Comments on: Army, Navy or Air Force Reserves?

By: Nashamire

Nashamire — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:36:34 +0000

Hey Z, I just wanted to weigh in. I’m currently in the US Navy and I can tell you that it is a rough path, now I can’t speak for the Reserves, but being active duty for the past 5.5 years, I can say that the optempo for deployments is ridiculous. But as far as I know, if you are forward deployed or activated as a reservist you would serve a 6-8 month tour on a Navy ship for their deployment then go back to the reservist life of once a weekend back near home.

The Tricare insurance is a VERY VERY good deal. I would love to take this with me as I separate from the Navy, but it’s just too expensive when you are not actually part of the service anymore. But one recommendation I would make to you if you go with any of the 5 branches (CG, Army, Navy, AF, Marines) is pay for the primary care, it is the best option and you never have to pay anything more than your monthly payment.

Being on a ship if you ARE deployed is MUCH better than being on the front lines though. That’s one of the main things I was excited about wheN I joined the Navy. While it is inherently dangerous to be in a war zone, firing a missile and watching it blow up later that night on CNN from your berthing is much better than feeling the impact while you are on the front lines.

And since I’m separating because I’m not happy with working for the Navy, I would definitely recommend it. I’m sure that things could have been much worse. I’m sure you’ll pick the one that makes the most sense for you, but I can speak to the Navy and say that is the best branch. At least in my humble opinion.

By: zwinglisblog

zwinglisblog — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:41:03 +0000

Thanks Sunnier! I’m only considering the Reserves, and they tend to keep us to within 3 hours of our homes (or so I’m told). Granted, if I’m activated, then I could spend a year in some far away place.

I have a cousin who’s a veterinarian in the Army Reserves, and he did two 9 month tours in Afghanistan.

Deployment is always a possibility, especially if you’re in the Army.

By: Sunnier

Sunnier — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:35:16 +0000

My brother has been in the army for 13ish years. I guess he picked a bad time to join, since he was deployed to the middle east twice. Then he went into the reserves, thinking the relaxed requirements would give him a good chance to start his “real” life. After less than a year (I think), he got activated again and was stationed in Texas for 2 years. Not dangerous (well, not unless you count living near Juarez dangerous), but that’s a long time to be far away from your family. I can’t speak for the Navy or Marines (or really about the Army; I get confused by all the regulations) but there’s always the possibility of having to move a lot or being away from your family should they activate you. It’s been rough on my family, and he’s just my brother!

At least it’s unlikely you’ll be deployed overseas. That’s always a plus. And it’s good money/insurance, good benefits if you stay for a while. It’s an honorable career path should you choose to follow it. Good luck!