Full- and Part-Time Options

The Military isn’t one-size-fits-all. From active duty to part time, there are plenty of options for working a term of service into the next chapter of your life, including opportunities that don’t require enlistment, like the Space Force’s civilian recruitment program. Keep reading to learn about all the different ways to serve.

Ways To Serve in the Military

Each Service branch has full- and part-time components — including five branches of the Reserve (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard) as well as Guard (Army and Air National Guard). Most terms of service fall into one of the following categories:

Active Duty

When you’re on active duty, you’re a full-time service member. You’ll work at a military installation, using your specialized training to help your team achieve its goals. But that’s not all. The role also comes with plenty of perks, including special pay bonuses.

Reserve

In the Reserve, service is part time, which can give a lot of flexibility to balance a civilian job, education or other pursuits. Your military obligations will typically be limited to one weekend of training every month and two weeks of training every year. The Reserve also stands ready to assist its active-duty counterparts in times of national emergencies or for matters of national security.

Guard

In the Guard, similar to the Reserve, you’ll serve part time. Your obligations will be limited to set weekends and annual training retreats, although you can be called upon to help with domestic emergencies or certain overseas missions.

See More Ways To Serve

The Flexibility of Part-Time Service

From balancing civilian commitments with Navy duties to making an impact and building community, get a real-life view into how serving in the Navy Reserve can fit alongside your career and personal goals.

Civilian Careers as Ways to Serve

A civilian career with the Department of Defense (DoD) allows you to support the Military’s mission without wearing a uniform. You can contribute to areas like engineering, health care, cybersecurity and more, all while helping protect and serve the nation.

Learn About Other DoD Programs

Explore Potential Roles in the Military

Engineering, medicine, baking (yes, you read that right) and more — the Military is filled with unique roles where you can hone real-world skills, and some of the options might surprise you.

Search For Military Occupations

Understand Military Career Paths

Every pathway to military success starts with a simple question: Do you want to serve as an enlisted service member or as an officer? If you’re unsure what the difference is, and you want to see how each aligns with your goals, start comparing now.

Learn About Officer and Enlisted Paths