Reserve Forces
Our country celebrates Veterans Day on Nov. 11, the anniversary of the end of World War I. This U.S. holiday was created in 1919 to honor members of our armed services.
A military veteran is a person who has served in the armed forces. Do you know any veterans?
This week, The Mini Page looks at the reserve branches of the U.S. military.
Reserve support
The idea for a reserve force goes all the way back to Founding Fathers George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. They thought all men should be trained for military service so they could support the Army if needed.
The Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy also have reserve branches. Many reservists are former active-duty troops.
A monthly job
Usually, reserve soldiers work part-time, just one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer. Sometimes, such as in wartime, they are called upon to be full-time. They might fill active-duty positions when those soldiers go to war.
The president of the U.S. is the commander in chief of reserve units. They answer to the
federal, or national, government. The National Guard is another branch of service. Each governor serves as commander in chief of the National Guard units in his or her state. They can be called to federal service by the president.
The Reserve branches
Reserve soldiers receive pay and other benefits, such as education and insurance. Many of them like the idea of serving their country while continuing their civilian lives at home.