What jobs are available to reserve military members?

Considering joining the reserve while aiming for college, I'm curious how balancing reserve duties while starting a civilian job works. What should I expect in terms of support or job flexibility from potential employers?

For individuals considering the reserves whilst pursuing civilian employment or education, it's essential to consider the balance between your reserve duties and your civilian commitments. Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), employers are required to support their employees who are part of the reserve forces, which includes providing sufficient flexibility for them to fulfill their military commitments.

When it comes to job options, there are no specific or exclusive positions for military reserve members. You can pursue any profession you wish, in line with your interests, skills, and qualifications. However, the time commitment and potential need for time off can make some jobs, such as those with more flexible hours or supportive policies towards reservists, more suitable than others. Careers in the public sector, for example, often come with more accommodating policies for reserve service duties. Plus, these organizations often value the skills and experiences that come with military service.

One important tool available for you is the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency within the Department of Defense that offers assistance in matters concerning USERRA and works to cultivate a culture in which all American employers support and value their employees’ military service. They can provide you with resources and insights into companies that are recognized as military-friendly employers.

Moreover, keep your potential employers informed about your reserve commitments upfront so they know what to expect and can accommodate accordingly. Emphasize the skills and leadership experience gained through reserve training—these are valuable and transferable skills in a civilian job market. It's crucial to maintain good communication about your commitments to both your employer and military supervisor to help manage schedules and prevent conflict.

In addition, managerial, logistics, healthcare, and technical fields often have close parallels with military roles, potentially making the transition between civilian work and reserve duties smoother. However, the best job for you will also depend on what civilian career you're interested in and what military occupation specialty you're assigned to in the reserves.

Understanding your rights, leveraging your transferable skills, and maintaining open communication is key to managing your commitments to both reserve and civilian employment. Always remember, that you're bringing a unique set of skills to the table that can be an asset to many employers.