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Prior Service
Introduction

The Air Force Reserve offers great opportunities for people currently on active duty and for those who have left the military, but wish to return in some fashion. The part-time jobs of the Air Force Reserve give you the time and financial support to continue your education or begin a civilian career. As a Reservist, you can make close friendships common to the military, and you will have the opportunity to do the extraordinary.

"It has been twelve years since I left the Air Force, but the benefits sounded good. I already had nine years service, and I thought it was a good idea to work toward retirement. So, I decided to join the Reserve and so did my son."

SSgt.Tammi Johnson,
507th Security Forces Squadron,
Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
Qualifications

If you have previously served in the military, to join the Air Force Reserve you must make the magic number of 40. Subtract your years of active duty and/or active reserve from your age, and if the result is less than 40, you may be eligible to join the Reserve.

No matter the branch of the military in which you served, you can join the Air Force Reserve. That includes other Reserves and National Guards.

Basic Training

If you have previous military experience, Basic Training is usually waived when you join the Reserve. If you were enlisted and now qualify to join the Reserve as an officer, you will attend the twelve week Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.

Benefits

The benefits of the Air Force Reserve are very comparable to those of active duty. In all cases, your Air Force Reserve Recruiter has timely details about these programs.

  • Transfer directly from active duty.
  • Keep your rank. In most cases, you will retain the rank earned in your previous branch of service. See rank equivalency chart.
  • You don't need to repeat Basic Training.
  • Live at home. You will join the Air Force Reserve unit of your choice. Through the course of your career, you will not be transferred to another location unless you request it.
  • Earn a second paycheck. Your job in the Air Force Reserve is part-time. That gives you time to build a civilian career or continue your education full time. The Reserve offers competitive pay, and that amounts to a nice second paycheck.
  • Low-cost health insurance. The Air Force Reserve is offering inexpensive health care insurance for the Reservists and members of his or her immediate family. This can be a significant cost savings through TRICARE, a program which is offered to those on Active Duty as well.
  • Discounted shopping. Remember shopping at the Commissary and those BX privileges? These are available to you as a Reservist.
  • Education assistance. Education is encouraged in the Reserve. The Montgomery GI Bill is available, and it is non-contributory. The Reserve also offers a 100 percent Tuition Assistance program. You can earn credits toward an Associates Degree at the Community College of the Air Force, and, again this is free as is specialized training that may help you earn valuable licenses, such as FAA Certificates. Some training, such as pilot's training, that may not be available on Active Duty, may be available in the Reserve. And, there can also be special bonuses and incentives available to those going into critically needed areas.
  • Retirement benefits. Your retirement benefits continue to grow. The time you serve in the Air Force Reserve is added to your time already served on Active Duty or in other Reserve or National Guard units.
  • Life insurance. The Reserve offers low cost life insurance programs.

The spirit of service, the friendships and the shared experiences of working together, and the rare experiences that only exist in the military, are all part of the Air Force Reserve. It's the part-time job that allows you to hold onto the best of military life while starting or continuing your civilian career.