What are the reserve military job options?

I'm not sure if active duty is right for me, but I'm considering the reserves. What types of jobs are typically available in the military reserves, and how do they differ from active duty roles?

In the United States, every branch of the military has a Reserve component. These include the Army Reserve, the Navy Reserve, the Marine Corps Reserve, the Air Force Reserve, the Coast Guard Reserve, and the Space Force Reserve. Each of these branches offers a wide range of job opportunities that are quite diverse, from healthcare and engineering to intelligence and logistics.

Much like active duty, your job in the military reserves (known as your Military Occupational Specialty, or MOS) is determined by your interests, aptitude, and the needs of the service. These roles can range anywhere from administrative positions, like human resources or finance, to more specialized roles like medical personnel, engineers, pilots, or cyber security specialists. The list of roles is extensive, with hundreds of jobs available across the branches.

The key difference between a position in the Reserves vs active duty lies in the commitment and involvement. While active duty personnel serve full-time and are often stationed at a base, Reservists typically hold civilian jobs and train part-time – usually one weekend a month plus two weeks a year. Reservists generally stay in their local area, meaning you can go to college or work a civilian job, and then fulfill your military service commitment on designated drill weekends and during annual training.

Reservists are also vital during times of war, disaster, or other national emergencies, where they can be called into active duty.

In terms of benefits, Reservists receive a reduced benefits package compared to active duty members, reflecting their part-time commitment. However, they are eligible for some of the same benefits as active duty servicemembers, such as tuition assistance, low-cost health insurance, and a pension after 20 years of service.

Ideally, you want to choose a reserve job that aligns with your career goals, as well as your interests and skills. If you're considering going this route, it's important to speak with a recruiter from the branch you're interested in, who can provide the most up-to-date and detailed information on available jobs. Remember, just as with active duty, getting into the Reserves is competitive and there are physical, academic, and moral standards that must be met.