infantryman

ch-47 helicoptor repairer

controls engineer

military police

human resources specialist

U.S. Army Reserve

The Army Reserve has challenged my fellow Soldiers and me to test our physical and mental limits by giving us a plethora opportunities to practice our craft and demonstrate our leadership in austere environments. 

As a public affairs noncommissioned officer, I have the honor to tell the Army Story through photos, articles and videos from Europe, North America, and the Middle East. My superiors have recognized my achievements through awards, school selection and a promotion into the corps of noncommissioned officers. The skills and experience obtained from my deployments and temporary duties has given me the opportunity to bolster my freelance digital media production business and apply for a direct commission Although I have yet to complete my first term of enlistment, I feel confident that  I will proudly wear the uniform for decades. 

These glowing remarks should not overshadow the fact that, like most large organizations, the Army Reserve holds its fair share of shortcomings . Many of my comrades complain that the Army Reserve has failed to identify their needs, recognize their contribution, and, in extreme circumstances, protect them from verbal and physical abuse within the ranks. From my relatively limited vantage point, the Army Reserve has made great strides in upholding its proud heritage by overcoming its social, technical, logistical and financial challenges through effective training, mentoring and counseling programs. Some of these initiatives produce stellar result, while others merely relieve the symptoms rather than resolving the cause. For this reason, the Army Reserve continually seeks ways to improve their effectiveness by seeking and incorporating feedback from the Soldiers and their families. 

The adage, "you get what you put into it," appropriately summarizes my military experience. Although my civilian education and employment permitted me to enter the field I desired, patience, diligence, determination, and a little luck allowed me to thrive in it. I wish I could say the same for every Soldier, but reality shows that people--particularly those who wear uniforms to work--must overcome the temptations of power while understanding that their decisions could very well dictate their lives and those of their comrades. Those who properly balance their obligations to their families and employers will go far in the Army Reserve. Those who also embrace the magnitude of military leadership will go farther.

FIELD DUTIES:

Protected lives and property on Army installations, enforced military laws and regulations, controlled traffic, prevented crime, and responded to emergencies.

Responsible for providing support to the battlefield by conducting Area Security, Internment/Resettlement, Maneuver and Mobility Support, Law and Order, and Police Intelligence Operations.

Performed as a team member in support of battlefield operations, enforce installation law and security of Army resources and installations. 

Led military police teams in support of battlefield operations and led and supervised small sections in support of security and installation law and order operations.
 
Led military police squads and sections, operated police desks, planned crime prevention measures, and operated evidence rooms.

Utilized public safety policies, police/fire radio codes, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) procedures, and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations to effectively coordinate actions.
 
Received and processed calls for assistance from military, civilians, and the general public stationed on and off base. 

Answered routine and emergency requests for information. Experienced in operating the communication dispatch system, transmitting emergency and routine radio and telephone messages. 

Knowledgeable in dispatching  the appropriate emergency unit's. 

Communicated clearly, concisely and distinctly on all messages being dispatched or transmitted. Experience extracting essential information from distraught callers.

Provided police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) dispatching for the protection of life and property on board the installation and its area of responsibility. 


ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES: 

Assumed receptionist duties, greeted public and referred them to appropriate staff members, answered phone, route calls, and take messages. 

Assisted staff with administrative duties as requested. 

Assisted with completion of necessary statistical reports as requested. 

Distributed incoming mail and prepared outgoing mail including bulk mail. 

Assisted with various program operations as requested as responsibilities permit. 

Planned itineraries and arranged for commercial, Government-owned, and contracted travel. 

Determined and advised on entitlements or procedures related to temporary storage of goods, weight allowances, prohibited items, and shipment of unaccompanied baggage, privately owned vehicles, and household goods. 

Reviewed, recorded, and compiled information related to vehicle assignment and use, mileage reports, preventive maintenance services, accidents, billing, or other program data. Developed and maintained accident case files by using Microsoft Office programs.

Conducted inspections or investigations of assigned vehicles; and ensured optimum vehicle availability and use by rotating or reassigning vehicles between sections/units/centers.

