Why it matters: Many new Soldiers—or seasoned professionals like 38Gs returning from civilian life—struggle to make sense of Reserve duty acronyms. Each duty status affects your pay, retirement points, and benefits differently. This guide breaks it down with plain-language definitions and examples.
Key Duty Status Types
| Acronym | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IDT | Inactive Duty Training | Typically your weekend drills. Paid in “drill pay” (MUTAs) and earns retirement points. Not considered active duty. |
| ADT | Active Duty Training | A broad term for initial entry training (BCT/OSUT), MOS training, or PME courses. Includes both IADT and FTNGD-T. Paid at active duty rates. |
| AT | Annual Training | The 2-week training period required each fiscal year. Paid active duty pay. Earns points. Orders usually via RLAS. |
| ADOS | Active Duty for Operational Support | Short-term active duty orders to support missions or gaps. Funded by different types (RC, AC, CO-ADOS). Paid active duty rates. |
| AGR | Active Guard Reserve | Full-time active duty in support of the Reserves. Paid on active duty scale. Considered your full-time job. Entitled to PCS, BAH, etc. |
💵 Pay and Retirement Points Overview
| Status | Pay Type | Retirement Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IDT | Drill Pay (MUTAs) | 1 point per 4-hour block (MUTA) | 4 periods (2 days) = 4 points |
| AT | Active Duty Pay | 1 point per day | Orders typically 14+ days |
| ADT | Active Duty Pay | 1 point per day | Used for courses like ILE, CCC |
| ADOS | Active Duty Pay | 1 point per day | Can be weeks or months |
| AGR | Active Duty Pay | 1 point per day | 365 points/year if full-time |
📌 Note: You need 50+ points/year for a “Good Year” toward Reserve retirement.
📋 Orders Systems You May See
| System | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| RLAS | Reserve Component automation (used for AT, ADOS orders) | Most AT and CO-ADOS orders issued here |
| ATRRS | School/course registration | Sign up for CCC, ILE, or MOS-related ADT |
| MODS | Medical readiness and tracking (MEDPROS, SRP) | Supports readiness tasks |
| TASS | Training support for PME | For structured schoolhouse instruction |
| EES | Evaluation Entry System | Officer/NCO evaluation reports submission |
🎯 Examples in Practice
- Weekend Drill (IDT): 2 days, 4 MUTAs = 4 points + ~$800 (O3 w/ 4 YOS).
- ILE Course (ADT): 2 weeks of active duty pay + 14 points.
- AT in July: 15 days of active duty pay + 15 points.
- ADOS for 90 days: Full O3 active duty pay, 90 points, eligible for BAH and Tricare.
- AGR Assignment: PCS to a billet, paid like a full-time Soldier, with all benefits.
Understanding your duty status helps avoid surprises in pay, taxes, benefits, and retirement eligibility. If you’re unsure what kind of orders you’re on, read the orders closely—they’ll specify the duty authority (e.g., Title 10 or Title 32), funding source, and applicable benefits.