Hey all, I've heard about some 'reserved branches' in the military. Can anyone help me understand what that means, and if these branches differ greatly from regular ones? Thank you!
When you hear the term "reserve branches," it's typically referring to parts of the U.S. military that aren't on active duty full-time but can be called to service as needed. The U.S. military comprises six branches: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Each of these branches has a corresponding Reserve component.
There's also the National Guard, which has both Army and Air Force components. The National Guard operates under dual state and federal control, meaning they can be utilized for state missions, responding to things like natural disasters or civil unrest, as well as federal missions.
Reserve service members generally have the same basic training and job training as their active duty counterparts. However, their service structure looks a little different. While active duty members serve full-time, reservists typically commit to serving one weekend per month, and two weeks per year, with these times often referred to as "drills." Reservists also have civilian jobs or attend school full-time.
Although the reserves and National Guard are often thought of as 'part-time' commitments, it's worth noting that they can be mobilized for active duty during times of war or national emergencies. So, while they do have some differences from their active duty counterparts, they hold critical roles in our military's overall functionality.
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