While there are several requirements that determine eligibility to join the unit, the following will give you a basic idea if you qualify:

1. Individuals up to age 34 without prior military service in any branch of the armed forces may qualify and also be eligible for advancement to the rank of Specialist (pay grade E4). Individuals with no prior service must go to basic training which is eight weeks long.

2. People with prior service in any branch can join at almost any age as long as they meet the following: add the number of years of prior military service to 60 and then subtract your age. If the result equals 20 or more, they are eligible.

A flexible work schedule is being established as an option for people to perform most of their reserve duty during annual furlough from their full-time job. The flex schedule option will enable MofW soldiers to combine most "weekend duty" with two weeks of annual training for a single period of 30 consecutive (paid) days or more, once per year. Meals and lodging will be provided free of charge if flex schedule duty takes place at a location beyond commuting distance from where they live.

For those who want to participate in the traditional one weekend per month plus two weeks of annual training, the annual training is currently performed in North Carolina.

For more information, the unit can be contacted at 877-519-8533, 860-632-2117 or 860-635-3335 (select option 3 or ask for Mr. Heinrich). There is a unit internet website that is loaded with useful information including what they do and job openings. The website address is www.1205thtrob.com.