Posted on Nov 3, 2025
SPC Squad Member
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I know it's been asked before, and I have a basic understanding of the process, but I would still like to gain as much knowledge as possible. I'm a new father and a struggling one at that. My current employer is collapsing and reducing hours like it's nothing, and the job market is brutal due to the recent layoffs, and my son's medication is quite expensive. We're a young family and at best ive only ever earned 16/ hour so I haven't been able to build up a strong savings for this occasion; what we do have has been nearly depleted and debt is beginning to become suffocating.
For my family, I need to go active; it's my best option and honestly, regardless of the necessity, I am excited about it! I always felt like I missed something by electing to go reserve right after IET. I'm currently waiting on approval of my DD368, but from hear-say, it's not looking good.
Is there anything I can do to improve my odds, or is this out of my hands?
Edited 1 mo ago
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Responses: 3
COL Randall C.
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BLUF: Right now it's out of your hands.

As you said you're waiting for the DD368 to be approved, that indicates that you've already spoken to an active duty recruiter and have everything lined up pending the release from the reserves. Short of having 'influence' in your back pocket, there's not much you can do.

The DD368 will go up through you chain of command to the first GO with approval authority. In your case, based on your profile, this would be the CG of the 807th Medical Command.

As part of your packet, you needed to submit a justification letter (in this case, I assume you would have detailed financial hardship). The guidance by the OCAR is that subordinate commands will lay out efforts to retain the Soldier such as identifying mobilization tour shortfalls or ADOS opportunities that would be appropriate. Have any such discussions occurred with your leadership?
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* Chief of Army Reserve Policy #20-01: Army Reserve Conditional Release
Policy - https://www.usar.army.mil/Portals/98/CAR%20Policy%2020-01%20Army%20Reserve%20Conditional%20Release%20Policy%20-%2023%20Dec%2020.pdf
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SPC Squad Member
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That's exactly right Sir, everything has happened as you mentioned, and I did, in fact, explain my financial hardship in my letter along with my desire to serve in a greater capacity. I'm a blended mess of desperation and excitement. I haven't had any discussions with my leadership outside of brief chats; and unfortunately BA was cancelled due to the shutdown. Career counselors phone is disconnected, and I haven't been able to make contact with any other resources outside of my recruiter for guidance/advice.
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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Anything you can do? No. All you can do right now is wait for word from your Recruiter.
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LTC Trent Klug
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You can pray your unit doesnt slow walk it...
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