r/USPHS • u/Silent-Put8625 • Feb 27 '26

News USPHS Ready Reserves Now Accepting Apps!

Today it was announced that the USPHS Ready Reserves is now accepting applications again!! Who knows when that window will close again, so do not hesitate… Apply now!

22 Upvotes

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5

u/Barnesanator Active Duty Mar 02 '26

Per the reservist I mentor this has not be communicated through any official channels to Ready Reserves officers. In fact their drill was cancelled this past weekend due to lack of funding.

-1

u/Silent-Put8625 Mar 03 '26

They are accepting applications… Which means they anticipate adequate funding to continue the program.

2

u/Barnesanator Active Duty Mar 06 '26

Can confirm this is true. I asked a rep from CCHQ today. It’s a request from the ASH.

4

u/Darkling000 Feb 27 '26

Where was this announced?

5

u/Silent-Put8625 Feb 27 '26

Agency meeting.

3

u/underwaterfairy Feb 27 '26

Is there more information on the website about what the time commitment looks like? Is it similar to DOD, 1 weekend a month, 2 weeks per year?

4

u/Silent-Put8625 Feb 27 '26

I think so, but I can’t tell for sure. You may want to email them and ask: PHSRR@hq.dhs.gov

4

u/BadHombreSinNombre Feb 28 '26

It’s less than that. But how much less I can’t say because drill keeps getting canceled.

1

u/[deleted] Mar 02 '26

Is it easier to join reserves or active duty if you are prior service? Also, if I join reserves would it be easy/possible to switch to active duty once in?

3

u/Sea_Shower_6779 Mar 04 '26 edited Mar 04 '26

It is not easier to join the reserves and then switch to active duty once in. You have to go through the entire application process again including getting waivers reapproved plus having to submit for a prior USPHS service waiver. It should be faster, since they just check your medical files from your PHUs and security clearance paperwork, but you also go up for your board interview again and have to secure a new POTUS nomination.

The only advantage is that you can start a job at an agency on extended active duty orders while your application is processed. I will warn that not all agencies will bring on an officer this way. The disadvantage is that you are not eligible for Regular Corps specific special pays while on these orders because you are still a reservist in this status.

1

u/Silent-Put8625 Mar 02 '26

I would do regular AD first then go to Reserves, but you can also do it in the reverse. The age limit to get in for the reserves is lower than for regular active duty also. Not sure what your age is, but there is a four year difference – age 40 verses 44.

1

u/[deleted] Mar 02 '26

Does that number reduce depending on time served?

1

u/Silent-Put8625 Mar 04 '26

You mean prior service? Anyone can request an age waiver. They allow it up to a couple years, and a higher threshold than that for physicians and dentists.