THE REASONS

Pay  Education  Tuition Assistance  Life Insurance  Base Exchange  Commissary  Health Benefits  Free Travel  Training  Free Meals and Rooms  Promotions  Retirement Benefits

Joining the Air Force Reserve is a serious commitment. Not only will you be serving your country and your community, you will also be serving yourself. The Air Force Reserve recognizes that your parents may also play an important role in your decision to join.  We encourage you to review this information with them, along with the information found in our Parents section. The reasons to join are as diverse as the men and women who make up our force. They're from all walks of life, and they started their Reserve careers, just like you, by asking the big questions. So, why should you join?

Pay
Earn a competitive income for your one weekend per month and two weeks per year and additional pay for extra days you elect to work and train.

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Education
The technical training you receive in the Reserve automatically enrolls you in the accredited Community College of the Air Force. The Community College of the Air Force offers 66 Associate degree programs in five areas:

• Aircraft and Missile Maintenance
• Electronics and Telecommunications
• Allied Health
• Logistics and Resources
• Public and Support Services

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Tuition Assistance
You may be eligible to receive university tuition assistance through the Montgomery GI Bill and the Reserve tuition assistance program. You may also qualify for additional assistance. Please Contact a Recruiter for details.

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Life Insurance
Under the current Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance plan, each Reservist can purchase up to $400,000 of full time coverage. Reservists can choose lesser amounts of coverage for lower premiums or decline coverage altogether. If life insurance is purchased, dependent children are provided $10,000 in coverage free of charge and up to $100,000 in coverage for the Reservist's spouse is also available at additional cost.

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Base Exchange
Unlimited tax-free shopping privileges at Base facilities for Reservists and their eligible family members.

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Commissary
The Commissary authorizes each Reservist unlimited use of this facility.

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Health Benefits
Full coverage for each Reservist during duty periods.

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Free Travel
Free travel anywhere in the United States including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico whenever space is available on military aircraft.

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Training
Keep your skills current with ongoing technical training. Retraining is also available for Reservists with prior military service.

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Free Meals and Rooms
During duty weekends, free meals are provided in the base dining facilities and Reservists out of commuting distance are given free lodging. Free medical and dental care are offered as well.

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Promotions
Promotions mean increases in pay, authority, prestige, responsibility and a bigger retirement check. To qualify, you must have the required time in grade, time in service and recommendation from your Reserve supervisor and commander.

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Of course, with benefits this comprehensive and impressive, come serious responsibilities. Learn more about the commitment required to become an Air Force Reservist.

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