Prepares all unit/organization supply documents and accounts for Army property and supplies utilizing the Property Book-Enhanced System (PBUSE), Logistic Information Warehouse (LIW), Web Logistic Integrated Data Base (WEB LIBD), Readiness Predictive Analyzer (RPA), and Parts Tracker. Logs and tracks inquiries’ using a problem management database and maintains history records and related problem. Reviews daily, weekly and monthly PBUSE output reports to insure all changes are processed in a timely manner in order to meet Unit and regulatory requirements. Plans, directs, coordinates, manages, and reviews assigned areas of the logistics program which encompass the operations and activities of the unit. As the Unit Supply Specialist, manages and regulates control over 250 assigned line items valued at over 10 million dollars, monitoring and coordinating wholesale and retail logistics requirements to maintain proper on-hand stock levels. Processes the daily requirements of requesting, receiving, issuing, and maintaining accountability of individual, organizational, installation, and expendable/durable supplies and equipment. Conducts document findings and makes recommendations based on analysis of Army logistics systems. Research’s and applies regulatory and practical use of an existing or proposed system including its data composition, data flow, and business rules from written sources as well as developed code. Delivers analysis in many forms including various UML constructs such as use cases and high level class diagrams (logical model / domain model), Word documents such as a Functional Requirements Specification, PowerPoint, and Draft Interface Designs. Analyzes and evaluates activities of logistics management, acquisition processes, material distribution, and traffic management operations to keep aware of their relationship to and impact on the Battalion’s mobility, contingency and emergency support requirements, resources, and exercises. Conducts monthly scheduled and unscheduled physical inventories of all property and initiates property book adjustment as a result of purchases lost and damaged material while maintaining 100% accountability of equipment. Assists the repair parts manager to assure spare parts are available and provides management direction for acquisition and distribution of major items and repair parts. Helps develops timeframe schedules for distribution of the assigned equipment and for all maintenance support planning.

I have worked in different pharmacy settings in the Army. Normal day would start on check on knowledge regarding use of Medical Communication program and Composite Health Care System, responsibility of the operation, and security of all medications and Controlled Substances. Receive prescriptions, verify information is correct and accurate. Enter data in Composite Health Care System. Manually record prescription in the log in book. Fill prescriptions manually or through automated dispensing machine. Dispense medication with proper instructions to the outpatient.  Process, handle, and dispense controlled substance to outpatient. Provide assistance to the Pharmacist. Maintain patient profile and list of medications the patient is taking. Conduct inventory of medications. Supply Sections: Conduct inventory of bulk orders delivered to the hospital. Verify quantities against invoice. Verify with the supervisor. Maintain proper storage and security of all drugs. Pre-pack bulk medicines and fill bottles with prescribed medication, type, and create labels for the bottles. Mix pharmaceutical preparation according to prescription. 
Inpatient Pharmacy: Deliver medications to all pharmacy sections in the hospital. Conduct inventory of emergency carts. Deliver medications to fill emergency carts. Conduct proper procedures in compounding with aseptic technique. Conduct dosage calculations and perform proper procedures in making IV bags in laminar airflow hood.
Prepare medical documents necessary for soldiers visit to the clinic and pharmacy. Make phone calls to physicians in multiple field operating base. Inquire and provide physicians and supervisors with recommendations in regards to an operational problem. Clean up the clinic work area. Sterilize glassware according to proper procedure. Provide security for the clinic during non-operational hours. Answer phones calls responding to question and request. Assist customers by answering questions and help locate specific items.  

My co-workers are great. We have a great camaraderie between soldiers and civilian workers. We help each other throughout the day and pharmacist are always open to teach us anything that we have questions about regarding the medication, etc.

