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Active Duty vs. Reserve Duty

Active Duty
Army Reserves
Age Requirements Be between the ages of 17-42 years. Be between the ages of 17-42 years.
Length of Service 2-6 year commitment/Serve a total of 8 years in the military 1-6 year unit commitment/ Serve a total of 8 years in the military
Retirement May Retire after 20 yrs. of qualifying service Modified retirement possible after 20 yrs. of qualifying service
Job Choices 200 jobs to choose from 180 jobs to choose from
Medical / Dental Benefits Medical and dental benefits Medical and dental benefits when on active duty
Job training opportunities Specialized job training (AIT) Specialized job training (AIT)
Location of duty May be stationed at home or on foreign soil Stationed at home unless called to active duty
Work Schedule Serve 5 days a week Serve one weekend a month and two contiguous weeks a year
Vacation & Leave 30 days military leave per year (paid vacation) Paid vacation only if you are on extended active duty
Social & Recreational Programs Unlimited access to all military Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities or programs Unlimited access to all military Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities or programs
Education Benefits Educational benefits Some Educational benefits
Commissary Privileges Unlimited post exchange and commissary privileges Unlimited post exchange and commissary privileges Unlimited post exchange privileges and up to 24 commissary visits per year
Physical Requirements Physical training 3-4 times a week Responsible for maintaining your own physical fitness (you will be tested twice a year)
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