I joined the Army National Guard at 18, got hired at UPS at 19 when I got home from training. UPS has never given me any problems at all about being away from work, my on road even tries to get me an 8hr dispatch the day before drill so I can get done early enough to get a haircut.
We are a small center and have a few of us in the guard with the same schedule, meaning we’re all gone at the same time. I know it makes scheduling harder, but they don’t say anything about it. I just spent 10 months away from UPS, including all peak season, to be away on COVID-19 orders, never said a word other than to check in from time to time to see how we were doing.
Picking an MOS that rolls over to the civilian side is never a bad idea, but make sure it’s an MOS you’re at least interested in doing too. If you’re not looking to stay with UPS, make sure you research that your MOS will actually roll over to the civilian side as well, not all skills roll like you’d expect (MP is a good example, doesn’t automatically qualify you to be a civilian LEO). I’m an 88M, (Motor Transport Operator) and I enjoy it. I got my CDL from it and that helped with my goal of going into Feeders. Once I go to feeders, I’ll probably consider reclassing to another MOS so that drill weekend doesn’t feel like another day at work.
Your union benefits are better than Tri-care, but things like the GI Bill, VA Loan, etc are pretty nice to have available. One of the hidden benefits from the reserves is that you know someone for everything because everyone at drill has a civilian occupation as well. If I need a plumber, a veterinarian, a mechanic, etc I can send a text and get help.
All in, I’m glad I joined the guard. I do wish I had spent a few years on active duty but starting with UPS at 19 was a good move too. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions you don’t want to ask publicly.