Military Reserves Information

Hi, I've been considering joining the military reserves while in college. Does anyone know which branches of the military have reserve programs? And how would that affect my academic life?

All branches of the U.S. Military offer Reserve options - the Army Reserves, Air Force Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, and the Space Force Reserve. This is a great way for you to serve your country while pursuing a higher education.

Participating in the reserves can be demanding, just like any other extracurricular, but the main challenge arises with time management. As a reservist, you'll typically be required to participate in drill periods for a specified amount of time each month (usually one weekend), and two weeks of training annually. Depending on the branch and your specific role, the requirements can vary.

Handling the demands of your military duties alongside your academic role requires discipline, planning, and strong time-management skills. The rewards, however, are often outstanding, including character development, leadership experience, and sometimes financial assistance for education, depending on the GI Bill or ROTC scholarships you might have received.

Keep in mind that, depending on when and where you are needed, there may be instances where you might be called to active duty, which can disrupt your academic plans. Your academic institution may have policies in place to accommodate military disruptions, but this is something you'll want to research and consider.

It's important to have a conversation with a military recruiter to get specific details about the commitment. Also, if your institution has a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, speaking to the program director or current ROTC students can be an informative step in your decision process. Remember that ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal interest in serving your country, as well as your academic and career goals.