Active or Reserve (2d Bn 25th Mar)?

[dwrz]

I posted a while back about going OCS or enlisting (http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/sh...d.php?p=447312). I decided to go ahead and enlist-- partly because I don't want to give up EU citizenship and partly because I wouldn't be able to pass the security clearance anyway (have a family member who is and will remain non-citizen-- UN employee). I would've loved to have gone OCS, but it's out.

I cleared MEPS on 20090528. AFQT 97, currently have a 240 PFT (needs some work). Open contract, ship date 20091102.

I decided to go active duty, but I've recently been considering going to the Reserves instead. Kill two birds, get my graduate degree and work experience while serving. I'd sign up for a slot as 0311, 0331, 0351, or ideally 0352.

How different is the Reserve from Active? I have to admit, one weekend a month does not sound like adequate time to train. Does it work? Is the training and exercise sufficient? Frankly, if Reservists end up training more or less as much as active duty Infantrymen minus field days, GK classes, and barracks boredom, then that's just my ticket. I'm concerned that the limited time commitment will affect my competency, or reduce the experience or challenge in some way.

Can anyone from 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines chime in? Or in general, anyone who's in the Reserve, or has done both active and reserve?

Any help is much appreciated.

[PaidinBlood]

Do you have any family in the Corps by the same last name...?

[dwrz]

Negative. Why do you ask?

[PaidinBlood]

Because I knew one...obviously
Good luck to you.

[dwrz]

Roger that. And thanks!

[TJR1070]

I was in 2/25 in '95-'96, I didn't really like the reserves but it is a good unit that has a few deployments under their belt and they train hard. They just returned from deployment with few casualties and all missions accomplished, Welcome Home DevilDogs!!

[dwrz]

Hey TJR1070-- appreciate the input. Can you clarify why you didn't like the Reserves? Thanks.