Marine Corps Reserve
Those in the Marine Corps Reserve are trained in combat and can be mobilized for active duty in time of war, national emergency, or contingency operations.
FIGHTING SPIRIT IN RESERVE
Marines in the Marine Corps Reserve are critical to the Nation's ability to put Marines where they need to be in order to fight and win its battles at home and abroad. Reserve Marines are ready to supplement the active-duty troops when needed.
READY AT ALL TIMES
Ready to supplement the active-duty forces when needed, the Marine Corps Reserve is critical to the Corps’ ability to provide a balanced, prepared force. Marines in the Reserve go through the same intense training and work in the same Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) as their active-duty counterparts. However, with the ability to train part time with a Marine Corps Reserve unit near home or school, these Marines can continue to pursue a full-time civilian career or an education.
DIFFERENT TERMS. SAME STANDARDS.
Reserve Marines maintain civilian commitments but are ready to support their Corps in major combat assignments, humanitarian efforts, and national emergencies. They are Marines and thus live up to the same standards as all Marines, regardless of duty status. Reserve Marines go through the same 13 weeks of Marine Corps Recruit Training, work in the same Military Occupational Specialties as active-duty Marines, and are required to meet nearly identical eligibility requirements.
PART OF THE TOTAL FORCE
THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE OFFICER
A Reserve Officer must meet the same qualification process required of a regular, active-duty officer. Upon completion of OCS, TBS, and MOS school, the Reserve Officer will be assigned to a reserve unit. Reserve Officers have the option to choose the location where they will serve, often near their hometown. They commit to training one weekend a month and two weeks a year. The rest of the time, the Reserve Officer enjoys a civilian life but is ready to be called into action at any time.
ENLISTMENT TERMS
Enlistment term options include:
- Eight years where the first six are spent in a drilling status and the last two in the IRR. Those who wish to participate in the Post-9/11 GI Bill must choose this program.
- Eight years where the first five are spent in a drilling status and the last three in the IRR.
- Eight years where the first four are spent in a drilling status and the last four in the IRR.
What to Expect
Some of the benefits and responsibilities you can expect as a Reserve Marine include:
- Marine Units often located near your home or school.
- Training with full pay one weekend per month and two weeks per year.
- Guaranteed Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) at time of enlistment.
- Advanced MOS training and leadership opportunities that will help you in all aspects of your life, including your civilian career.
- The same recruit training and formal schooling as active-duty Marines.
PRIOR SERVICE MARINES
Are you a Prior Service Marine and are interested in learning more about the Marine Corps Reserves? Contact your local Prior Service Recruiter to find out more information about the benefits and opportunities the reserves have to offer in your home town or abroad. The re-affiliation process takes no more 10 minutes, and in most cases does not require any additional contractual time.
RELATED CONTENT
