If I join reserves - can I switch to full-time active duty if desired?

[jack]

Okay, I'm planning on joining the reserves. I'm actually thinking about joining full-time and giving up civilian life!! Interested in the medical field (work in medical field now). I'm 40 (will be 41 in Feb).... I'd like to get through BT and serve some time doing my one weekend a month for awhile and really give the "full-time" thing some more thought. Don't want to make a commitment that I'm not 100% sure of. Would I be able to go from reserves to a full-time military career???
Thanks for any info
Jack

[Echo]

Hi... jack?

Please keep in mind... that this is a forum for the Army National Guard... which is somewhat a different entity than what the "reserves" are... but anyway... here's a LINK (http://usmilitary.about.com/od/guardandreserve/a/reservetransfer.htm) that should help answer your questions.

From my perspective just based on what you've posted... if you want to serve... you should check into the Active Component, ie: Regular Army... NOW (http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyjoin/a/enlage42.htm).

[jack]

yep, I got it. Thanks

[m3d1asr3s]

Just throwing this out there if that didnt help. It is a ***** to switch over from reserves to full trust me. I was out of the unit that did all the paper work and made the disissions to change people from reserves to full and It took over a year to get the dission and at that point I had been discharged. But maybe you'll have better luck.

[Rhughes]

Jack,
I have to concurr with Echo. For one if you enlist in the NG and receive a bonus then go active you will have to recoup part of the bonus. If you are considering active duty my suggestion is to speak to a active duty recruiter. There are benefits to both though.