reserves will do fine for you. Always remember that once you make the choice, take the oath, start serving, and then later on you change your mind and want to switch you’ll have to wait until the end of your contract to make the switch. Best of luck Private. If you have any questions feel from to message me.

Response by SFC Harry H. made Nov 12 at 2018 9:42 AM

2018-11-12T09:42:35-05:00

Well you will never get the active duty experience with the Reserves that’s for sure. What kind of experience are you looking to seek? There is no Infantry in the Reserves so a better option would be National Guard if you wanting that kind of experience.

Do you have any higher education? You could go in as an E3 or 4. Or officer for that matter which makes as much as an E7 with 8 years in. Don’t ask me how that’s even comparable, but it is.

You probably wont deploy much with the reserves, better chance deploying with the guard if even then. No one is deploying as much anymore except active duty and a few guard units to bull shit missions.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 9:44 AM

2018-11-12T09:44:16-05:00

When I was single, the better choice for me was Active Duty. I am now a Reservist, and have made more deployments as such.

Do you have a civilian career now? Is your family ready to handle year long plus deployments? Can your Military job enhance future civilian employement (Air traffic controller in the Military translate to good career outside)?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 11:09 AM

2018-11-12T11:09:06-05:00

Of you're in the DEP then you've already committed to a component. You can't just go switching back and forth.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Nov 12 at 2018 11:16 AM

2018-11-12T11:16:01-05:00

In deps? Sounds like the decision has been made?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Nov 12 at 2018 11:18 AM

2018-11-12T11:18:02-05:00

I was in the DEP; prior to going Active, Private Ramos.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Nov 12 at 2018 11:19 AM

2018-11-12T11:19:22-05:00

First, kudos for making a decision and going in at the age of 28.
Reserves allows for you to have a civilian career and give up some of your valuable free time (and believe me when I tell you that your time will become valuable) to serve your country and have a second and truly rewarding career. Starting your military career on active duty sets you up for a successful finish in the reserves if that is a route you choose, because you will have lived the life for years every day.
As a single guy, being active duty was a breeze, had a place to live, food to eat and beer money.
As a young married guy, it will be much tougher, especially with children in the picture. It is easy for us to deploy, tough for our families.
You and your family will have to learn to survive on the starting salary of the young enlisted man, which is not a lot, but it is doable with discipline.
My advice would be to weigh it out. Involve your spouse in the decision. Buy in from her is worth it's weight in gold. Reservists deploy. I would tell you to live your reservist life with the lingering thought in your mind that the deployment is coming, so that you can be financially prepped for it. Nothing worse than watching a young troopers life fall apart financially.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 1:42 PM

2018-11-12T13:42:50-05:00

Anyone who has ever enlisted to Active Duty while employed took a pay cut to do so.
It is manageable in every case if you make good choices.
Everyone has seen the PFC with three kids who says he can't afford baby formula, but he drives a car that single officers cannot afford and spends $50 a week on smokes or dip.
Drive a car you can afford, pay a rent within your BAH, use WIC and SNAP if you qualify, and you'll be fine.
Time with the family is the same on Active Duty and the Reserves.
Either way you will be working all week (active duty or your day job), and coming home for dinner, and either way there will be deployments and schools.
The MOS you chose will give you the opportunity to test for several contractor licenses if you choose to leave after your first enlistment, take advantage of that.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 12 at 2018 3:57 PM

2018-11-12T15:57:12-05:00

You state you will not be financially screwed if you go reserves. That is your answer.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 4:44 PM

2018-11-12T16:44:09-05:00

I would say go reserves and use that time to gain experience and earn your degree. Then decide to go to OCS snd or Active Duty. Going active is always an option in the reserves.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 7:29 PM

2018-11-12T19:29:34-05:00

Have you already signed the DEP enlistment contract? If so, you will be going active duty.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/the-delayed-enlistment-program-dep-3332701

Learn About the Military Delayed Enlistment Program

The Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP) allows you up to a year before entering military service. Find out what it is and how you can get discharged.