Hello everyone. I have a general question regarding using a reference when applying for work. I've just come off nearly 8 months of active duty (BCT & AIT), and am now in the process of applying for jobs since I am home. Before I left for BCT, I only attended one drill at my Reserve unit. Prospective employers will likely want to contact someone who knew about my 8 months on active duty and can say something about me as a reference. I've never been in this type of situation before, and would like to know what is the protocol for this? Is there a particular point of contact someone would use for their time at AIT being a student, or does the Army have another procedure in place like some govt. agencies which discourages employers making direct calls to your last location? Any input on this would be appreciated. I'm not sure what to do in this case. Thanks, Jennifer

First of all, if this is a first job for you, all you have to offer are character references. Your prospective employer would not be likely to go through the trouble of trying to contact instuctors from BCT/AIT even if he/she could. A good reference for you would be your Recruiter and/or his/her Station Commander if he/she is still in the area. Other than that, just use references from previous jobs. Good Luck and thanks for choosing the Army Reserve.

If you are concern that they will frown upon the gap in your employment record, you can also list your military experience on your resume, saying that you were in training from 'month' to 'month'. This also let's you list any achievements you may have made during training, any COAs or promotions. Plus, employers like hiring the reservice members, so be sure to mention it in the interviewing process, too.

I appreciate the input. I'm in the process of applying for some federal jobs which require a reference for each position held, so I'm just wondering who would be the best to put for my training. I've only been to one drill at my Reserve unit (8 months ago), so it wouldn't be fair to ask for a reference there. Most of our instructors for AIT were only present for one or two classes, so I didn't have anyone that knew me for any length of time. The only people I could think of could be a cadre member from my AIT company. Would it be appropriate to contact them asking for a reference in this kind of a situation? I was just wondering what the protocol normally is. I wouldn't worry about this kind of thing usually but I have to put "someone" as a reference for these job apps. Thanks...

I would hesitate to put a cadre member down. They see hundreds of students each year and may not remember you. Also they really can't say much about you other then you didn't fall asleep while you were in class and we only had to smoke him a few times. I would suggest possibly an old high school teach that you know very well. I had the same theater teacher for 4 years of high school and in some cases, he knew me better then my parents did. When it came time to get my clearance, his name was on there.

Use your recruiter for that period. He/She was there when you left, and he/she was there when you got home. Your Recruiter can certainly vouch for your successful completion of training. Also, attach a copy of your DD 214 and other significant training documents.

This is why you keep track of each other after graduation. We exchanged buisness cards after graduation.

Hello, Jennifer

When you were attending, there should have been a drill sergeant or other supervisor for your classes. If you can obtain their contact information and ask them they should be able to answer questions for the 8 months period. This is the easiest way for your new employer to ask questions about it. BCT/AIT normally does not have anyone for contact reference for a long time due to PCS of drill sergeants, etc. so in the not too far future you may not have someone that they can contact except for maybe the school number and they won't be able to say much except that you were there and what course you took.

David

did you notice how old this post was before you replied?

Yes, this post is old but there are a lot of people who will look over some of the other posts before they will post something new to prevent reposting something that is already there. It wastes less effort.

David