ACTIVE DUTY
Soldiers serve in the Army 24 hours a day and seven days a week for the duration of their service commitment. Think of it as a full-time job with weekends off and additional paid vacation days.
Your living situation will be based on a number of factors, including your units, your Army job and your deployment status. But generally, you live on base, either overseas (Germany, Italy etc..) or within the United States.
Most bases have a fitness center, community pool, parks, walking and biking trails and camping areas. You could also take part in a wide variety of intramural sports, including football, baseball, soccer and Frisbee gold. Soldiers have access to specialized and discounted shopping at the Post Exchange and you'll find all of the brands you would in the civilian world, but at a much more affordable price.
Active Duty service terms typically last two to six years but your service length may vary depending on your Army job. Everything to include job, term of service, bonus and location of training is known before you even sign a contract.
US ARMY RESERVES
- One weekend a month and two weeks a year of total active service
- Local Units, normally within 50 miles of home
- Allows a member to continue education full time, or continue civilian career but serve as a Soldier Part Time.
- Along with receiving veterans hiring preference and competitive training for your resume
