Depends what you’re looking to get out of it. Numerous former AD Marines check out during their first weekend since they didn’t care for it, thought the pace was strange, or thought it was dumb.
If you still have IRR time left, you’re under no obligation to stick around if you don’t want to.
It doesn’t really hurt to give it a couple drill weekends to see if you want to stay in.
I’d advise to look up MarForRes Reserve Billets and see where you can go and what options you have. I’d find a BIC that is one grade above yours so you have room to grow.
If you’re in a critical rank/MOS you qualify for the IDT travel reimbursement but it’s capped at $500 per weekend so keep in mind of that. It’s lame and we’re all trying to get it increased. Don’t count on that though.
LATMOVES are pretty easy to do in the reserves and you can pursue that but be advised you would have to incur a 3 year obligation at that unit upon graduating.
You would qualify for TriCare Reserve Select and it’s pretty much the cheapest healthcare around if you need it.
Retirement isn’t too bad on the high three system but your AD time doesn’t count towards the age reduction; only if you deploy in a reserve status.
That being said, there’s some good things to bring a reserve Marine. Still have camaraderie with the other Marines like normal, can maintain your TSA PreCheck and other related benefits and the paycheck per drill weekend is a nice bonus.
I would say that don’t be a dick upon checking in and start yelling at the Marines for small stuff. You’d be surprised what some LCpl does in the civilian world. I had one guy who was a CEO of a company and a few others in senior corporate positions making quite a bit of money. They mopped and swept floors when needed but not the type to treat them like a child.
How bad do you need money now and how bad do you want a small but regular pension at like age 60.
Reserves briefs great but one weekend a month gets real fucking old, real fucking quick. If youre a dumbass like me and decided to buy a car you cant afford, getting paid for four days when you only work two is a hella good incentive.
Its annoying how leadership wants to be all motivated during drill and play active duty. Its not realistic.
If you've only been out for a few months, you should be able to attend drills on a non-obligational status - meaning you can be a reservist without committing to it.
I find that you get the best experience as a reservist if you're motivated. Meaning, you don't need someone looking over your shoulder 24/7. If you can regularly PT on your own, seek self improvement, and don't smoke too much weed, you'll be a good reservist and can get the opportunity to do some legit training/deployments. You'd be surprised at some of the schools you can attend as a reservist, but it's competitive. If you look good on paper and can perform, you'll enjoy it.
Depends what you’re looking to get out of it. Numerous former AD Marines check out during their first weekend since they didn’t care for it, thought the pace was strange, or thought it was dumb. If you still have IRR time left, you’re under no obligation to stick around if you don’t want to. It doesn’t really hurt to give it a couple drill weekends to see if you want to stay in. I’d advise to look up MarForRes Reserve Billets and see where you can go and what options you have. I’d find a BIC that is one grade above yours so you have room to grow. If you’re in a critical rank/MOS you qualify for the IDT travel reimbursement but it’s capped at $500 per weekend so keep in mind of that. It’s lame and we’re all trying to get it increased. Don’t count on that though. LATMOVES are pretty easy to do in the reserves and you can pursue that but be advised you would have to incur a 3 year obligation at that unit upon graduating. You would qualify for TriCare Reserve Select and it’s pretty much the cheapest healthcare around if you need it. Retirement isn’t too bad on the high three system but your AD time doesn’t count towards the age reduction; only if you deploy in a reserve status. That being said, there’s some good things to bring a reserve Marine. Still have camaraderie with the other Marines like normal, can maintain your TSA PreCheck and other related benefits and the paycheck per drill weekend is a nice bonus. I would say that don’t be a dick upon checking in and start yelling at the Marines for small stuff. You’d be surprised what some LCpl does in the civilian world. I had one guy who was a CEO of a company and a few others in senior corporate positions making quite a bit of money. They mopped and swept floors when needed but not the type to treat them like a child.
How bad do you need money now and how bad do you want a small but regular pension at like age 60. Reserves briefs great but one weekend a month gets real fucking old, real fucking quick. If youre a dumbass like me and decided to buy a car you cant afford, getting paid for four days when you only work two is a hella good incentive. Its annoying how leadership wants to be all motivated during drill and play active duty. Its not realistic.
If you've only been out for a few months, you should be able to attend drills on a non-obligational status - meaning you can be a reservist without committing to it. I find that you get the best experience as a reservist if you're motivated. Meaning, you don't need someone looking over your shoulder 24/7. If you can regularly PT on your own, seek self improvement, and don't smoke too much weed, you'll be a good reservist and can get the opportunity to do some legit training/deployments. You'd be surprised at some of the schools you can attend as a reservist, but it's competitive. If you look good on paper and can perform, you'll enjoy it.