- 1). Contact a military recruiter to discuss which branch of Reserves is most suited for your needs and skills. The army, navy, air force, marines and coast guard all have reserve forces, which allow members to pursue a full-time civilian career or education.
- 2). Join the Reserves as a traditional reservist. A traditional reservist is a member of the Reserves who works part-time (in the Reserves) in the area or location in which the reservist already lives. There is no requirement to relocate, allowing you to stay employed full-time.
- 3). Attend basic training, if you have no record of military service. Complete a six to eight-week course in the designated branch of service, which combines physical conditioning with instruction in military culture. By law, employers are required to allow employees leave for military training.
- 4). Fulfill your Reserves duties by working one weekend each month and two weeks a year. Avoid using accrued vacation or sick days for the two-week annual training, as federal law requires that your employer pay you for 15 days of military leave each year for military training. Note: if your full-time job requires you to work weekends, your employer must allow you to leave once a month for duties, but is not required to pay you for this leave.
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