I.  Pay and Compensation:

[ ] Drill Pay (Inactive Duty Training - IDT):

• Based on rank and years of service.
• Paid for attending scheduled drills and unit training assemblies (UTAs).
• Ensure accurate record of attendance and pay.
  
  [ ] Active Duty Pay (While on Active Duty):
• Based on rank and years of service when on Active Duty (AD).
• Entitled to Basic Pay, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), and potentially other special pays.
  
  [ ] Special Pays and Allowances (While on Active Duty):
• Hardship Duty Pay (HDP): For duty in designated hardship locations.
• Imminent Danger Pay (IDP): For duty in designated imminent danger areas.
• Hostile Fire Pay (HFP): For being subject to hostile fire or explosion.
• Family Separation Allowance (FSA): When separated from dependents for more than 30 days on active duty.
• Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay (HDIP): For performing hazardous duties (e.g., flight duty, parachute jumping).
• Language Proficiency Pay (LPP): For maintaining proficiency in a foreign language.
• Other Special Pays: (Consider specific skills and locations)
  
  [ ] Civilian Employer Protection (USERRA):
• Protection from discrimination based on military service.
• Right to reemployment after uniformed service.
• Notification requirements for military duty to employer.
  
  [ ] Thrift Savings Plan (TSP):
• Opportunity to contribute to a retirement savings plan (similar to a 401(k)).
• Government matching contributions (if eligible).
• Understand contribution limits and investment options.
  
  II. Healthcare:
  ​[ ] TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS):
• A premium-based health insurance plan available to qualified Reservists.
• Enrollment is required to utilize the benefits.
• ​Understand coverage details, deductibles, and co-pays.
  
  [ ] TRICARE While on Active Duty:
• Full TRICARE benefits (usually TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select) while on active duty for more than 30 consecutive days.
  
  [ ] Line of Duty (LOD) Care:
• Medical care for injuries or illnesses incurred during military duty, even if not on active duty.
• Ensure proper documentation of LOD determination.
  
  [ ] Dental Insurance:
• FEDVIP Dental coverage available for purchase.
  
  [ ] Vision Insurance:
• FEDVIP Vision coverage available for purchase.
  
  
  III. Education & Training:
  [ ] Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR):
• Provides educational assistance to qualified Reservists.
• ​Eligibility requirements: 6-year obligation, high school diploma (or equivalent), and satisfactory completion of IADT.
• Understand payment rates and eligible programs.
• Apply through VA.gov.
  
  [ ] Post-9/11 GI Bill (Transfer from Active Duty):
• If you have prior active-duty service, you may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
• Consider transferring benefits to dependents (if eligible).
• See Mil Connect for more information
  
  [ ] Tuition Assistance (TA):
• Check with your unit for any available TA programs for Reservists. These can vary significantly.
  
  [ ] Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL):
• Program to help Reservists translate their military skills and training into civilian credentials.
  
  [ ] Air Force Distance Learning (AU-ABC):
• Opportunities to pursue educational courses online through Air University.
  
  
  IV. Retirement:
  [ ] Reserve Retirement (Gray Area):
• Eligibility at age 60 (or earlier, depending on qualifying active duty).
• ​Requires a minimum of 20 qualifying years of service.
• Points-based system for calculating retirement pay.
• Understand the impact of active duty on retirement eligibility.
  
  V.  Life Insurance:
  [ ] Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI):
• Low-cost life insurance coverage available to Reservists.
• ​​Elect coverage amount and designate beneficiaries.
  
  [ ] Traumatic Injury Protection Under SGLI (TSGLI):
• Provides financial assistance to service members who suffer traumatic injuries
  
  
  VI. Family Support & Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR):
  [ ] Military & Family Readiness Centers:
• Provide similar support services to military families.
• Childcare
• EFMP
  
  [ ] MWR Facilities:
• Access to recreational facilities, including gyms, swimming pools, and libraries.
• Discounted tickets to events and attractions.
  
  [ ] Military OneSource:
• Confidential, 24/7 support services for military members and their families.
  
  [ ] Respite Care:
• Temporary care for children or adults with disabilities to provide caregivers with a break.
  
  [ ] Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program:
• Attend events to learn about resources and benefits available to you and your family before, during, and after deployments.
  
  
  VII.  Legal Assistance:
  [ ] Legal Assistance Offices:​
• Provide free legal advice on a variety of issues, including wills, powers of attorney, and family law.
  
  [ ] Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA):
• Provides legal protections to service members, including protection from eviction, foreclosure, and repossession.
  
  
  VIII.  Housing:
  [ ] VA Home Loan Guarantee:
• Helps veterans and active-duty service members purchase, build, or refinance a home.
• Understand eligibility requirements and loan limits.
  
  
  IX.  Other Benefits & Entitlements:
  [ ] Military Awards and Decorations:
• Ensure your military awards and decorations are properly documented.
  
  [ ] DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty):
• Maintain a copy of your DD Form 214, as it is required for many benefits.

1. **Important Reminders:

   Keep Records: Maintain accurate records of your military service, including orders, pay stubs, and medical records.

   Stay Informed: Regularly check with your unit, AFPC, and the VA for updates on benefits and entitlements.

   Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions if you are unsure about your eligibility for a particular benefit.

   Plan Ahead: Start planning for your retirement and other benefits well in advance.

   Review Regularly: Review this checklist periodically to ensure you are taking advantage of all the benefits you are entitled to.

    

    

    

   How to Use This Checklist:

    

   1.  Review each item.

   2.  Note any actions you need to take (e.g., apply for benefit(s), update your records).

   3.  Keep this checklist for future reference.

    

   This checklist is a starting point.  It is important to conduct your own research and seek personalized advice to ensure you are maximizing your benefits as an Air Force Reservist. Good luck!

   **Remember that eligibility for specific benefits can vary depending on the type of Reserve duty, length of service, activation status, and other factors. ALWAYS verify your eligibility with your unit, Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC), or appropriate agencies.**