How does the USAR unit assignment process work? Do I get to pick a unit, and can I choose to go overseas?

The Army Reserves will not contract you to a unit in Europe until after you can demonstrate some sort of legal residency there, such as an approved student visa, or DoD civilian employment.

No, if you are going into the Reserves you must have a unit before you go to training. Basically, you are slotted against what is called a Line/Paragraph number. This Line/Paragraph number authorizes that particular MOS in that unit along with the funding to pay for that training (Basic/AIT or OUST). Usually, for the lower enlisted, the requirement is to be within a 50 mile radius of the unit. You really don't get to pick your unit unless there are several reserve units in the area and then it is depends on what your MOS is. For example, if I am a 31B (Military Police) and I go to a Supply Company (92Y), the unit may not be authorized any MPs and you can't join the unit. Your spot in training is a totally different process than getting a unit - think apples versus oranges. I was a former Recruiting Company Commander and BN XO in a Basic/AIT unit so this is why I know all this.

You will choose a unit while at MEPS. You can actually sit down with your recruiter 72 hours before going to MEPS and reserve an available slot. Keep in mind, the jobs that will show up are the ones that you A) qualify for and B) are available in a unit in the commuting distance (zip code) the recruiter specifies.

You need to be upfront with your recruiter about where you want to go. (If you want a unit outside of the commuting distance, you will need to sign a statement of understanding and, in some instances, get a letter from the unit). We have units overseas, however, you must live there. We actually just stood up additional units overseas. If you want more information or I can help, let me know. SFC K ( [login to see] )