reservists

Reservists are members of a country's reserve military forces who generally maintain civilian livelihoods while training and remaining available for military service. They typically serve part time, performing drills on weekends and periodic annual training, and may be recalled to full duty.

Reservists augment active forces, provide specialized skills, and offer strategic depth in peacetime and crisis. Across armed forces, reserve components include land, sea, and air units, often organized at the national or regional level.

Many countries require reservists to meet fitness, medical, and professional standards and to keep current on equipment and doctrine. Reservists can be activated for domestic operations such as disaster relief and border security, or deployed abroad in support of missions alongside regular forces. Mobilization can be partial or full, depending on needs and legal authority. In many nations, reservists continue civilian employment with rights to redeploy and return to their job after service.

Training typically involves monthly drills and longer annual exercises, including specialized courses to maintain proficiency in fields such as engineering, medicine, cyber, or logistics. The reserves may include volunteers driven by patriotism, professional development, or career requirements.

Historically, reserve forces arose to provide trained manpower without maintaining a large standing army. Modern systems include the United States Army Reserve and National Guard, the United Kingdom Army Reserve, and other national forces, sometimes integrated with allied structures like NATO.

Legal and policy frameworks define liability, compensation, pension accrual, and protections for reservists and their civilian employers. Ongoing challenges include recruitment, retention, funding, and ensuring readiness with evolving technologies.

See also reserve forces, National Guard, militia, conscription.