[lax22]

I have been thinking about joining the reserves and need advice from experienced military personnel. I currently support the DoD as a defense contractor and have a house near the base where I work.

I am thinking about the reserves for a couple of reasons, I think that it will help me gain more job experience and respect from my military peers as well as help me to gain a better understanding of the systems i work on through first hand experience and training. I am also looking to further my education, I have a bachlors degree now, and i think the military would be a great place to do that. Finially, there are the health benefits and the extra pay, as well as pension oportunities for the long term.

The things i don't know about are deployment periods and time away from home and my job. Also the 1 weekend a month, two weeks a year for training or has that changed given the current international threats.

So is there anyone on the board who has experience and can offer me some advice on what to do. I want to go talk to a recruiter but would like to know a bit more before stepping in the office.

Thanks in advance!

[BlindmeXJ]

Where in MD? I'm at Andrews AFB, I am prior Active duty. I have been in the AF Reserve for about 13 yrs and also work for DoD. If you have any questions don't hesitate!!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by lax22

I have been thinking about joining the reserves and need advice from experienced military personnel. I currently support the DoD as a defense contractor and have a house near the base where I work.

I am thinking about the reserves for a couple of reasons, I think that it will help me gain more job experience and respect from my military peers as well as help me to gain a better understanding of the systems i work on through first hand experience and training. I am also looking to further my education, I have a bachlors degree now, and i think the military would be a great place to do that. Finially, there are the health benefits and the extra pay, as well as pension oportunities for the long term.

The things i don't know about are deployment periods and time away from home and my job. Also the 1 weekend a month, two weeks a year for training or has that changed given the current international threats.

So is there anyone on the board who has experience and can offer me some advice on what to do. I want to go talk to a recruiter but would like to know a bit more before stepping in the office.

Thanks in advance!

I would suggest looking into the Guard also. There GS jobs that have either a Reserve requirement or Guard requirement. This may also help you with AGR jobs.

Usually each State has a web page for these Guard jobs, the Army has a page for Reserve jobs, I would suppose the other branches do too.

I am a GS at Fort Wood and I have seen a couples jobs like this. Doing this is can be great for your career.

You won’t be able to find out ahead of time about deployments and you there still is the one weekend month, 2 weeks a year commitment.

[LostJeeper]

This is a bad time to try and get in as the miltary is down sizing.You need to have atleast finished high school NO GED. They aren't just taking anyone anymore so you problay need to pass a PT test awell before guard or reserve will touch you. You are going to get deployed if you do make it in but being guard or reserve you wont go as long as me. I can answer more stuff about active not so much for guard or reserve.

[-Zona-]

Originally Posted by LostJeeper

This is a bad time to try and get in as the miltary is down sizing.You need to have atleast finished high school NO GED. They aren't just taking anyone anymore so you problay need to pass a PT test awell before guard or reserve will touch you. You are going to get deployed if you do make it in but being guard or reserve you wont go as long as me. I can answer more stuff about active not so much for guard or reserve.

He is 26 and working as a DOD contractor, I'm sure he is educated enough.

[MSTR-P]

Originally Posted by LostJeeper

This is a bad time to try and get in as the miltary is down sizing.You need to have atleast finished high school NO GED. They aren't just taking anyone anymore so you problay need to pass a PT test awell before guard or reserve will touch you. You are going to get deployed if you do make it in but being guard or reserve you wont go as long as me. I can answer more stuff about active not so much for guard or reserve.

The OP stated he has a Bachelors degree.

OP...where in MD? Shoot me a pm if you need some help or advice.

[0sevenjk]

If you're at Meade, per se... I'm your man. Pm me.

[lax22]

Thanks to all that have offered advice and for all that are currently serving. I have sent out PMs. also yes I have a 4-year college degree from an accredited university and have been working as a defense contractor for over 3.5 years. I am physically fit and healthy, active in the community, and intellegent. The reason I am considering this is so that i can gain more first hand experience and knowlege to advance my career and protecting our national security is also very important. Thanks again for any andvice you guys can offer.

