The Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) is for former service personnel who have a residual obligation but do not want to participate in the military as an active member of a reserve unit. Members remain until called up for active duty in a national emergency or times of war. They are not required to attend monthly drills and are not compensated. IRR members have been called up for major conflicts and play a vital role in the security of the United States.
The Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) is an organization associated with reserve components of the United States Army. Members are former service personnel who have a residual obligation on their contracts, but do not want to participate in the military as an active member of a reserve unit. These service members can fulfill their remaining obligation by being members of the Individual Ready Reserve, in which they remain until called up for active duty. This can occur in a national emergency or in times of war.
A person typically becomes a member of the Individual Ready Reserve when released from active duty prior to completing his or her initial eight-year military service obligation. At that point, the soldier will automatically be placed in the IRR, unless he voluntarily joins a reserve unit. Soldiers who are in the Army Reserve can apply for a transfer to the IRR if circumstances make it difficult to attend the monthly drills. This can happen if a soldier moves some distance from a reserve facility. He can also be placed in the IRR in case of unsatisfactory performance in the reserves.
Individual members of the Ready Reserve are not required to attend monthly battle assembly meetings or annual training periods. Also, because they are not actively drilling, they are not receiving any compensation or benefits. Members may choose to volunteer for short periods of active duty as needed. During these, IRR members are paid according to their rank and length of service and receive all other entitlements, such as basic housing allowance.
Members of the Individual Ready Reserve carry identification cards entitling them to Post Exchange purse and buying privileges. They must also keep their uniforms in case of mobilization. These soldiers are required to attend periodic rallies, or meetings, designed to assess the readiness of IRR members. Members are also required to keep Human Resources Command informed of changes of address or any medical conditions that could affect their ability to deploy or serve.
Upon being called to active duty, IRR members are screened for health issues and given necessary vaccinations. A review of records is also conducted. Updates are made to the service member’s emergency contact details and life insurance payees.
Members of the IRR have been called to active duty in support of many major conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terrorism. They are usually called up individually, to fill positions left vacant by active duty units. The Individual Ready Reserve plays a vital role in the security of the United States.
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