Reserve Or Active Duty
DECIDING WHICH COMPONENT IS RIGHT FOR YOU
ACTIVE DUTY OR RESERVES
No matter which you choose, you'll be a Marine seven days a week for the rest of your life.
Do you want to wear the uniform every day or put it on in the event of emergency?
Read on to learn more about the difference between active duty and reserves, and which contract is right for you.
PROS AND CONS
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Through Boot Camp and MOS School, there is no difference between the two - all Marines receive the necessary training to fight and win. The differences appear after MOS school.
Active Duty Marines will check into a Battalion or Squadron in the Fleet Marine Force (known as "the Fleet) after MOS Schools to execute day--to-day duties as a Marine. Physical training, formations, work, field exercises, etc will all be regular occurrences to the Active Duty Marine. They will work for the Marine Corps full-time.
Reservists complete MOS School and check into a reserve unit, then resume civilian life. They find a place to live, a job, etc. These Marines lead normal lives as students or working professionals. We've met reservists who are firemen, policemen, teachers, corporate leaders, and more.
Reservists will typically "drill" with their reserve unit one weekend a month and a two week block once a year. During drill, Marines perform annual training and other tasks to maintain their technical proficiency in their MOS. The two week block is meant to test and train the unit to keep skills and readiness levels high.
In the event of war, disaster, or other type of emergency, Reservists may be activated to serve for longer periods of time than their normal one weekend per month and two weeks per year.
The decision to be Active or Reserve should not be taken lightly. By speaking with your recruiter, your family, and by weighing your near and long term goals, you can make the best decision for your situation.
ACTIVE DUTY PROS AND CONS
PROS
Doing Marine things every single day
Guaranteed job for 4 years
GI Bill eligibility after three years
Can transition into reserves without a problem
Spend your days with other Marines
30 days of leave per year plus holidays
Free comprehensive healthcare
Pension after 20 years
Develop the most MOS proficiency
Have more MOS and school opportunities
CONS
Doing Marine things every single day
Sign contracts 4 years at a time
Very little say in your duty stations
Move to a new duty station every few years
RESERVE PROS AND CONS
PROS
Go through same entry level training as Active Duty
Can choose your reserve unit
Can choose to fill short term Active Duty billets (3-12 months)
Be a Marine but live a more "normal" life
Can apply to become active duty
Drill Pay covers cost of healthcare for you and your family
Job security (civilian jobs legally cannot fire you if activated)
Can qualify for pension
CONS
Only paid for days you're "drilling"
No leave or holidays unless activated for operations/Active Duty
Harder to go active duty from reserves
Harder to get the active duty time required to pay for college
Can't collect pension until you are 65
Not full-time employed after you complete entry level training
