ARMY RESERVE HISTORY

Since 1908, Soldiers in the Army Reserve have served with excellence in military, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, including WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and the Global War on Terrorism.

THE FINE PRINT

Terms of service for Army Reserve enlistments range from one to six years. All Soldiers have an eight-year military service obligation (MSO). Soldiers in the Army Reserve may be called to Active Duty service for limited periods of time. Federal law protects Army Reserve Soldiers' jobs if they're called to Active Duty.

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Role of the Army Reserve
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ROLE OF THE ARMY RESERVE

Strong Today. Army Strong The Next.

The U.S. Army is the most powerful and sophisticated military force in the world. A vital part of that comes from the Soldiers of the Army Reserve. We provide the specialized manpower, brainpower and skills the Army needs — when our country needs it. With the strength to help one day and lead people the next.

As a civilian and a Soldier, you’ll continue your career or education while training close to home and standing ready to serve with your valuable job skills. Whether at home or overseas —working at a local Army Reserve Center or Camp Arifjan, Kuwait — Army Reserve Soldiers serve the nation in the following ways:

Homeland Security

When Active Duty Soldiers deploy overseas, Army Reserve Soldiers often fill their positions at home, serving as Drill Sergeants, instructors and security personnel. In the event of national disasters such as hurricanes or flooding, Army Reserve Soldiers are on the scene to support humanitarian and relief operations.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Soldiers in the Army Reserve use their civilian and military training to safeguard the nation's data and develop secure communications technologies. They also maintain, process and troubleshoot military information systems.

BIOHAZARD PROTECTION

The Army Reserve responds to chemical and biological threats and provides biohazard training to federal agencies. Army Reserve Soldiers play a crucial role in the maintenance and supervision of nuclear, biological and chemical detection and decontamination equipment.

LOGISTICS

Soldiers in the Army Reserve operate the transportation and supply systems that keep the Army in motion, supplying troops around the world with everything from Stryker vehicles to mail from home.

CIVIL AFFAIRS

During times of both war and peace, Soldiers in the Army Reserve help countries establish or restore governmental institutions and functions. To support this effort, the Army Reserve trains and deploys cultural experts to coordinate with local populations.

PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS

Army Reserve Soldiers assist U.S. and foreign governments, militaries and civilian populations during times of peace, crisis and conflict with Psychological Operations (PSYOP). Soldiers analyze, develop and distribute information designed to influence and alter the behavior of foreign populations in a manner favorable to friendly forces.

MEDICAL SERVICES

The Army Reserve staffs most of the Army's hospitals, triage centers, clinics and field medical care units. Army Reserve medical capabilities often exceed Active Duty's because Army Reserve Soldiers bring their civilian experience to the table.