The Army Reserve turns 113 on April 23rd of this year. But it has likely existed, unofficially, for much, much longer. There are records of citizen-soldier organizations that completed missions, which would have been considered reservist in nature, dating to 1756; however, the official origins of the Army Reserve began in 1908 when Congress established the Medical Reserve Corps. The Medical Reserve Corps later became the Organized Reserve Corps, which finally became the United States Army Reserve in the mid 1950’s.
The Army Reserve supports civil authorities at home, provides trained soldiers to commanders around the globe, and trains for the potential battlefields of the future. Reservists have played significant roles in both World Wars, the Cold War, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the pre and post 9/11 conflicts in the Middle East.
Active-duty soldiers are full- time members of the military. Army Reservists are part-time military service members and are able to pursue civilian careers while serving their country. Both Reservists and Active-duty soldiers can be deployed at any time.
Both Guard and Reserve soldiers train one weekend per month and for two weeks every summer. Additionally, both can be called into active duty and deployed to support Army combat missions. The Reserve, however, does not have a state mission and so is not called upon by Governors to assist during local crises.
To join the U.S. Army Reserve, you must be between the ages of 17 and 35 years old. Minors must provide proof of parental consent before joining.
While this day of celebration isn’t a Federal holiday, many bases and reserve units hold events to recognize their service men and women. Supporters can also honor the Army Reserve by participating in their virtual 10-miler or using #USARBirthday113 on Facebook and other social media channels.
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