Before joining any branch of the United States Military, deciding how long to serve is one of the most important choices a soldier will need to make. There are many benefits to going either through Active duty or reserves, and each branch offers the choice. The Air Force can be one of the hardest branches of the military to get into, because of the educational and Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score requirements.

What is the difference?
• Active Duty
After going through Basic Military Training, life in the Air Force begins and choosing an enlisted career is the next important step. Mechanical, Administrative, General and Electronic careers are the different fields in which a soldier can apply valuable knowledge and learn skills to carry them through life. There are many benefits to going Active Duty including:
• Yearly pay increases
• Living expenses and housing
• Food allowances
• Retirement benefits and Savings Plans
• Education
• Insurance
• Vacation allowance

• Reserves
Upon completion of both the basic training and required service for job training, members of the reserve units continue with regular drills until the end of their contract. There are two ways reserve members can operate:
• Traditional Reserve
• Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA)
Traditional reserve soldiers continue with drills one weekend per month, and two full weeks out of the year. IMA’s are more flexible however, having prior service in the Air Force Reserves or Air Force service in addition to qualification within a job is needed. Reservists benefit from bonuses based on skill level as well educational assistance like tuition for colleges and trade schools.
It is important to make this decision, because once the contract is signed, there is no going back. A soldier cannot transfer from Reserves to Active duty, since they are both separate enlistment procedures. Wishing to enlist in Active Duty requires a form to be approved by the Reserves, and an acceptance is needed for further action.
The Air Force also offers a chance to not only build a better future, but allows all soldiers to get valuable career training and life experience.