MISSION:
Provide Reserve Opportunities and Obligations to transitioning Active Component Marines at Transitioning Readiness Seminars. Also to provide counseling on a one on one basis to further explain the benefits reserve service can provide the Marine and his family.
RESERVE FAQS
Q: What does SMCR stand for?
A: Selected Marine Corps Reserve. This is your typical one weekend a month 2 week of active training a year unit.
Q: What does IMA stand for?
A: Individual Mobilization Augmentee. This program has billets that help augment active duty units. The time as a reserve is the same for the year as the SMCR but it is up to the individual unit for when the Marine comes into work.
Q: What does IRR stand for?
A: Individual Ready Reserve. If you have time left on your Military Service Obligation (MSO) this is the unit you will be part of after you have left active duty.
Q: What does "drill" mean?
A: this is the term the reserves use for training on the weekend.
Q: Do I have to sign a new contract to join a reserve unit.
A: No. If you are currently on your Military Service Obligation (MSO) you are on contract and are able to affiliate with a reserve unit on that contract.
Q: Will I deploy if I join a reserve unit?
A: If you are a member of a reserve unit that receives orders to mobilize you will mobilize with the unit.
Q: Do I rate medical coverage if I am a reserve.
A: On the drill weekends the member is covered from the time he leaves his house to the time he arrives back home.
Q: Are there any Bonus's for affiliating with a reserve unit?
A: Yes. Each year bonus MARADMINs are published for Officers and Enlisted. Current MARAMINS are 607/12, 604/12,579/12,and 572/12
Q: Can I retrain to a new MOS?
A: Yes. If you meet the MOS manual requirements and there is an open billet at the unit you are joining and you are a Sgt/Capt and below you can retrain. MARADMIN 570/12
Q: Can I receive bonus composite score points if I join the reserves and I am a Corporal?
A: yes. Refer to MARDMIN 579/12
Q: Can I retire in the reserves?
A: Yes. Reserve retirement is based on a point system like active duty is. You must have 20 satisfactory years to be eligible.
Q: Can I join the reserves if I am collecting disability from the VA?
A: Yes. If you are screened by a medical officer and found fit for full duty you can join a reserve unit.
Q: Are there service limits for the reserves?
A: Yes. Service limits are the same as active duty, except for Sergeants. A Sergeant can continue to serve until 13 years in the reserves.
Q: What kind of training do reservists do?
A: The same kind of training done on active duty. All annual training requirements are done along with MOS training.
Q: Can I attend resident PME?
A: Yes Sergeants, Staff Sergeants, and Gunnery Sergeants can attend their resident PME during their 2 weeks of annual training.
The Reserve Transition and retention office is located in the 22 area at Bldg 2253 on the corner of 5th and D ave
Office 760-763-3426
Email: mcb_campen_rtc_west@usmc.mil
Useful Link:
https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/portal/page/portal/M_RA_HOME/RA/RCT/bbReserve_Transition