The Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve (SR) is a part of the United States Armed Forces Reserve. It is composed of previously enlisted military personnel who have agreed to a period of deferred service. SR personnel are available to be mobilized in a time of national emergency to augment active-duty personnel. SR personnel are often referred to as “weekend warriors”, as they typically train one weekend a month and participate in two-week annual training exercises.
The SR was created by Congress in 1950 as part of the Armed Forces Reserve Act. Prior to this, the US military relied on a reserve of volunteers which was no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the military. The SR was designed to provide a reliable source of trained personnel who could be called upon in times of need. The SR is divided into two components: the Selected Reserve (SR) and the Ready Reserve (RR).
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The Selected Reserve
The SR is composed of personnel who are currently serving in the US military on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard. SR personnel must volunteer for this duty and sign a contract with the US military. The contract states that the individual will serve for a specified period of time, usually six years, and can be extended for up to three additional years. SR personnel are required to attend annual training and may be subject to mobilization in times of national emergency.
SR personnel receive a number of benefits, such as medical coverage, life insurance, and retirement pay. They may also be eligible for educational assistance, such as the GI Bill. SR personnel are also eligible to receive reenlistment bonuses and may be eligible for promotion to higher ranks.
The Ready Reserve
The RR is composed of personnel who are not currently serving in the US military, but who have previously served and have agreed to maintain their readiness to serve in a time of national emergency. These personnel are typically in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) or the Selected Reserve Inactive Duty Training (IDT) program. The IRR is composed of personnel who have completed their active duty service, but have not yet completed their inactive duty training. The IDT program is designed to provide personnel with refresher training and to maintain their readiness for mobilization.
RR personnel do not receive any benefits, such as medical coverage, life insurance, or retirement pay. They are, however, eligible for reenlistment bonuses if they choose to reenter the military. RR personnel are also eligible for promotion to higher ranks.
Conclusion
The SR and RR provide the US military with a reliable source of trained personnel who can be mobilized in times of national emergency. SR personnel receive a number of benefits, while RR personnel do not receive any benefits. Both SR and RR personnel are eligible for reenlistment bonuses and promotion to higher ranks.
The SR and RR are an essential part of the US military’s ability to maintain a ready and capable fighting force. Without the SR and RR, the US military would be unable to respond quickly and effectively to any threat to our nation’s security.
