Reserve Questions

[fox223]

I spoke with my recruiter briefly yesterday and had some questions about the reserves. Most of them were answered, but some left me asking questons. I didn't want to keep him on the phone too long - he's actually on leave because his wife just had a baby - so I thought I'd ask here.

1.) I asked about health benefits for reservists and was told they get all the health benefits while on active duty i.e. during Recruit Training and MOS school. He also said there was an option to be on Recruiters Assistance after completion of training to qualify as active duty (even though you're a reservist) and get the benefits. Have any of you heard of this / done this in the past?

2.) I asked if he knew anything about 0351 being phased out and who would pick up the different jobs of the 0351s (SMAW, Demo etc.) He told me he hadn't heard anything about 0351 being phased out, but you do a lot of "cross-training" when you get to your unit. Even though you are, say, an 0311, you will do some training on machine guns, mortars, and the like. I hadn't heard that either and was wondering how often the "cross-training" really occurs.

Thanks in advance.

[rvillac2]

1) You only get health benefits when on Active duty. After MOS school, you are released from active duty and have no coverage. If you are seriously injured while on drill or during your annual training, you will be treated as if you were active duty until you are healthy enough to be discharged. Recruiter's Assistance can be done between boot and MCT/MOS schools. However, once you complete MOS school, you will be discharged from active duty and no longer eligible for RA.

2) Cross training in a Reserve 03 unit is constant.

[MLMonk]

There is actually a 6month TAD for RA after MOS School, or you can go full-time active-reserve recruiter, but that will basically make you a recruiter for a long time.

If your reserve unit supports 03's, then you can just about choose which 03 you want that you qualify for. Since I am a contract 3533/3536, I have to go through 3531, 3533, 3536 in Ft Leonard Wood, MO. You will just acquire the other training during ITB.

[TBRIANTIV]

Im a reservist at Miramar 4th Tanks, As A 0621 (Radio Operator) I notice alot of cross training in our unit. Mainly Different MOS's Learning COMM. Motor T, Supply, etc... As for benefits. Your Health Benefits as a reservist start from the minute you leave your residence for drill, until the minute you get back home from drill.

While you are in recruit training, mct & mos school You are considered Active. Full Benefits Apply to you. Once You complete MOS School, You Will Be Discharged From Active and Re-enlist as a Reservist (benefits limited). The Process is done in a day. Depending on when you graduate from MOS school. You will be briefed with everything you need to know via vocal lecture or a welcome packet or both. You may even drill that weekend or they may just say come next month.

I've heard that if your going to a unit that was just activated and they have already left for mojave viper... due to lack of Marines, you wont even have to go to drills! But dont take my word on that...

PFC's UP!

[rvillac2]

To clarify my young PFC...

Coverage for an injury or medical emergency starts and stops around your drill weekends and annual training. However, don't think that you can just request to go see a doctor for any other reason during this time. Your schedule will be filled with training, not sick call.

If for any reason, your unit leaves without you, you will still be required to drill somewhere. Failure to attend the required amount of drills per year will only extend your service obligation by another year. If your contract is up to 2015 and you have an unsat year, you will not be discharged until 2016.

[TBRIANTIV]

Appreciate It Sgt.

[Scottie0417]

In my drill letter every month there is always a section about the Tri-Care health plan for reservists. I think it's right around $100 a month for full medical and dental.

[lavgunman]

In my drill letter every month there is always a section about the Tri-Care health plan for reservists. I think it's right around $100 a month for full medical and dental.


If you are single. If you are married with family it will run about $800