A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:I've been looking into joining some type of reserves for law enforcement, but I hear that people in the reserves are often first to get deployed opposed to people in active duty. Is this true?I would talk to a recruiter, but I do not think they would give me a completely honest answer. Also, which branch in the military would you suggest for the reserves? I was thinking navy, but I would love to hear some feedback.Thanks
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male
reader, anonymous, writes (11 May 2011): You didn't say why you want to join the forces, but that's the most important factor in deciding if and what branch to join.I too would suggest the air force, as it's much friendlier to women than the other two arms. But it's probably more important to follow your dream.By all means talk to a recruiter. But remember that they are there to sell you something. They won't tell you anything you don't want to hear, so go in with a list of questions to make them talk about the things that worry you.When deciding any career you shouldn't talk to just one person. You should also talk to people who have no stake in your joining up or not. I'd strongly suggest talking with a few retired women from the arm you are considering. Just cold call them -- people know what a big step it is and so will be happy to give you an hour.These day you don't "join the army". You have a professional career within the forces. For example, you are a mechanic, in the US Army. Or a chef, in the US Navy. So if you don't know what career you want then joining for forces isn't going to help much. Being a woman, they can't just send you to the infantry; and even that's getting more and more specialised.It's a thousand times better to be an officer than to be a grunt. So if you've got academic scores that would get you into university, apply to be a officer cadet. The US is very serious about its officer training, so you should read up on what's needed. For example, you need a lot more than just good grades to get into West Point. There are some areas -- like naval architecture -- where the forces are just desperate for people with an interest. So if you have a special interest, do float it past the recruiter and see if their eyes light up.You also need to be realistic. The military isn't there to solve your personal problems. Be they aimlessness, or failed relationship, or whatever. You can spot the people in the US Army that join for that reason, and no one likes them: because they're a mess, and thus unreliable, and thus not the sort of person you want near you when things get going. Sergeants hate that sort of PITA, as having to babysit them makes their life hell. So you can guess who they send to go first through the riskier doorways.As for deployment, if you don't want to deploy then don't join. Because the way you advance in the forces is through postings and deployments. Lack of advancement is like a danger sign.If you are seriously thinking of joining then do yourself a huge favour and start getting fitter right now. Join a gym and tell them you want upper body strength (ie, machines and weights) session in the gym and an aerobic program to do outside the gym. Every day you should do a 2 mile run (if you've never done that before then buy a pair of serious shoes, at least $150, and start by walking). You should swim 2,000m twice a week. Cycle or run everywhere you can, especially if its cold and wet. Never take an elevator again. Don't think that an office job in the forces doesn't require fitness -- the very best of the current theatre commanders are fit as a whip and they expect you, being 40 years younger, to keep up with them.Join a hiking club and get some experience with 3 day or longer hikes (but start off with just one night out if you've never hiked before). Don't worry if you have to buy stuff. Apart from the boots, tent and pack you'll want to deploy with your hiking stuff. Having said that, skimping on boots is a beginner's mistake which people regret at the same time their feet start blistering.Take every chance to learn a new skill -- be it canoeing, boating, climbing, first aid, knots or whatever. Basically you want to make up for not doing Scouting as a child. Let your inner tomboy out for a while. If there's a serious local target shooting club, then join up (but if they're just a bunch of guys who blast away with no ongoing instruction, then leave after they teach you to strip and clean. The more serious the club, the smaller bore the guns you'll see). If you've no idea how a motor actually works, then see if there's a "mechanics for women" course offered by a local educator. The forces have experts in all of these things, but there are many circumstances where waiting for the experts to arrive makes your situation less secure, or just plain boring.Do talk to the commander or sergeant of your local reserves and see if you they accept potential candidates into their fitness events. A lot of units will run up the local biggest hill a few nights a week. Getting fit within a group is a lot more motivating then running up the hill alone.
A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (10 May 2011):
 I would suggest Air Force, personally. IF they do deploy their deployments are shorter. They also have a much nicer variety of bases (compared to Army that is).
If you do NOT want to deploy, don't join the military.
And reservists/versus active duty as far as deployments. No I don't believe reservists get called first. They do however get used for "minor" stuff before active duty, such as disaster help.
Go talk to a recruiter. They don't always tell the whole truth though, mostly because recruiters aren't all knowing. But they DO have access to a lot of information that can help you make your decision.
Good luck,
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A
male
reader, spinnaker +, writes (10 May 2011):
 Military service is a one or the other decision. If I were Mr Miagi I would say "Military Service like walking down road. One side - safe. Other side - safe. Walk in middle - squash like grape."
The recruiters will of course be persuasive but they are required to give you factual information and answer your questions.
Not joining is one of my only regrets in life, but if I were to set the way back machine to those days I would join the coast guard. Odds are you will always be stateside in the coast guard. At your age you may as well go active unless you have some obligation that would prevent that.
At the end of all that you get your 10 points on the civil service test which will put you over a few hundred people on a police exam.
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A
female
reader, Dear Mandy  +, writes (10 May 2011):
 Hi
I think it sounds like a great idea, And believe it or not, talking with one of the recruiters would be the best thing. They WILL give you an honest answer because they like to give you the pro's and con's about this sort of life. Both of my brothers are in the army and have been for many years now and they were told how tuff, demanding and tiring it can be, also they were told about who is kept on and who isn't regarding active duty. You will always get a different reply from people who are within the forces, But if you ask your question direct to them, they will give you a straight up answer. I think you will find that if this really is the life you want for yourself, it will be very rewarding, you will have such a variety choices within the forces, weaher navy or army. I wish you all the best.
I hope this has helped
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