One weekend a month, Two weeks a year, My A$$

I am talking about being a reservist and I need a bumper sticker that says my title. I left active duty so that I can properly take care of my children. Of course, at that time I only had one, but that is neither here nor there.

I guess it would not be that big of a deal if my base was anywhere near to where I live. In actuality it is about eight hours north in another state.

I had to go out there in December and had to reschedule my finals for when I got back because they demanded my presents for two weeks. In January, our plane got grounded due to weather conditions and my family had to scramble for childcare. In February, we doubled up our weekends to have July off and I had to take two major exams early; one for Anatomy and the other for Physiology, to accommodate the reserve crap. In March, I had to do my fitness test which I had not ‘studied’ for…I guess this was my fall. April’s weekend made me miss my son’s fifth birthday. In May I went up for my weekend, came back to take my finals, and then back out there for two more weeks. I will be back maybe four days and then I have to go back for June’s weekend. I will have most of July off. From 28 July to August 8 I am due in some other state for mandatory training. I will get back just in time for the fall semester to start.

If I sound as if I am complaining, you are right! It seems more like this is an every other week thing and I feel as if I miss my kids  more then when I was on active duty. There is also threats of it getting worse as we have fewer and fewer people to do the work, which seems to be more and more each time I go out there. And the red tape crap one has to go through pointlessly every time is just so annoying.

On the other hand the benefits are good for the annoyance.

 I get in state tuition no matter which state I actually am a resident of. They pay off your student loans if you chose to have them do that when you join. You can get up to 1107 a month for going to school full time by way of the Montgomery GI Bill.

I get the M- discount and free plane rides. Reimbursed for my travels and a really nice hotel room to stay in when I am serving stateside. I have yet to have to go overseas, knock on wood or pray that does not change. Plus having a military back ground is really good for resumes, and I can get On the Job training in the field of my choice so long as it is in the military’s best interest. If you chose correctly or wisely you can get a really hefty sum of cash for selling your soul….I mean signing on the not so dotted line.

The wage is an alright income supplement for those of us who can not work a regular job due to school interference or children. The medical and Life insurance is a ridiculous good deal. They pay a lot for if you die and if you do not die they will do all the work to fix you up free.

This is not a progressive blog at all. I just wanted to share this with all of you and let you all know that if in a bind you could just serve your country. They might screw you out of your time but the education and benefits provided in turn just might be the thing you need to get out of your money jam.

If you are considering joining a military branch of service feel free to ask any one of us here. We will give you the true and honest truth needed to make the right decision to do it, At least I will.

~T