After 10 years, 3 months and 22 days Active Duty I'm now a SELRES. Any advice from those that have done this (I know there are many)

Do's, Don'ts, helpful info, etc.

Thanks, you're awesome.

Some of this may be rather simplistic, but...

READ and understand the Reserve Policy Manual. Some things work a bit differently in the CGR.

SAVE every scrap of paper your YN or admin gives you. Make sure to keep copies of everything!

Get to know your AD counterparts, so they get to know you and what you can do.

Drill on the weekdays if you can. Be visible to your command.

I always liked to schedule my ADT around the year-end holidays. There was always something going on, and with many AD folks out on leave, I was able to do more.

Check your points statements carefully. Get them corrected as quick as you can.

Know and understand your servicing ISC (fot)'s [or whatever it may be called these days] policies and procedures regarding berthing, pay, orders, etc.

Be aware that as you advance you may not remain at the same unit. Senior enlisted reservists are starting to be moved around - especially CPO's and above. That doesn't mean lower rated folks don't get moved around, it does happen - depending on the needs of the service.

Depending on your rate, rating, and location, and the needs of the service, you can expect a tour in a deployable unit - PSU or MSST - maybe even a Strike Team.

Remember, you are subject to mobilization under Title 10 and Title 14 USC.

Sit for every RSWE in October that you can. If you don't sit, you can't advance. Advancements seem to be cyclical, depending on your rate and rating.

Have fun!

How about medical. Should I invest in the tricare or get my own "civilian" insurance? (as opinions)

quote:

How about medical. Should I invest in the tricare or get my own "civilian" insurance? (as opinions)

I don't know what your Tri-Care options are, but I used Tricare Prime for years and my wife and I were very happy with it. At 65 I was converted to Tricare for Life which is also great.

Part may depend on where you are located. Some folks on here that were in more rural areas had trouble finding Doctors that would take Tricare.

I retired in '06 after going in the IRR in '03, so I can't speak about whatever medical benefits may now be avaiable to Reservists.

I will say that the TRICARE DENTAL benefit was pretty good.

I too retired from the reserves before many of the current options became available but from what the guys tell me they are very good. I would think a big question is what your current civilian employer offers and at what cost.

Stay with the reserves until you have your retirement locked! It is a good deal and a great way to stay connected. Do not expect it to be the same as active- clearly it is not but it is still a lot of fun...

TRS Tricare Reserve Select is an excellant choice for medical coverage. My employer actually paid me $2000 to opt out of their plan which covered my cost. TRS is $180 a month for a family and $46 a month for a single person.