The U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps (U.S. VRC) is a structured, military-style organization with uniformed officers and soldiers whose members share a fervent desire to serve both their local communities and the country. Its primary mission is to assist civil authorities prepare for and respond during times of disaster and/or crisis. The U.S. VRC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is made up of prior service members and civilians.

No. The U.S. VRC is not a component of the Armed Forces of the United Sates or a state militia. It is an all-volunteer, fraternal service organization built upon a military structure for administrative and operational control. The U.S. VRC draws on its symbolic and historical connection with the Veteran Reserve Corps (originally the Invalid Corps) established by the U.S. Army in 1863 to allow those to serve who may not, or may no longer, qualify for active service. It is not an armed force.

No. Many U.S. VRC members have served honorably in, or retired from, the U.S. Armed Forces or State Defense Forces, while others have worked in the corporate sector, or for federal, state and local governments. Everyone is welcome, regardless of race, creed, gender, ethnicity, age, or sexual orientation. However, every applicant is subject to a background check. The U.S. VRC especially values military command and leadership experience, specialized skills and those who embrace opportunities for training, participation and team development.

The U.S. VRC is looking people with a variety of skills. Virtually any skill that could be employed during an emergency response is desirable. These include logistics, radio communications, search and rescue, points of distribution, shelter management, community emergency response team training, spiritual and crisis care, administration, planning and training, command, and health services, among others. The U.S. VRC also is establishing a unit of trained K-9 Therapy Dogs. The ‘CBs’ (Canine Battle Buddies) are a great comfort to not only survivors of emergencies but to emergency services workers as well. You don’t have specific skills? No worries, we’ll train you!

Training in military leadership comes from several sources. Some training is developed in-house. This includes Initial Entry Training (IET), Basic Officer Course (BOC), Basic NCO course, and Warrant Officer Course (WOC). Other training is brought by members who have prior military experience, First Aid/CPR training, etc. Training is also available from DHS, FEMA, NIMS and other military or civilian programs. We have privileges with the State Guard Assn. of the United States (SGAUS) to study at and be credentialed by their Professional Military Education (PME) Academy. FEMA has Emergency Management and Incident Command courses and credentialing programs. A number of our members are professionally trained first responders (fire, police and ems), and a few are active or prior Emergency Managers.

No, but anyone who is not prior service must complete Initial Entry Training (IET). This is not a physical fitness exercise, although fitness and wellbeing are important to us. IET is completed partly online and partly in-person. For example, customs and courtesies and wear and care of the uniform, etc., are usually completed in a series of lessons on scheduled drill dates. Those with prior service experience may fulfill many of the learning objectives of IET directly upon entry. Those individuals are only responsible for knowing U.S. VRC Rules, Regulations, Polices and Values.

Members who meet standards set forth in ARMY AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1 may wear the Army Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) with distinctive U.S. VRC patches and subdued reverse American flag. These modifications are meant to differentiate the U.S. VRC uniform from the U.S. Army uniform. However, members who either do not choose to wear the OCP uniform or do not wish to comply with AR 670-1 may wear the U.S. VRC alternate uniform. This uniform consists of a navy-blue polo shirt with U.S. VRC logo, tan cargo pants and a tan baseball cap with logo.

For the most part, yes. However, members who are not able to buy their uniform may be afforded financial assistance to do so. Also, K-9 CBs (Canine Battle Buddies), the U.S. VRC therapy dog unit, are eligible for health insurance and training reimbursement.

Units typically meet (drill) once a month over a 1–2-day weekend. Some online training and table top exercises with our response partners may also be available and we encourage members to participate as much as possible.

Battalions are organized by state, so drills are held at locations within that geographical area of operation.

Go to www.us-vrc.org; select Contact and Join and then complete the online Application. Following the conclusion of a satisfactory background check, a telephone interview with be scheduled matching you with a local recruiter. Apply today!