•	Creates and briefs Senior Level Staff Officers on existing and changing military awards regulations and policies   (3 Star/GS15 and below)
•	Researches and develops statistical information for executive decisions
•	Created new procedures to streamline the processing of military recommendations
•	Manages the timely processing and presentation of military award recommendations of 22 subordinate commands and 9 USARC staff sections to include OCAR and USARC Command Groups; uses ARSAPTS to ensure proper preparation and staffing of actions
•	Conducts Staff Assistance Visits to verify the proper implementation of Army policy, procedures and congressional legislation and brief 1 and 2 Star Commands on the results and improvements needed
•	Prepares formal and informal correspondence for congressional inquiries, Senior Staff and General Officer requests for information
•	Writes policy and precedence on procedures and coordinates the implementation of these procedures; fields inquiries regarding previous actions, past case decisions and handles sensitive case information and other non-routine requests for guidance of current policies
•	Planning and creating a web database that will track the location of award recommendations from start to finish thus reducing the time needed to complete requests 
•	Assisted in the drafting of the USARC Awards policy published Mar 12, 2013; provided information for changes to be implemented in the next revision of the Military Awards Regulation
•	Provides training, guidance, interpretation of regulations and briefing to subordinate commands, peers and senior staff officers
•	Formally recognized by the USARC Command Sergeant Major, the Commanding General of the 75th Training Division(Battle Command) and Commander of Army Reserve Careers Division for my customer service and training provided
•	Works hand in hand with outside contractors developing new databases that track and assist in the approval process of awards.

ARMY RESERVE
SERVING WHEN NEEDED
Unlike active duty, Army Reserve Soldiers serve part time, allowing them to earn an extra paycheck, go to school, or work a civilian job while still maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
WHAT IS THE ARMY RESERVE?

The Army Reserve is the Army’s pool of extra resources and personnel. Reserve Soldiers perform critical Army jobs on a part-time basis.

WHEN WILL I SERVE?

You will spend one weekend a month on duty and two weeks a year in training. Soldiers in the Army Reserve may be called to active duty to provide their expertise. Your total service length in the Army Reserve may range from three to six years, depending on your Army Reserve job.

WHERE WILL I LIVE?

Unlike serving on Active Duty, you will be able to live anywhere in the United States. If you are planning on attending college or advancing within your civilian career, Army Reserve service will provide you with the flexibility to live where you choose.

WHAT'S THE PAY LIKE?

Even though you will spend a limited amount of your time on duty, Army Reserve Soldiers earn competitive salaries, and have access to a wide range of benefits. As a Private, for example, you will make more than $3,000 a year, and you’ll receive health care, retirement and education benefits. As you move up in rank, your pay increases.
Learn more about Army Reserve pay

Simply signing up as an Army Reserve Soldier may qualify you for a list of bonuses and incentives, including a skills bonus, Officer Candidate School bonus, and a translator aide bonus.

Learn more about Army Reserve bonuses

Part of the benefit of becoming a Soldier in the Army Reserve is the free time you will have to accomplish your goals. In the Army Reserve, not only will you have time to complete school, but you’ll have the money for it too. Soldiers qualify for a variety of education funding opportunities, including the Montgomery GI Bill Kicker, the Army Reserve Education Assistance Program and more. 

http://www.goarmy.com/about/serving-in-the-army/serve-your-way/army-reserve.html

There are two things that must be done before breakfast. First, is a one hour session of physical training (PT) which consist of muscle failure exercises like the rower , jumping jacks, situps, mountain climber, skier, fire hydrant, ect...or a day of cardio which is mostly jogging, running or sprinting or an easy 3-5 mile jog around and up the stairs of the science building at the college campus. 

I learned how to work with a variety of people from different cultures and background. I learned how to work as a part of a team and trust my teamates to get their part done. I learned also to ask for help when nessary and offer help when and if a task needs to get done. I have witnessed what working together as a team can look like in the beginning. It can look like a million pieces of an undone puzzle but with the help of teamates it can look like a Michealangelo mural from the roof of the  Sistine Chapel. 

Management is one of the reason why my experience have been great.  I've worked with my superiors and they have always made sure that everything I needed to get my job done is available. 

My co-workers are the best because we communicate on a regular basis to make sure whatever mission is assigned for the day is completed in a timely manner. 

The most difficult part of the job is actually the physically training and I do not mean the routine everyday training I mean the nine weeks of boot camp. It challenged me physically, mentally and emotionally. That part of training is ment to break down all bad habits and build a well-rounded and disciplined individual.

The most enjoyable part of the job is to know and remember all the struggles each member of my unit faced and watch us working together to achieve a common goal which is to protect the Constitution of the United States of America.

