Gaining a Master's Degree (and more)
Non Flash Content
Staff Sergeant Kenneth Kinlaw
Non Flash Content
Army Reserve
ROLE OF THE ARMY RESERVE
PART-TIME SERVICE. FULL-TIME STRONG.
You may be asking yourself, “What is the Army Reserve?” The Army is the most powerful and sophisticated military force in the world. This force consists of two groups: active duty Soldiers and Soldiers in the Army Reserve.
The difference between the two? Active duty is similar to working at a full-time job — with the Army — while Army Reserve is more like a part-time job with the Army, which still lets you keep your civilian career. You can live where you want, receive medical benefits, tuition assistance, and build for retirement. In other words, in the Army Reserve, you can continue your career or education while training close to home and standing ready to serve with your valuable job skills.
Army Reserve Soldiers serve the nation in the following ways:
HOMELAND SECURITY
When active duty Soldiers deploy overseas, Army Reserve Soldiers often fill their positions at home, serving as drill sergeants, instructors and security personnel. In the event of national disasters such as hurricanes or flooding, Army Reserve Soldiers are on the scene to support humanitarian and relief operations.
Careers include:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Soldiers in the Army Reserve use their civilian and military training to safeguard the nation’s data and develop secure communications technologies. They also maintain, process and troubleshoot military information systems.
Careers include:
BIOHAZARD PROTECTION
The Army Reserve responds to chemical and biological threats, and provides biohazard training to federal agencies. Army Reserve Soldiers play a crucial role in the maintenance and supervision of nuclear, biological and chemical detection, and decontamination equipment.
Careers include:
LOGISTICS
Soldiers in the Army Reserve operate the transportation and supply systems that keep the Army in motion, supplying troops around the world with everything from Stryker vehicles to mail from home.
Careers include:
CIVIL AFFAIRS
During times of both war and peace, Soldiers in the Army Reserve help countries establish or restore governmental institutions and functions. To support this effort, the Army Reserve trains cultural experts to coordinate with local populations.
Careers include:
- Public Affairs Specialist (46Q)
- Engineer Officer (12)
MILITARY INFORMATION SUPPORT OPERATIONS
In times of peace as well as times of crisis and conflict, Army Reserve Soldiers support Military Support Operations. Psychological Operations Specialists assist foreign governments, militaries and civilian populations. They analyze, develop and distribute information designed to positively influence the attitudes and behavior of foreign populations in a manner favorable to friendly forces.
Careers include:
MEDICAL SERVICES
The Army Reserve staffs most of the Army’s hospitals, triage centers, clinics and field medical-care units. As you might expect, the medical capabilities of Army Reserve Soldiers often exceed active duty’s because they bring their civilian experience to the table.
- Staff Sergeant Kenneth Kinlaw - Civil Affairs Specialist
- Second Lieutenant Ingrid Alvarez - Civil Affairs Officer
- Specialist Luis Estrada - Civil Affairs Specialist
STAFF SERGEANT KENNETH KINLAW
Civil Affairs Specialist
I'm Staff Sergeant Kenneth Kinlaw; I'm a Civil Affairs Specialist for the United States Army Reserve.
Balancing the Army Reserve and the civilian life it's difficult at times but very rewarding.
You have a family life, I have a son, I'm active in his life. If everybody would give just a little bit then it works. If not, I wouldn't be able to do what I do. I don't think we could go and deploy to these foreign countries and dangerous situations, combat zones, without a strong family to make sure things are taken care of at home.
I work for Procter & Gamble, we make Bounty, Charmin all the ultra and the basic. So I make paper.
Using the skills that I've learned in the Army that transition to the civilian life as far as Procter & Gamble concern it that been in situations where, it was dangerous. Work in situations where you had to exhibit leadership skills because you had to Soldiers under you.
I think Procter & Gamble is looking for someone who can think independently but at the same time can work within a team concept, a team environment.
Teamwork is important for any situation where you have two or more, or that you have to accomplish a goal that you can't accomplish by yourself or a mission.
I don't think anyone has ever been in the Army that hasn't experience comradery on different levels. Some people you're going to connect with right away, they may like sports, other people may like surfing or whatever. But you'll find that everybody comes together to complete a mission.
I don't think that I would have the knowledge and out look that I have if not for the Army Reserve and the traveling that I've done and the cultures that I've seen, good and bad. I think they help you grow as a person and to appreciate the United States.
