So if you are in the National Guard, Reserves, or auxiliary, are you considered a Civilian when off duty?

Question

Besides drilling and active duty, are you considered a civilian when out in your regular community at home?

Answer 1

For the Navy you are considered a civilian when you have received your DD214. You may still have inactive reserve time to serve as the Navy requires 8 years of total service.

Answer 2

This board doesn't see a lot of reservist activity, but I have actually had experience with it, it was recent as well so this won't be 1980's policy, so I can give you straight answer.

A reservist is subject to the Uniform Code Of Military Justice (UCMJ) on the way to, during, and on the way home from required drills and Annual Trainings, or when acting under orders.

You are not technically considered a civilian but you cannot be charged for something silly like not having your hair cut. Now, if you goto your reserve unit with an improper hair cut that's something you'll have to deal with with them.

Now, this isn't a free pass. If you do something stupid, get arrested, do drugs, etc and they find out, they will find out, you can be separated. For example, you're at home you are underage you go out drink, drive, wreck and kill another person. Or you are out at a bar and get into a fight and seriously injure someone and are facing jail time. Odds are you will be administratively separated from the military before you even get to court.

Also, once you are dismissed from your drill or AT or any orders you may be acting under (Deployment, Funeral Detail, etc) you cannot, for example, get a phone call at 6 AM and be forced to wake up and PT, or monitor your food. It's literally your time. Though, it would be wise not to act the *** in your spare time and at least pretend to do what you are told to do, even though you don't have to.

Answer 3

Once you join the service, YOU are a Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman or Coastie!

One team, One goal!

and as such, conduct yourself in the  appropriate manner!

Don't get in the false mentality that your are ONLY a weekend "warrior" or part-time service member.

Answer 4

i would say yes. only because when my husband was reserve we considered us having a military life and a civi life. he had a civi job, went to school and did everything as normal civis would do. then he had his military side.

it is a hard question to ask. because you are still military. you still make the sacrifice to defend your country. you knowingly enlisted knowing there is a war and war can happen.

Answer 5

Army National Guardsmen are what we call citizen/Soldiers. Yes, you can live your civilian life but you "are" & "represent" the US Army/National Guard 25 hours of the day and 8 days of the week. Subject to mobilization for state emergencies & federal call-ups at a moments notice; Army National Guard Soldiers are required to live the Army Values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage) whether in or out of uniform. So I would say you are - but you are not. HOOAAHH!!!        

Answer 6

You are considered a reservist.