Can you keep your job if you join the military?

I'm interested in joining the military after high school but I'm worried about job security. If I have a job before enlisting, is it possible to keep it while serving, especially if I'm in the reserves?

Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), your civilian employment is protected if you choose to serve in the military, even on active duty. This means that if you leave your job to fulfill your military service, you have the right to reemployment at your civilian job when you return from duty.

The specifics can get a bit more complex, however. For instance, the law applies if your total service in the military is less than five years. You must have left your job for the purpose of performing service in the uniformed services, and you must have given prior notice to your employer about the service. Upon returning from service, you must apply for reemployment within a certain timeframe.

When it comes to being in the reserves, drills and annual training are typically performed on weekends or during the individual's personal time so it's less likely to conflict with a civilian job schedule. However, reserve members can still be called to active duty, and in such instances, the USERRA would still apply.

One thing to keep in mind though is that the nature of your job and circumstances can greatly impact your ability to simultaneously manage civilian work and military service. It's crucial to communicate clearly with your employer and military command to create a sustainable plan.