[Hollywood21]

I say go for it, it's a great idea unless you can jump to a GS job and do it officially. Just remember that the contractor you are working for cannot charge the govt for the time that you are in Basic/OTS/Tech School (whichever). You will get paid by the govt, but I am guessing that your salary as a contractor is "slightly" higher So, whatever you do, make arrangements to take a substantial pay cut for 4-6 months. I am in the exact same situation and plan on going Guard or Reserve w/the AF. I am a DoD ctr for the AF, so that's my path....good luck!

[Brig_Rat]

I would say with your education go for a commission no matter what you do. I'd also suggest looking at the Guard. I was an enlisted Marine, and am now an officer in the Guard. Two different worlds for sure.

You will deploy and could likely stay on active duty for a while depending on career field. Since GWOT the lines between active duty and reserve have been fading.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Brig_Rat

I would say with your education go for a commission no matter what you do. I'd also suggest looking at the Guard. I was an enlisted Marine, and am now an officer in the Guard. Two different worlds for sure.

You will deploy and could likely stay on active duty for a while depending on career field. Since GWOT the lines between active duty and reserve have been fading.

I would say do not go for a commission. Look at job posting on USA jobs and CPOL first and see what there a demand is for. Being enlisted will offer more flexibility. Often there is more time required out of the Officer and Senior NCO leader ship and when break that down you really aren’t getting paid much more. I did guard for a year after I did active. I spent time looking for both AGR and GS job tied to being in the Military and all the positions I saw where for enlisted with specfic MOSs (ecept a few pilot postions). Often they want specific MOSs for these positions, going enlisted will give you much more control over what MOS you choose. I ended up getting a permanent GS job that did not require Guard/Reserve commitment. You can always go enlisted and then put I a packet for Officer.

[-Zona-]

Originally Posted by Ross

I would say do not go for a commission. Look at job posting on USA jobs and CPOL first and see what there a demand is for. Being enlisted will offer more flexibility. Often there is more time required out of the Officer and Senior NCO leader ship and when break that down you really aren’t getting paid much more. I did guard for a year after I did active. I spent time looking for both AGR and GS job tied to being in the Military and all the positions I saw where for enlisted with specfic MOSs (ecept a few pilot postions). Often they want specific MOSs for these positions, going enlisted will give you much more control over what MOS you choose. I ended up getting a permanent GS job that did not require Guard/Reserve commitment. You can always go enlisted and then put I a packet for Officer.

Over what period of time are you talking? In terms of hours it's all dependant on your field an position. The average officer has 9 years of GOVERNMENT PROVIDED professional development training, the average NCO has barely 2. As an officer not only do you make a much better retirement but will have far better career opportunities post-military.

However, I agree, check CPOL and USAJOBS before putting yourself in a green suit.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by LostJeeper

This is a bad time to try and get in as the miltary is down sizing.You need to have atleast finished high school NO GED. They aren't just taking anyone anymore so you problay need to pass a PT test awell before guard or reserve will touch you. You are going to get deployed if you do make it in but being guard or reserve you wont go as long as me. I can answer more stuff about active not so much for guard or reserve.

This actually makes it a good time for civilian employment with the DOD and Certain Reserve/Guard jobs are a good way to get in.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by -Zona-

Over what period of time are you talking? In terms of hours it's all dependant on your field an position. The average officer has 9 years of GOVERNMENT PROVIDED professional development training, the average NCO has barely 2. As an officer not only do you make a much better retirement but will have far better career opportunities post-military.

However, I agree, check CPOL and USAJOBS before putting yourself in a green suit.

Within a six year Reserve / Guard position you should be able to get thorough at least ALC (BNCOC) that can get you in the door at GS 9-11 positions in many instances. You could also drop a packet and go Officer if you find that to be more beneficial or desirable. You have to figure out if your career will be Military vs. GS. Working for a contractor is different. Once you are in the GS system you can move up. I suppose it maters allot in what area you work. I work with new equipment training. For the most part they want prior Military instructors, many of those are enlisted.

When I talk about time I mean how early you get to drill, how late you leave, and other time you are expected to commit. As enlisted you can go to college with tuition assistance and the GI bill and get your education that way.

[jeepinmichguy_]

Originally Posted by -Zona-

He is 26 and working as a DOD contractor, I'm sure he is educated enough.

Just becasue you are a DOD contractor doesnt make you educated. You should know that. Depends totally on your job.