If you desire to serve your country and earn a supplemental income to your full-time career, you may want to check out what the Army Reserve has to offer.
The US Army Reserve along with the Army National Guard serves as the federal reserve force for the United States Army. As of 2009, the Army Reserve is composed over over 205,000 soldiers. The Reserve was formed in 1908 as a way to supplement a force of medical officers to the Army.
An initial service contract with the US Army entails 8 years of Service. The contract usually specifies that half of that time will be spent in the Regular Army, while the other have is served in the reserve force. However, you can elect to spend all 8 years of that contract in the Reserves. Many reservists are former military who have resigned their commission or whose enlistment has ended. The Reserve is also comprised of civilians who are training in basic and specialized skills while retaining a civilian status.
Your commitment to receive these benefits is one weekend a month and two weeks a year for a period of 8 years. In addition to an increase of wages with experience and rank, many of the same Army bonuses and benefits will be available to you as an Army Reservist.
I fullfilled my 8 year obligation in the u s army reserves in the late 1950’s and early l960’s. I spent 6 mos active duty and then active reserve and then inactive reserve. I was not called up during my obligation. Am I elegible for any kind of benefits?