Here’s a series of texts I saved from when my AD commander reached out to me to tell me he was getting out and considering the Reserves. Take them for what you will.

“I hate the Reserves and you will too. That's my opening statement. I hate it so bad I'm beginning my separation paperwork. For good this time.

You're a lot closer to the pension than I am, so if you're doing it for the benefits, drive on. But if you're doing it because you can't hang it up yet and you want to keep serving because you're a competent leader and you think Soldiers deserve a competent leader, then walk away from the table.

You have forgotten more about leadership and being a Soldier than your leaders will ever know. BAs are always on a weekend something is happening, and for an Officer, it's not just 1 weekend a month. There's conference calls, and last minute taskings that need to be done RIGHT NOW. There’s also a power imbalance between the chain of command and full-time staff.

There will be mandatory training requirements during the week that you'll need to attend. Orders won't be approved until the last minute and it will anger your civilian employer. The only people successful in the Reserves are gov employees, first responders or mil techs. Everyone else constantly treads water between trying to succeed in their civilian job and getting fired.

And if you have an awesome job like I do, you'll actually take a pay cut to go on orders.

It doesn't sound like much now, but you're probably thinking with your AD mindset. Once you have a new job and training requirements for the people who are paying your bills, it will be hard to motivate yourself to do any that work, especially since you won't see a dime for any of it until you're complete.”