Hey guys, I was active duty USMC from 2007-2012, been doing the cop thing ever since, but I miss the Corps and really want to get back into the family (I'm only 30 so I figured I'd still have time). So I've been looking at reserves for family life and it looks like my local unit is infantry which is just fine by me, but I wanted to hear from guys who were there about what the life is like. I'm hoping to hear about what drill is like, how the promotion's look and such. I left as an E-5 but I'm willing to bet they slam me back down to E-3 for MOS school and maybe I'd pick up Corporal afterwards. I know active duty was showing E-5's the door at 10 years and I'd like to go long term so that thought kinda bothers me, I'd like to make sure they won't kick me after a certain amount of time if the promotions are slow (anybody know about it?). And that kinda brings me to my next question, anyone have any real idea of the pension benefits after meeting the points requirements? I understand the points system, but as far as $$$ I can't figure a darned thing out about it.

Hey thanks in advance guys.

-Clint

The USMCR has a great unit locator online. Go here, find something close, call, and see if you can drop by.

My phone won't let me paste it. Google "Marine Reserve unit locator" and it is the first one.

I was USMCR for 7 years and ARNG for 6. The part time thing will work if you let it, although I am very open with my unit that they are my 3rd priority after my family and day job.

Don't forget to look at the Army National Guard.  The guard is very easy to work with.  Join, they send you to MOS school fast and get you qualified.  Promotions are fast, generally speaking and particularly if you choose a high-density MOS.  Say for instance, if your state has a Brigade Combat Team, Infantry slots are a dime a dozen.  Promotions are there for the grabbing if you're very eager about it.  Many guys slick off in the guard.  Tricare reserve (Insurance) costs $212 a month for your whole family.  I suspect most people pay much more than that, even in public service gigs.  I don't know the atmosphere is in your department but if they are supportive of the guard, you can get put on active orders all the time to knock out other training courses (like professional development, for instance).



My unit is very supportive of my current civilian career as your civilian career ought to come first.  Hell, I'm doing distance-learning for my drills for the rest of the year.  


Good luck and if you have any pointed questions, I will try my best to get you the answer.




 

Buddy of mine was 1SG of a USMCR arty unit near me. 10 battle assemblies a year, all MUTA 5 so they could convoy to the base there guns were at.  Lots of field time, shooting, etc.  I know other folks in MAGs who turn a few wrenches and that's about it.  I was in the NG and USAR and we had the same issues.  Some units are leaning forward, and some are chairborne.

Look at the specific unit you're interested in, find out how they operate and what they expect, then decide which is the best fit. YMMV!

Yes, do this. Find a unit near you that you may be interested in, give them a call, and request to courtesy drill. You'll be able to go in and see how they operate, meet the command, etc. I did 8 years USMCR before switching to the Army National Guard. I miss the Marine Corps family, but I'm happy I made the switch. The guard has offered me a lot more training opportunities and I like my new MOS a lot better. Explore your options before you make a commitment somewhere.