IM thinking about joining the military but....?

[Mike]

I want to join the military. Im thinking about doing the reserves first to kind of feel things out and make sure that its something I want to do. My question is, if I wind up loving it do I have to wait for my reserve time is up before I go full time active? Thanks for all your help

[frichalf]

Dont listen to B, they are just disgruntled because they were either rejected by the military or heart broken by a service member.

If you want to join the reserves you can choose to go active, but sometimes you might have to sacrifice rank (usually if you are an NCO). Honestly though, I recommend the 3 year contracts on active duty, you dont get the full experience going reserves. 3 years isnt too long to pay your country back for all it has done for you.

[joe shmoe]

i am not in the military but I would bet that you do not need to finish reserve time if you decide to go full time.

By the way, I am glad you are thinking about joining, good luck...kick some a**

[USAFSecurityForces08]

No, you do not. You will go to your base commander (or through your unit commander) and fill out a form requesting to change from reserve to active duty. This will terminate your reserve contract and begin an active duty contract. Not very hard to do being that we need active duty guys at the moment. I'm in the Air Force though, so I don't know what the policy is in other branches.

I have heard it can be quite difficult though to go from enlisted reserves to enlisted active duty, the switch is much easier from enlisted reserves to active officer...actually atm I know the AF is only take limitied prior service switches.