Can I Keep My Civilian Job While Joining the Military?

I'm considering joining the military, but I want to know if it's possible to keep my current civilian job. Are there any conditions or restrictions when it comes to balancing both roles?

The possibility of maintaining your civilian job while serving in the military depends largely on the capacity in which you choose to serve.

If you choose to serve full-time in an active-duty role, it is unlikely that you will be able to maintain your civilian job. This is because being in the military full-time is a demanding job that requires you to be prepared for deployment at any time. It's also worth noting that the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), while guaranteeing the right to be reemployed in your civilian job after military service, does not necessarily protect your job if you are gone for a very long duration, typically longer than 5 years.

However, if you choose to serve as a member of the Reserves or National Guard, it is more feasible to maintain a civilian career. These roles provide a part-time military service commitment, generally involving one weekend a month and two weeks a year for training. You can maintain your civilian job, and your employer is required by law (USERRA, once again) to permit you to take necessary time off for military duties.

That said, balancing both roles has its challenges. Military obligations can sometimes conflict with your civilian job, and you may have to work with your employer to ensure necessary time off. Moreover, Reservists and National Guard members can be called to active duty, which may disrupt their civilian careers.

Overall, while it is possible to have a civilian job and serve part-time in the military, it's crucial to communicate with your employer and be prepared for the demands of both roles.