Counsel Army Reserve, prior service and Individual ready reserve Soldiers on reenlistment, compensation, education, life insurance benefits. Prepare enlistment/reenlistment packets to include: DD214's, ASVAB, Marriage/Birth certificates, SSN cards, Height and Weight requirements, Civilian and Uniform code of Military Justice (UCMJ) convictions that may inhibit retention, or reenlistment into the U.S. Army at any level. Inspect all reenlistment packets for accuracy and completeness. Submit reenlistment packets to the Human resource Command (HRC) Ft. Knox, KY. For approval. Coordinate with subordinate units and provide power point/excel briefings on the unit's overall retention, and deployment readiness. Coordinate and conduct reenlistment ceremonies. Providing the Officer and location of choice by the Soldier to administer the Oath of reenlistment. Prepare and brief higher command on the goals and accomplishments of each Career Counselor on a weekly and monthly basis utilizing spreadsheets and power point presentations. Conduct remedial training with Subordinate unit retention Non Commissioned Officers to help facilitate the retention of the most competent soldiers. Conduct Army physical fitness test for units and support any training, or family day activities.
Conduct Military Law, VA Benefits and Med Board Process to Soldiers and family Members. Help Prior service members with obtaining a VA Percentage for service connected disabilities. Instruct Soldiers, Prior Service and family Members on VA Forms: (21- 686C) Declaration of Dependency, (21-4142) Private Treatment records, (21-526EZ DCP) Substantiate a Claim for Veterans Compensation and related compensation Benefits, (21-22a) Appointment of Individual as Claimant’s Representative, and (DD Form 2807-1) Report of Medical History.

As an Motor Transportation Operator in the US Army Reserve, you start the day out quite early. The day starts out around 0500 wake up and getting ready and by 0630 you begin the day by reporting in for duty. At 0700 you form up for morning formation. The First Sergeant will ask for a report of soldier attendance. You will then be further briefed by your platoon sergeant over what is expected of you to do for the day. At 1100 you will partake in lunch until 1200. At 1200 until the end of the day you will proceed in completing your tasks, drills, and classes. Once everything is completed you will proceed in forming up for final formation where you will then be told to you what to expect for the following day.

I have learned a great deal from the US Army Reserve. I have learned and gained experience in employee management, time management, preventative maintenance checks and services, professionalism, and proficiency.

I have held positions as squad leader and team leader. In these positions you learn how to properly guide other employees/soldiers in completing the jobs at hand and properly conveying information.

Your fellow co workers/soldiers work together in small teams to complete various tasks that lead up to completing the job that is delegated to us from our superiors.

The hardest part of this job is the long hours and information that is constantly changing throughout the day. So, you are constantly having to adapt to ever changing situations.

The most enjoyable part of the job is the comrade you experience with all your fellow soldiers. Your co workers/soldiers soon begin to feel like family.

Work hours are long and sometimes arduous but there is a constant sense that labor is for a great purpose. Accomplishing missions is paramount and we all have an integral role to play.

I have learned a lot about how to motivate and direct people professionally, respectfully, and safely. This job has allowed me to expand my technical skillset working on a variety of information systems and solving problems related to them to benefit the operators of those systems.

Management is very fluid in that positions/transfers occur frequently and without much warning in order to promote a workforce culture of supreme adaptability. Any person within the organization should be able to drop into another branch/unit with very little transition strain.

Co-workers range in levels of competence and professionalism due to entry level requirements. But there is nearly always a sense of purpose. Which is considered to be the most essential element in a worker according to the organizational philosophy. Shortcomings in competence and professionalism can always be improved with training and mentoring as long as the underlying purpose for contributing exists.

The hardest part of this job is finding a balance between being a diligent worker and training subordinate workers. The career track I found myself in was highly related to that strain between output and fostering future output increases.

The best part of this job is camaraderie. There is the very distinct feeling that you are protected, respected, and honored within the organization. The 'interchangeable parts' aspect of the organizational philosophy is meant to create more adaptable workers but never to disparage any one worker's significance in contribution.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Infantryman 9 salaries reported	$54,770 per year
Ch-47 helicoptor repairer 3 salaries reported	$45,333 per year
Controls engineer 2 salaries reported	$45,280 per year
Military police 52 salaries reported	$47,280 per year
Human resources specialist 34 salaries reported	$47,458 per year

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