Committing to the protection and security of the United States in the U.S Army Reserve is no small feat. At 186,000 strong, the Army Reserve includes a wide array of people from all walks of life. Each Soldier dedicates time serving our country. The Army Reserve is only a portion of a Soldier's schedule.
The Army Reserve is a part-time commitment, and many Soldiers have civilian jobs. “It's interesting, I feel like I'm learning a lot… I might be able to learn some new skills if I stick with it a little longer,” said Sgt. Brandon Barrios, 719th Medical Detachment Veterinary Service (MDVS), Fort Sheridan, Ill. Currently, he works at a pharmaceutical company in quality control.
Many Soldiers realize that their Army job positively affects their civilian job, and vice versa. Army Reserve Soldiers’ civilian jobs integrally shape their career and life outside the military.
Private 1st Class Hailey Labine, 410th Medical Logistics, decided to pursue nursing as a CNA after enlisting as a Medical Logistics Specialist. “My favorite thing above nursing is being able to help the residents,” said Labine. Her Army Reserve job in the medical field helped paved the way in her passion for supporting patients.
In their time off from the military and work, many Soldiers have several hobbies or activities. “I have plenty of hobbies. . . I have mushrooms, I make kombucha, I brew fruit wine, and I paint with my brother,” said Barrios. Labine uses her free time completing homework for school. “I love doing anything fun. . .but I like doing homework for school in my free time,” said Labine. “I enjoy schooling so much that homework is enjoyable too.”
Many Soldiers rely on their families to help them in the challenges they face in the Army. “I help take care of my parents. My mother has a chronic illness so me, my brother and my sister all pitch in to take care of her,” said Barrios. The familial bond between Barrios and his family is important to a balanced life. “Family comes first. That's pretty much all it comes down to because they have been there for me, so I will always be there for them.”
Between jobs, hobbies, and family, Soldiers lead multi-faceted lives while also serving in the Army Reserve. This depth of knowledge and experience leads to a more robust, effective, and lethal fighting force.
| Date Taken: | 03.18.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 04.08.2023 20:33 |
| Story ID: | 440701 |
| Location: | FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A Look Inside The Civilian Side, by SPC Noah Carlsson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
