I was in the Army Reserves from 94-98. Can't say that it was fun after training. We were a bastard unit that got flip flopped from one battalion to the next in the wake of the Clinton downsizing. We never had equipment. We were NEVER combat ready while I was an active reservist. So from experience, don't listen to the democrat f-nuts that say the military is in great shape. They don't know a damn thing about the military.
If you're thinking about joining, then don't make the same mistake that I made, check the units out near your home. Make SURE that they have $$ to train with or you'll be picking up garbage all day long and looking for a place to hide and take a nap.
As far as it affecting your career, well that could go a lot of different ways. I don't think you're going to want to join the Marines if you are looking for a lot of understanding. They are very hard core about "the core", and they are great for it, because I wouldn't want their job. Consider the Army as an "in-between." It takes 8 people working the back lines to keep 1 person on the front lines. The Army does a LOT of support work for all branches and maintains a bit more grunge respect than the Air Force or the Navy. It is my opinion that you will have more flexibility in the Army Reserves with your career, but be cautious. You can't force your current employer to keep your position open while you go off to basic training for 2 months. I believe that the descrimination law applies only if you are already an enlisted member and applying for a job. It doesn't work like the family leave act.
Either way, I would not have traded my military experience in for anything. High school had become a joke and made me lazy. I went in looking for a new paradigm, and got it. And what other job in the world teaches you how to shoot people from 300 meters, throw hand grenades, launch anti-tank rockets, and set mines?
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I was in the Army Reserves from 94-98. Can't say that it was fun after training. We were a bastard unit that got flip flopped from one battalion to the next in the wake of the Clinton downsizing. We never had equipment. We were NEVER combat ready while I was an active reservist. So from experience, don't listen to the democrat f-nuts that say the military is in great shape. They don't know a damn thing about the military.
If you're thinking about joining, then don't make the same mistake that I made, check the units out near your home. Make SURE that they have $$ to train with or you'll be picking up garbage all day long and looking for a place to hide and take a nap.
As far as it affecting your career, well that could go a lot of different ways. I don't think you're going to want to join the Marines if you are looking for a lot of understanding. They are very hard core about "the core", and they are great for it, because I wouldn't want their job. Consider the Army as an "in-between." It takes 8 people working the back lines to keep 1 person on the front lines. The Army does a LOT of support work for all branches and maintains a bit more grunge respect than the Air Force or the Navy. It is my opinion that you will have more flexibility in the Army Reserves with your career, but be cautious. You can't force your current employer to keep your position open while you go off to basic training for 2 months. I believe that the descrimination law applies only if you are already an enlisted member and applying for a job. It doesn't work like the family leave act.
Either way, I would not have traded my military experience in for anything. High school had become a joke and made me lazy. I went in looking for a new paradigm, and got it. And what other job in the world teaches you how to shoot people from 300 meters, throw hand grenades, launch anti-tank rockets, and set mines?
Good luck in whatever you choose.