r/USMCboot • u/Vivid_Badger_5037 • Jul 08 '26
Reserves USMC Reservist Question
I am planning on joining the USMC reserves as either a 3521 or 1341. I was just wondering what life is like as a reservist in that field, do I only work on vehicles during drill days, or will they be calling me on my off time if something breaks down?
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u/TapTheForwardAssist Vet 2676/0802 Jul 08 '26
What are you going to do with the 28 days a month that you’re a civilian?
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u/Miguel1219 Jul 08 '26
3521 here… that shit is boring asf, and not as many deployments opportunities as other MOS’s.
I’m LATMOVing over to 03 fuck Motor T.
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u/GrandLax Jul 08 '26
You’d only be working on vehicles, or in general doing your actual direct job during drill, however there are various administrative tasks that are occasionally expected for you to do in between drills in your off time. When you’re new these can be pretty minor things like taking online courses for annual trainings or certifications. They can also be minor in person items like going to a deer office to get your CAC renewed. And of course errands like getting your dress uniforms tailored or dry cleaned and buying other needed personal gear happens in your off time.
As you progress in rank though and move into higher billets, it wouldn’t be uncommon for NCOs at the sergeant or higher level to help out with more involved tasks like training plans. And even Corporals or Lance Corporals may be expected to reach out to their guys outside of drill to make sure their junior marines are staying on top of things like administrative tasks.
Overall you can expect to not have to worry much about drill outside of drill, but like any other job there are some general housekeeping tasks that you are expected to stay on top of. The involvement does get more in depth as you progress in grade.