Marine reservists provide personnel to the Marine Corps, support Navy forces during emergencies, and perform community service. They train at three facilities and have various career options. Reservists sign an eight-year contract and have duties during both peacetime and war.
A marine reservist generally has three roles. The first is to provide available personnel to the Marine Corps during peacetime. A second responsibility is to support Navy forces during national emergencies or during times of war. Third, the reservist performs community service. Reservists often commit part-time to the Marine Corps for one weekend a month and two weeks a year and usually attend school or work a civilian job.
There are three training facilities for marine reservists. Recruits living west of the Mississippi River are usually sent to San Diego, California. Parris Island, South Carolina is the destination for reservists located east of the Mississippi. Quantico, Virginia is where potential officers receive training. Active duty recruits are also trained at one of these locations. Training for reservists and active Marines lasts 13 weeks.
After going through Navy boot camp and infantry school with recruits who have signed up for active service, the Marine Reservist participates in occupational training. This part-time training allows the reservist to pursue an education or continue a civilian career. Your reservist activity can be completed close to school or home, but the location will ultimately depend on the reservist’s occupational training. Reservists have the motto of “Ready, Willing, Able” and almost always sign an eight-year contract.
The most traditional form of reserve tax is the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR). This path allows marine reservists to have typical careers and normal civilian lives. As a member of the SMCR, the reservist is on active duty two weekends a month and one week a year.
During war, the Marine Reservist assists the Corps by deploying with Marines who are on active duty. Part-time active-duty training is designed to keep the reservist ready for these deployments. Your duty may also include assisting the families of deployed Marines and promoting community outreach.
During peacetime, marine reservists’ duties include fostering good relationships with community leaders. It is important to cultivate good relationships with the police and fire departments, as well as build support from political leaders. Public awareness campaigns and active promotion of Marine Corps objectives are part of the Marine Reservist job description.
There are hundreds of occupations available to marine reservists. An aptitude test helps determine which career field the reservist can choose. The marine reservist’s job description will depend on the career he chooses to pursue. Many reservists say they enjoy the best of both worlds because they are recognized as Marines but have the flexibility available to a civilian.
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