What is the difference between active duty and reserve? Active duty is similar to working at a full-time job- with the Army- while the Army Reserve allows you to purse a civilian career or attend college full-time and still serve your community and country. You can live where you want, receive medical benefits, educational 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 service with your valuable job skill.
