"Marine,

During October 2008, you attended or were excused from attending an Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) mobilization screening in Kansas City, MO. The purpose of this screening was to determine your eligibility for involuntary recall to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As you may recall, there had been a significant reduction in the Gaining Force Commanders’ (GFC) manpower shortfalls and it was explained that some Marines would receive orders and others would not.

Our records indicate that you were found qualified for involuntary recall and WILL be receiving orders for activation. It is anticipated that your orders will be issued in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, you are encouraged to begin or continue preparing for your upcoming mobilization.

Let me re-iterate, that you have been found qualified and WILL be receiving involuntary activation orders. If you have not received your copy of orders by 01 January 2009, you need to contact MOBCOM immediately."


Oh Joy!

[[Update]]

I applied for a school seat to get a new MOS with the active reserve. If that happens, then I don't get recalled to anywhere. I join the reserve unit here in town, and the best thing of all is that I get a $15,000 bonus.

So here are my two choices:

Involuntary recall

• 100% chance that I will be deployed and get shot at
  
• Don't get paid at all until deployment
  
• No bonus
  

Join Active reserve

• (less than)100% chance of deployment
  
• Monthly pay (~$300) for weekend drills
  
• $15,000 bonus
  

The downside of the Reserves? I'm qualified to have literally any job in the entire military, but the unit in town here is bulk fuel. LAME.

I find out Monday if I'm approved for the school seat in three weeks. Preliminary word is "yes".