Why I Continue to Serve in the Army Reserve

A few weeks ago I hit twenty-two years of commissioned service in the US Army Reserve – and I can hardly believe how quickly the years have flown by. With an intense in-house role as General Counsel of SAP National Security Services , a large family of 9 children, and a regular routine providing on-air legal and political commentary I get asked all the time – why do I stay in the reserves? After all, my military retirement pension vested at year twenty, the new Army Combat Fitness Test is no joke to pass at my age, and the time commitment to serve as a Deputy Commander of a JAG unit can be considerable. Yet despite all that, there’s a few factors that keep me going even when I feel life is pulling me in so many directions at once.

It Keeps Me in the Game

Having spent years deployed on active duty with the Army and as a prosecutor with the Department of Justice, there are plenty of times I miss the thrill of full-time government service. Being a reservist is not the same thing, but it does allow me to remain directly involved with the latest in military and national security issues while at the same time balancing a civilian career. For several days each month, I get to work alongside reserve and active duty personnel who are dealing with such topics as cyberwarfare, military justice, defense contracts and procurement, and a host of other cutting edge legal and military issues. During months when I have extra capacity there are a wide variety of operational and educational opportunities for extra duty in locations across the country – even international exercises I can join.

Reserve service also keeps my security clearance active – which can be an invaluable asset for those of us who practice in the aerospace and defense sector, either in-house or with law or consulting firms.

And, of course, I remain part of a reserve force ready to respond to national or international incidents if called upon. This is never something reservists hope for, but the fact is those of us with years of experience can bring a lot to the table. Whether it would be an overseas deployment to a combat zone or an in-country mobilization to allow younger Soldiers to forward deploy, if the worst did happen I would much rather be part of the fight than stuck on the sidelines.

There Are Financial Benefits to Reserve Service

While they may not be as impressive as those of senior legal positions in the private sector, the fact is there are real economic benefits to military reserve service. Every weekend worked, annual training day completed, and other category of duty performed keeps contributing to a reserve retirement pension that one day will be part of your retirement financial plan. If you find yourself with a gap in civilian employment, there are always opportunities for short- and long-term active duty tours to help stay on your feet. And the medical and dental insurance available to reservists and their families through TRICARE Reserve Select is not only fantastic coverage, it’s a fraction of what insurance can cost if you are a law firm partner or solo practitioner. Economics may not be the primary driver for continued reserve service, but it can certainly offset the hours you put in each month and provide some extra security during hard times.

I Feel a Continued Honor to Serve

Most importantly, I remain excited and honored to serve my country and my community every time I put on the uniform. I am proud of the fact that I take time out of each month to participate in some small way to keeping America and its allies safe. I am proud that my children know that both their parents joined the Army and see me continuing to serve each month, and I hope they will consider active or reserve military service at some points in their lives.

I also realize that with 22 years in, at my current rank I will likely hit mandatory retirement at year 28 and then will have to get out whether I want to or not. It would be a shame if I were to tap out early and then a call for military service did erupt, knowing that I could have done more.

Over the years I have written about standout law firms and companies who hire military veterans , provided advice to military lawyers transitioning to the private sector , and advocated that balancing an intense legal career and reserve service is absolutely doable . For those earlier in their career looking at active or reserve service, I hope you seriously consider it. For me it was – and continues to be – the best career and personal decision I ever made.

This article contains my personal views and does not constitute legal advice. For more information feel free to message me directly via LinkedIn ( Joseph Moreno ) or follow me on Twitter (@JosephMoreno ).