As a Soldier in the Army Reserve, part of your job is to defend our country and uphold our freedoms. World events may create a need for you to be called to serve full time.

In support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom, Army Reserve Soldiers have been activated and deployed throughout the United States and overseas.

When you receive your mobilization orders, mobilization is simply reporting to your Army Reserve Home Station, which is usually your Army Reserve Center. Here your unit will begin preparing you for Activation.

Activation is when an Army Reserve Soldier is called to serve in the Army Reserve full time. Activation can put you in an Army Reserve job within the United States or you may be deployed to foreign soil.

Once involuntarily activated, Army Reserve Soldiers can only serve a maximum of two cumulative years. As an activated or deployed Army Reserve Soldier, you receive the same pay as Soldiers of the same rank on Active Duty, and you may be entitled to additional types of pay and if you have any dependents, a Family Separation Allowance.

Deployment is when Soldiers are moved to a specific area of operations, usually on foreign soil.

If you are activated or deployed, Federal law protects your current civilian job. You can pick up where you left off, assuming you notify your employer of your activation, serve under honorable conditions and you report back to work in a timely manner upon completion of your military duty.