Active duty tours are a fundamental part of military service, particularly for members of the Reserve and National Guard. These assignments involve a transition from part-time status to full-time military service for a specific period. Understanding how these tours work, the different types available, and how to apply for them is essential for any service member looking to advance their career or fulfill specific mission requirements.
Whether you are a service member seeking a new opportunity or a family member trying to understand a loved one’s commitment, this guide provides a clear breakdown of the process. We will cover the various categories of active duty tours, the benefits associated with them, and the steps needed to prepare for a successful assignment.
What is an Active Duty Tour?
An active duty tour is a period of time during which a member of the Reserve or National Guard serves on full-time duty in the active military service. Unlike the standard “one weekend a month, two weeks a year” commitment, these tours require a full-time daily presence at a designated duty station.
Tours can last anywhere from a few days to several years, depending on the needs of the military and the specific type of orders issued. During this time, the service member receives full military pay and benefits, similar to their counterparts in the regular active-duty components.
These tours serve various purposes, including specialized training, operational support, disaster relief, or overseas deployments. They allow the military to scale its force quickly and provide specialized skills where they are most needed.
Common Types of Active Duty Tours
Not all active duty tours are the same. They are categorized based on their purpose, funding source, and duration. Understanding these distinctions helps service members choose the right path for their goals.
Active Duty for Training (ADT)
ADT is designed to provide service members with the necessary training to maintain their proficiency or learn new skills. This includes initial entry training, annual training, and specialized schools like leadership courses or technical certifications.
Active Duty for Special Work (ADSW)
ADSW tours are typically short-term assignments funded to support specific projects or missions. These are often voluntary and allow commands to fill temporary manpower gaps or utilize specific expertise for a set period.
Active Guard Reserve (AGR)
AGR tours are full-time assignments that allow National Guard and Reserve members to serve in a full-time capacity while remaining in their respective components. These are often long-term career paths that involve recruiting, administration, or training roles.
Mobilization (MOB)
Mobilization is an involuntary call to active duty. This usually occurs during times of national emergency, war, or for specific overseas contingency operations. These tours are mandatory and require the service member to report for duty as ordered.
How to Find and Apply for Voluntary Tours
For many service members, active duty tours offer a way to gain experience, earn extra income, and see different parts of the world. Finding these opportunities requires knowing where to look and how the application process works.
- The Tour of Duty Portal: The Army uses a centralized system called “Tour of Duty” (ToD) where commands post vacancies for Reserve and Guard soldiers. Members can search by rank, specialty, and location.
- Carrera: This is a newer platform used by several branches to streamline the search for active-duty opportunities. It provides a user-friendly interface to browse and apply for open positions.
- Command Career Counselors: Speaking with your unit’s career counselor or readiness NCO is often the best way to find “unadvertised” opportunities or get a recommendation for a specific tour.
- Internal Branch Portals: The Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard have their own specific portals (such as ZipServe for the Navy Reserve) where members can volunteer for operational support.
When applying, ensure your military records are up to date. This includes your physical fitness test scores, medical readiness, and performance evaluations. Commands will review these documents to ensure you are qualified for the assignment.
Benefits of Serving on an Active Duty Tour
Transitioning to active duty status brings a significant change in compensation and benefits. These advantages are designed to support the service member and their family during the period of full-time service.
Full Military Pay and Allowances
During a tour, you receive Basic Pay based on your rank and years of service. Additionally, you may be eligible for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), which are often non-taxable.
Comprehensive Healthcare
Service members on active duty orders for more than 30 days are typically eligible for TRICARE Prime, which provides healthcare coverage with no out-of-pocket costs. Their families also become eligible for TRICARE benefits during the tour.
Retirement Points
For Reservists and Guard members, every day of active duty counts as one point toward a non-regular retirement. Longer tours can significantly increase the value of your future pension.
Professional Development
Active duty tours provide hands-on experience that is often difficult to obtain during part-time service. This experience can lead to faster promotions and provide valuable skills that translate to civilian careers.
Preparing for Your Tour
Success on an active duty tour starts long before you report for duty. Proper preparation ensures that your personal life is stable so you can focus on the mission.
1. Notify Your Employer: Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), you are required to provide notice to your civilian employer. Familiarize yourself with your rights to ensure your job is protected while you are away.
2. Update Your Legal Documents: Ensure you have a current Power of Attorney and a valid Will. This is especially important for longer tours or deployments where you may not be easily reachable for legal or financial decisions.
3. Review Your Finances: Set up allotments or automatic bill payments. Ensure your family has access to necessary funds and understands how to navigate military pay systems like MyPay.
4. Medical and Dental Readiness: Confirm that you are “Green” in all readiness categories. This includes having a current physical, dental exam, and all required immunizations. You cannot start a tour if you are medically non-deployable.
Rights and Protections (USERRA)
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is a federal law that protects the job rights of individuals who leave their civilian jobs to perform military service. This is a critical protection for those taking on active duty tours.
USERRA requires that you be reemployed in the job that you would have attained had you not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status, and pay. It also protects you from discrimination based on your military service.
To maintain these protections, you must ensure you do not exceed the five-year cumulative limit of service with a single employer (though there are many exceptions) and that you report back to work within the required timeframe after your tour ends.
Conclusion
Active duty tours are a powerful tool for military members to serve their country, gain experience, and enhance their benefits. By understanding the types of tours available and the application process, you can make informed decisions about your military career.
Remember that preparation is the key to a smooth transition. Keep your records updated, communicate clearly with your civilian employer, and ensure your family is ready for the change in routine. These steps will allow you to serve with confidence and focus.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on military benefits, career transitions, and professional development to help you navigate your service journey effectively.