Can I drive while serving in the reserves?

When I first started trucking, I worked with a guy who was in the reserves. His unit got activated and he didn't make it to formation before the flight overseas. Can you say AWOL?

If you are OTR, it would depend on the freight. There are many companies that give lip service to being supportive to the military (hiring preference to vets and such) but when it comes down to it, you are at the mercy of perhaps a 22 year old who has no feeling for those that protect our freedom. They can promise you anything, but it's your responsiblity to meet your obligation. Do you want to leave that up to someone who might tell you, "Sorry, we don't have any loads to get you there in time."

Your handle says teamdriver, if that's what you are, you might be able to step off the truck and fly to where your unit is. But if you aren't in a job that at least gets you home weekly, your butt might be left hanging far from where you're supposed to be.

Is it worth it?

By the way, thank you for your service.

 

I can say Swift is set up for guys and gals who are in the Reserves and supports them in any way possible. I was Navy Reserve when I was a company driver. I had functions I had to attend and they made sure I got where I needed to be for them.

If you are deployed or are on your yearly exercises, you will get all the support you need from Swift. They love their military members. You will have a job, guaranteed, when you return from whatever it is you need to do...at the pay level you were at when you left. It's as if you were never gone at all.

I can't speak to other companies, but I say these things out of personal experience...so don't anyone come on here and flame me for saying something nice about Swift.

 

When I was in the reserves, mid to late '70's, employers were required by law to allow you to attend drill weekends and your 2 week cruise.
My outfit was flexible, in that if I couldn't be there for the unit cruise, I could reschedule it, and go by myself. Now drill weekends may be a bit hard for you.
Now when I was there, it wasn't very popular to have anything to do with the military. If I were you, I'd contact your CO's office and find out what is required of an employer. I don't think they'd care to be on the wrong side.

 

If he didn't make it due his employer, that employer would be in some deep bulldung. Now, if it was caused by him, oh well,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

You would be eligible for any job promotions that came up while you were gone as well. It all used to be federal law. Hope nothing has changed.
Oh, flaming isn't gonna happen.