ROLE OF THE ARMY RESERVE
U.S. Army Reserve Command
You may be asking yourself, “What is the Army Reserve?” The Army is the most powerful and sophisticated military force in the world. This force consists of two groups: active duty Soldiers and Soldiers in the Army Reserve.
ACTIVE DUTY VS RESERVE
What is the difference between active duty and reserve? Active duty is similar to working at a full-time job - with the Army - while the Army Reserve allows you to pursue a civilian career or attend college full-time and still serve your community and country. You can live where you want, receive medical benefits, educational benefits, tuition assistance, and build for retirement. In other words, in the Army Reserve, you can continue your career or education while training close to home and standing ready to serve with your valuable job skills.
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.
Homeland Security careers include:
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.
IT careers include:
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.
Biohazard Protection careers include:
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.
Logistics careers include:
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 cultural experts to coordinate with local populations.
Civil Affairs careers include:
- Public Affairs Specialist (46Q)
- Engineer Officer (12)
MILITARY INFORMATION SUPPORT OPERATIONS
In times of peace as well as times of crisis and conflict, Army Reserve Soldiers support Military Support Operations. Psychological Operations Specialists assist foreign governments, militaries and civilian populations. They analyze, develop and distribute information designed to positively influence the attitudes and behavior of foreign populations in a manner favorable to friendly forces.
Operations careers include:
MEDICAL SERVICES
The Army Reserve staffs most of the Army’s hospitals, triage centers, clinics and field medical-care units. As you might expect, the medical capabilities of Army Reserve Soldiers often exceed active duty’s because they bring their civilian experience to the table.
Medical Service careers include:
Interested in switching from Active Duty to the Army Reserve? Find information on benefits, forms, and a step by step process on how to make the transition.
Learn MoreTake advantage of the greatest benefits the Army Reserve has ever offered: $20,000 in bonuses, money for college and low-cost health care.
Learn MoreThe Army Reserve has more jobs-in more fields-than you would ever expect. Get information about more than 120 Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs).
Learn MoreMeet Army Reserve Soldiers who balance civilian and Soldier life while standing ready to defend our country.
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