The Air Force Reserve offers great opportunities for people wanting to begin their military career, who are currently on active duty or for those who have left the military and wish to return. The part-time jobs of the Air Force Reserve give you the time and financial support to continue your education or pursue a civilian career. In fact, the Reserve will help you pay for your education.
When you join the Air Force Reserve, you are entitled to a wide range of benefits – similar to benefits you would receive if you were on Active Duty.
- Get an education. The Air Force Reserve constantly stresses education, and encourages Reservists to continue to learn. To facilitate that, the Reserve offers a non-contributory GI Bill, and another program that pays as much as 100% Tuition Assistance, free credits at the Community College of the Air Force, and specialized technical training that leads to certifications and licenses. There can also be bonuses and incentives for those going into critically needed areas.
- Earn a second pay check. The Air Force Reserve offers good part-time jobs with great benefits and competitive pay. If you’re a full-time student, you will have the time to study while you serve in the Reserve. If you have a job, you will enjoy the extra income earned as a member of the Reserve.
- Save through the Commissary and BX Privileges. Reservists are eligible to use military bases which offer tax free department store shopping and supermarket shopping at great savings, and there is the opportunity to rent recreational equipment at discounted rates.
- Low-cost health insurance. The Air Force Reserve is offering inexpensive health care insurance for the Reservist 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.
- Plan for the future. The military offers excellent retirement benefits, inexpensive life insurance, and a reserve health care plan.
- No Relocation. When you join the Air Force Reserve, you do not have to relocate. You can continue to live at home and still serve. However, you can join the Reserve in the city of your choice. It’s your decision.
If you join the Air Force Reserve and have never served in the military, you must go through Basic Military Training and meet the requirements to join.
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 or active reserve from your age, and if the result is less than 40, you may be eligible to join the Reserve. 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 a four to six-week Commissioned Officer Training Program at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.
No matter the branch of the military in which you served, you are eligible to join the Air Force Reserve. That includes other Reserves and National Guards.