The Reserve Component (RC) is composed of members serving in the National Guard and Reserve military organizations.

In many respects, the National Guard is similar in function to the Reserves. The primary difference between the two is that while the Reserves are "owned" by the Federal Government, each individual state "owns" its National Guard. However, the National Guard may also be activated into Federal military service during times of need. In this sense, the National Guard essentially has a dual mission to serve its state as well as the Federal Government.

Regardless of Reserve or Guard status, when a RC member gets activated or mobilized they are essentially being called into active duty status and serve as such. While activated, RC members generally receive pay commensurate with an active duty Service member, and they and their family are offered free healthcare, although for families far from major military bases, there may not be many providers covered by military insurance. In addition, while activated, RC can experience stressors and challenges associated with active duty service to include TDY, deployment, extended hours and serving as an individual augmentee.

One of the benefits RC members receive is compensation during drill weekends and annual training. Pay is based on member's current rank and time in service. RC members may also take advantage of all the same base privileges as AC members. Members of the RC will also receive prorated retirement pay at age 60, after completing at least 20 years of part-time service (39 days a year).