Expert: Rod Powers - 12/29/2006

Question
Dear Rod, If I may ask one more follow up specific to my current situation.  If a Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE), DD Form 2384-1, Nov 91 (for VA education benefits), was signed, what does this mean in terms of total obligation?  Thank you again for your time and assistance regarding this matter.
Chris
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Thank you for your assistance.  I do have two follow up questions.  How would I obtain information regarding my original commitment?  My recollection was that I was obligated for six years but now I am hearing it is eight.  Not that this poses a problem for me but I was wondering where I could get a copy of my original signature.  Also, could you possibly expand and be more specific about schools and training and under what circumstance this would entail further obligation?  Thank you again for your time and assistance.
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I am an officer having spent 13 years in the reserve.  For complicated personal reasons it is time that I resign my position. If I were to submit my letter of resignation today, is it possible, down the line, to still be called on active duty?
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Hi Chris,

It depends on whether or not you have a remaining service obligation. Service obligations are generally imposed because of schools or training programs.

Because you've already been in the military longer than 8 years, then your chances of being recalled to active duty depends on if you have a remaining service obligation for training.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com

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Hi Chris,

Every single person who joins the military for the first time incurs a total 8 year total service obligation. That means *everyone*, whether enlisted or officer. Whatever period of time is not obligated on active duty, based on the contract, must be spent in the IRR (Individual Ready Reserve).

Assuming no further service obligations based on agreeing to attend specialised training, almost all Reserve contracts contain provisions for applicants to spend 6 years in the active reserves, followed by 2 years in the IRR. While in the IRR, one can be recalled (at any time) to active duty, or back to an active Reserve status.

If you have been in the Reserves for 13 years, then your minimum initial commitment would be over.

Your original contract should be part of your personnel records, and you can request a copy of it through your unit.

If the military pays for advanced training, then they generally want their money's worth. Various training schools require one to sign an agreement to extend their service commitment, in exchange for the training. For example, if one was accepted to become a pilot in the Air Force, they would have to sign an agreement, committing to 12 years of service, following graduation from flight school. If an officer in the Army agreed to Special Forces training, he would have to sign an agreement, agreeing to three years of additional service, following completion of Special Forces training.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com


Answer
Hi Chris,

Nothing. This form is used to determine eligibility for the Reserve Montgomery G.I. Bill. Using your Reserve Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits does not increase your Military Service Obligation.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com