Veteran Guard and Reserve Guidance

Veterans: Are you considering continuing your service in the Guard or Reserve following your active duty service? If so, I’d urge you to read on and consider the advice provided below:

Statistics tell us that more than half of you will elect to extend your service in the Guard or the Reserve. Your motivations for doing so might range from completing your service obligation to qualifying for a pension to contributing to a cause greater than yourself. All good. But your world has likely changed: You may now have a civilian boss in addition to a military one, which can lead to complications when called to active duty or to regular drills. There are many benefits to continuing your service (see the table linked below) and as a member of the Guard or Reserve you have some rights under existing statutes that your prospective employer (or educator) will need to honor (see the table linked below). However, you must enter into this commitment with an understanding that it may pose some challenges for your prospective employer as well. They may be counting on the continuous application of your skill set with minimal interruption. Remember the reason for any business’ existence is to make money, and you will be contributing to that. Any extended absence may distract from that goal.

For further information on the tables mentioned above see the resource Advice for Professionals Transitioning into the Guard or Reserve.