National Guard and Reserve members can be activated (called to active duty) under several legal authorities ranging from state emergencies to full federal mobilization. Activation types include voluntary orders, partial mobilization (presidential authority), full mobilization (congressional authority), and state active duty (governor's authority for Guard members).
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Receive alert notification — Your unit chain of command notifies you of potential activation via phone, followed by official notification; this may come months before actual mobilization orders
- Receive official orders — Written orders specify the authority, duration, reporting date, and duty location; by law, you must receive at least 30 days' notice for activations over 30 days (90-day g...
- Notify your civilian employer — Provide your employer with a copy of your orders as soon as possible; USERRA protects your civilian job, benefits, and seniority during military service
- Update personal and legal affairs:
- Update or create a will and powers of attorney
- Review and update SGLI (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance) beneficiaries
- Complete or update your Family Care Plan (mandatory for single parents and dual-military couples)
- Ensure DEERS is current for dependent benefits
- Complete Soldier Readiness Processing (SRP) — Comprehensive screening including medical, dental, legal, financial, and administrative checks to ensure deployment readiness
- Attend pre-mobilization training — Mission-specific training at home station or a mobilization installation; may include weapons qualification, medical readiness, and theater-specific briefings
Common Mistakes
- Not notifying your employer properly
- Ignoring USERRA rights
- Not updating the Family Care Plan
- Failing to secure finances
- Not completing medical/dental readiness
Pro Tips
- SCRA protections are powerful
- TRICARE activates with your orders
- Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)
- Document everything with your employer
- Post-deployment health assessments are critical