Joining the Reserves??????

The following is a definition of military reserve: -------------------------------------------------------- A military reserve or strategic reserve is a group of military personnel not committed to battle by their commander so that they are available to address unforeseen situations. Such forces may be held back to defend against attack from other enemy forces, to be committed to the existing battle if the enemy exposes a vulnerability, or to serve as relief for troops already fighting. A military reserve is different from a military reserve force, which is a military organization composed of part-time military personnel. Military reserve refers to specific trained pre-organized forces operating as an on call basis from the main military force. --------------------------------------------------------- It use to be a great way of getting a little pay and perhaps education without fear of battle. That is no longer true. At the very least you may find yourself in or near IRAQ. Most assuredly you will be away from your family for periods of time. I would re-think this if I were you. Your family needs you.

The only advice I would or could give you is to do your research before you make that committment and yes, talk to people already in the reserves, especially women with children, to find out the extent of their committment. I think it is a noble gesture to join any part of the armed forces, but we are not living in peaceful times. You will indeed have to weigh your decision carefully. Personally, I would never do it as I always want to put my children first and foremost and I just couldn't stand being away from them for any length of time and the thought of never coming back to them at all is too excrutiating.

Why?? Why would you want to join the reserves? I'm confused- I guess- My best friends husband is in the reserves- He actually retires this October from there- Fort Drum was where he did his work- He joined the Army first out of high school - and then into the reserves- Sure it paid for his college- and still is- masters- He is a wonderful special ed teacher in Hornell- But he also- spent 3 weeks in NYC- after 9-11-01 cleaning up debris and sorting bodies (sorry) he said it was the hardest thing ever- He is also away from his family for 2 weeks every summer- no big deal- Last year he was sent to Iraq- YES-- they said they stay stateside- He was there for 1 year- (My brother is there now but he is in the Army- almost 20 years!) I would say to you really think about this- Be sure that you are willing to leave your boys if need be- If it's something that you are your hubby agree on- go for it- and good luck!

if you want to consider going in the reserves,don't let these people talk you out of it.I do agree it is something that has to be thought out. You could always talk to a recruiter and tell him or her your fears and see what's available that would signifigently lower your chances.Maybe you could do like one of the members suggested and talk to some reservists. my goodess,I was reading the responses you got and if everyone felt like these people,our country would have no one to defend it!

Well jolene if it is something you would like to do then you should go for it! As for me I would be worried about my family as reserves actually do get called up - would the family cope without you, what if anything happened to you? That is the first question I would ask myself, espescially as the mother of 2 children. No-one can tell you what you should do or shouldn't do - that is a decision that only you or your family can decide on! I hope whatever you decide to do works out well for you all! xxx