<p>Having retired from the military, the 3 years of inactive reserve is a little misleading in understanding. While it is possible to be called back during those 3 years, it’s not like you are “Actually in the Reserves”. You don’t go one weekend a month and all that. You’re just subject to being recalled. “Can’t remember the last time it actually happened”. I had been retired about 1 year when 9/11 happened. Nothing happened. This also brings up the point that if for some reason a person decides to do their 5 years after the academy, then they re-enlist for 4 years; then they get out. Well, the 3 years of inactive are no longer required because you spent 4 more in. The same works for enlisted active duty enlistments. Everyone is subject to being recalled. Stop loss and such is different. With that, they just DON’T let you get out when you’re scheduled. That’s different from being recalled.</p>
<p>All that aside, most people who apply and attend the different academies are of a different breed. They are a different type officer than the typical ROTC and definitely different that the regular college graduate who did OTS. Not saying that every academy graduate is going to do 20. They all aren’t. But any commitment they have is not a problem. They are probably looking at it in a different perspective and respect. Those who realize that the academy and service after isn’t really for them have usually bailed out of the academy by the 2nd year and don’t have any commitment.</p>
<p>If thinking about ANY type of commitment; during or after the academy; is really a concern, then you really should be re-thinking the academy in the first place. I know parents have concerns, but that is just a parent acting normal and being concerned for their kids. If your kids are truly determined to go to the academy, then the commitment is not an issue to them. They are there for the right reasons and knows what their doing.</p>