Selected Reserve reservists and reserve retirees under age 60 have had unlimited access to base exchanges and use of revenue-generating morale, welfare and recreation facilities since 1991. They can also shop at the commissary 24 times a year. These trips are in addition to the days reservists can shop if on active-duty orders. Before that date, reservists had to have been on active duty for 31 or more days for their survivors to qualify for those benefits. To have a good year toward retirement and maintain regular participation in the Reserve, reservists serve a minimum of 12 unit training assembly weekends and two weeks of annual tour.
Most reservists participate more than the minimum required days.
They receive four days of active-duty base pay for two UTA days. These days are considered inactive duty for training and are also referred to as drill days. Reservists receive one day of active duty pay for every annual tour day. They can also pick up pay for serving on man-days in support of either their unit or another unit or to attend a training school. In addition to reserve duty pay, reservists receive quarters and meal allowances depending on their status.