On April 23, 1908, an organized group was formed to arm the United States with a team of trained medical practitioners to assist in times of national emergencies. Today, this group is known as the United States Army Reserve.
Soldiers in the U.S. Army Reserve serve in the military part-time while maintaining civilian careers and lifestyles. They are a specialized group that is dedicated to supporting Active-Duty soldiers and aids in helping communities.
Joining the U.S. Army Reserves
When you enlist to join the Army Reserve, you’ll have the flexibility to pursue your career and personal goals while serving your country. After you enlist and pass the ASVAB exam, you’ll attend Basic Training where you’ll learn the skills, understanding, and discipline required to become a U.S. Soldier. After your time at Basic Training camp, you’ll be required to commit to, at a minimum, one weekend a month on duty and two weeks a year in training. With your dedication to being a Soldier of the U.S. Army Reserve, you’ll get paid to serve part-time and receive amazing benefits.
Some of the benefits you’ll gain by becoming a U.S. Army Reserve Soldier:
- Part-time pay, which could be supplemental income to your a civilian job
- Bonuses and allowances, on top of base salary
- Flexibility in career paths
- Education and training
- Soldiers can receive full tuition and/or financial assistance for college/school, licensing, and certification programs with the GI Bill, Tuition Assistance programs, Green to Gold, and COOL
- Access to high quality healthcare
- Better rates and lower down payments towards home purchases
- Retirement and pensions
- Job search assistance
Here are just a few of the U.S. Army Reserve career paths you can take:
- 28 Mechanics and Engineering jobs:
- Plumber, Artillery Mechanic, Geospatial Engineer, Engineer Officer, Power Distribution Specialist
- 99 Science and Medicine jobs:
- Pharmacist, Orthopedic Surgeon, Behavioral Health Specialist, Dietician, Child Neurologist
- 28 Signal and Intelligence jobs:
- Radio Equipment Repairer, Cyber Warfare Officer, Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst, Information Technology Specialist, Human Intelligence Collector
- 40 Support and Logistics jobs:
- Petroleum Supply Specialist, Criminal Investigations (CID) Special Agent, Visual Information Specialist, Firefighter, Financial Management Technician
- 3 Ground Forces jobs:
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Officer, Civil Affairs Specialist, Civil Affairs Officer
- 17 Aviation and Aerial Defense jobs:
- AH-64 Helicopter Repairer, Avenger Crew member, Aviation Officer, Air Traffic Control (ATC) Officer, Fixed Wing Aviator Warrant Officer
If joining the U.S. Army Reserves is something you’re interested in, you’ll need to meet these minimum requirements: proof of U.S. citizenship or residency and be between the age of 17 and 35. You’ll also need to take a few exams that you’ll be required to pass. You’ll need to prove that you’re physically able to perform the duties of a U.S. Reserve Soldier by passing an armed forces physical exam. You’ll also need to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test (ASVAB test) and meet the minimum eligibility requirements. On top of that, you’ll need a sufficient score on the ASVAB composite called the Armed Forces Qualification Test. Peterson’s will give you the tools you need to pass the ASVAB test and start your career in the U.S. Army.
