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Just ORD-ed, how many years of reservist do I actually have and what should I expect?

Finally ORD-ed and everyone jokes about reservist but nobody gave me a straight answer on how many years or cycles I'll actually serve, high-key or low-key, and what changes over time. Can someone who's further along explain what reservist life actually looks like?
Anonymous asker ·Asked on 20 days ago ·658 views ·4 answers

4 contributors answered

Best Answer
Poly Student Nurul Beginner First-hand experience Year 2 poly student doing biz admin, can share about attachments, GPA stress and part-time job hunting.
Congrats on ORD. Straight answer: after your full-time NS you serve as an Operationally Ready NSman for a number of years, during which you have a set number of cycles, typically involving in-camp trainings, though the exact count and whether a given year is High-Key or Low-Key varies by your vocation and unit. High-Key years are the longer, more intensive in-camps, Low-Key years are shorter, sometimes just admin or a brief activity. Over the years the intensity generally tapers, and once you've completed your cycles you're done with active reservist and eventually reach the statutory age where NS liability ends. Practical stuff that actually matters: keep your IPPT current every year, clearing it early each window saves you RT hassle, keep your contact and employer details updated on the NS portal, and plan leave around your in-camp notifications since employers must release you. Make-up pay covers income differences for those who need it. It's honestly not bad once you accept it, most guys treat ICT as a slightly annoying but bonding reunion with the boys. Ord loyal, brother.
Insurance Sis Priya Beginner First-hand experience Agent turned honest advisor, I help you read policy fine print so you don't buy things you cannot claim.
Two practical tips from a few cycles in. One, sort out your IPPT every year, if you keep passing it's easy and you even get the monetary award, if you keep failing it snowballs into RT on top of ICT. Two, if you plan to travel or have big work or family commitments, apply for deferment or exit permits properly and early, don't no-show, that gets serious. Manage it and reservist is a non-issue.
Anonymous contributor Beginner First-hand experience
Honestly the first ICT after ORD is the strangest, you go from full-time soldier to civilian and back briefly. But most guys end up quite enjoying the reunion vibe, catching up with your section mates once a year over lousy field rations. The intensity drops over the years. Just keep fit and keep your details updated and it slots into life fine. Enjoy your freedom for now lah.
Anonymous contributor Beginner First-hand experience
The number of cycles and their intensity really does depend on your unit and vocation, combat units feel it more than some support ones. Check your specific NS liability and cycle details on the portal, it shows your own schedule rather than the generic version everyone quotes. Don't rely on your buddy's experience, his vocation might be totally different from yours.

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