Air force reserves how many years

The Air Force Reserve is an integral part of our country's dominant presence in air, space and cyberspace. With readiness as its primary charge, the Air Force Reserve contributes daily to the Air Force mission and is actively involved in operations around the world. I realized that I did have goals that I wanted to achieve, and that I had a plan for my life.

Staff Sgt. As my civilian job, I am a full-time student at Washington State University, and the director of activities for student government.

Tara Currah: Being in the Reserves has definitely helped me in my civilian life. To join the Air Force Reserve, you must be between 18 and 38 years old 17 with parental consent. While exceptions are sometimes made for candidates with GEDs or other high school equivalents, high school diplomas are preferred. Being part of one of the most advanced branches of the military, the USAFR constantly looks for qualified people to advance to more technical positions.

If you have prior military service, then the Air Force Reserve is an excellent way to continue accruing time and money for retirement while continuing to serve your country and passing on your experience and knowledge.

When you join the Air Force Reserve, you'll receive benefits for your prior military and reserve experience. There are opportunities if you currently are transitioning from active duty or if you've been out of the service for a while.

Even your experience in another service could be put to good use in the Air Force Reserve, and this could be coupled with the financial and educational opportunities in locations close to where you live, work or study. The Air Force Reserve offers you the ability to go to school full time or pursue a civilian career while serving your country.

As a member of the Air Force Reserve, your commitment -- after going through basic training and your initial technical schools -- will be for one drill a month and one period of annual training per year. People with no prior military experience who join the Reserve will incur an eight-year obligation. These eight years are broken down into two segments. The first six years, you will be an active participating member. The last two years, if you choose, you will be in the inactive ready reserve.

Although you are not active within the Reserve, you will be subject to being recalled in the event of a national emergency. Drills -- A drill consists of two days of training per month. Your pay will be adjusted automatically for cost-of-living increases. You'll get pay increases for every two years of accumulated service and may earn special duty pay. To calculate your drill pay, visit the Drill Calculator. Annual training -- Annual training in the Air Force Reserve is held for two weeks per year.

Depending on the unit and your specialty, you could be stationed at a shore location, with an aviation squadron or aboard ship. Travel -- As a member of the Air Force Reserve, you will have the opportunity to travel on duty and off. You also qualify for military space available travel within and between the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico.

For more on military travel options and benefits, see the Travel Center. Life insurance, medical care -- The Air Force Reserve provides comprehensive medical care while on duty. You also qualify for low-cost life insurance. For more on these and other benefits, visit the Reserve Help Pages.

Speaking with recruiters from different branches can help you get an idea of which branch you would like to join. You can also find out more information at the recruiting websites for each branch:. The process could go quickly or slowly, depending on different factors.

Sometimes you can get through the requirements very quickly. It can also take weeks or months from when you first contact a recruiter to when you leave for your military training.

Joining the military reserves or National Guard is a significant time commitment. Active Duty Airmen serve on bases around the world and do not receive state-specific benefits in addition to military pay.

A reserve component of the Air Force that requires members to attend drill weekend one weekend a month and active duty training two weeks each year. Close Menu. Overview Find Your Career Benefits.

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