SouthernBoy130

Could anyone help me figure out when I could expect my first AF Reserve paycheck? I leave AD on 30 May and start a 2.5 month training class in the reserves around 25 June. My last AD check should arrive the first week in June. Can I expect my first Reserve paycheck by 15 July or will it be the end of July/beginning of August? Thanks in advance.

Mooseflyer88

Depends. If you are staring 2.5 months of orders on or about 25 June, you could reasonably expect to be paid starting on the 15th of July. This assumes your home unit finance office is on the ball and that you in-processed the unit fairly quickly leaving AD. I'd recommend staying on top of your finance office, regardless.

Deuce130

Moose is right. When you inprocess with finance, ask them when you should expect to get paid. Keep in mind, your orders that begin on 25 Jun will most likely be certified on that day, delivered to finance the same day by you or someone in your unit, then processed by them. I would also expect that you'd get paid by 15 July for 1-15 July. It's also possible you could see a paycheck earlier than that for the days 25 June - 30 June.

LivingInMEM

Be aware that YOU are expected to ensure your orders are certified on or after the first day of duty. Once they are certified, they then go to the RA or equivalent who will eventually get them to finance so that your mil pay can get started. No certified orders passed to mil pay means no mil pay. When you get your paycheck depends on when that duty gets input into the system, there are cutoffs. Even when you get paid, you will have to ensure that you get paid the proper incentive pays (flight pay, etc) and that you are paid the proper BAS (normal BAS on 30+ day orders vs BAH II on shorter orders). Similarly, if your orders are modified to effect mil pay (lengthened, shortened), you are expected to notify the finance people so they can make the appropriate changes. Modifying orders alone does nothing with the mil pay system, the two systems don't talk. Once you start doing UTAs and G/FTPs, the pay gets even more disjointed. My recommendation to you is to get very familiar with the notes section on your LES and use a spreadsheet or some other tracking method to ensure that you are paid for each and every period that you are expecting to be paid.

WARich

As soon as you can, in process with the Reserves. Your reserve pay account has to be built and can take anywhere from 2 wks to a month once the pay paperwork is sent off.

SouthernBoy130

Thanks fellas, I appreciate the info. As far as getting the reserve pay account started, is that something that needs to be done with the home unit finance or can I do it at any reserve finance office. Or can it be done over the phone/online? My gaining unit is 7 hrs away but I have another reserve unit about 2 hrs if it is doable there and beneficial to do ASAP after being sworn in.

LivingInMEM

Gaining unit

CaseTractor

SB, Even before pay, keep track of the APPOINTMENT ORDER process. I’ve seen guys delayed months from work due to packages resting in inboxes at Big AFPC in San Antonio. Just work with the recruiter and he can maybe give names of folks to contact down there to keep it moving along. It didn’t cause a break in service, just delayed them working. Calling the 1800 number and then “officer accessions” should get you close. Just don’t assume the appointment order will appear in a timely manner; check on it. Also, work closely with your HARMs office(s) in getting your flight records from AD to Reserve hands. Appointment order and flight records for your local ARMs shop will ensure no problems with flight pay. Just be proactive, communicate with gaining and losing often, and help everyone help you so to say. Congrats and best wishes!
CT