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Key Findings

1. A preliminary assessment did not identify any gaps in services or populations served in the current portfolio of federal employment assistance available to reserve component members.
2. It can be difficult to navigate federal employment resources, and clear guidance could be helpful to reserve component members.
3. Some reserve component members are vulnerable to future gaps in service: (1) those without veteran status, (2) young reserve component members, (3) under-employed individuals, and (4) individuals who live far from military installations or in rural areas.

Reserve component members face several employment challenges. For instance, they may face career disruptions as they repeatedly transition between their military and civilian careers, or they may not meet the definition of an eligible veteran, which would prevent them from qualifying for many federal employment programs. Young reserve component members may be especially vulnerable to employment challenges. In 2012, when the overall unemployment rate was about 8 percent, it was 11 percent for reserve component members and 18 percent for junior reserve component members (ranks E-1 to E-4).