Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) members who are not in the National Guard or Selected Reserve (SELRES) are required to serve muster duty once per year.
IRR members are required to perform at least two hours of muster duty the day of muster, as determined by their service branch. Participants are entitled to receive muster duty allowance (MDA) for muster duty completion.
Muster duty is an annual screening to collect medical and personnel information from IRR members, who are provided with mobilization opportunities while also receiving access to resources and benefits.
The MDA is 125% of the average per diem rate in effect September 30 of the calendar year preceding the calendar year when the muster duty is done, according to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.
Muster Duty Allowance Rates (MDA)
| Effective | Amount |
|---|---|
| Jan. 1, 2021 | $242.50 |
| Jan. 1, 2020 | $237.50 |
| Jan. 1, 2019 | $241.25 |
| Jan. 1, 2018 | $241.25 |
| Jan. 1, 2017 | $230 |
| Jan. 1, 2016 | $211.25 |
| Jan. 1, 2015 | $216.25 |
| Jan. 1, 2014 | $210.90 |
| Jan. 1, 2013 | $209.71 |
| Jan. 1, 2012 | $207.28 |
| Jan. 1, 2011 | $215.63 |
| Jan. 1, 2010 | $205 |
| Jan. 1, 2009 | $197.86 |
Muster Duty FAQ
What is IRR muster duty?
Muster duty is a chance for the IRR soldier to update their contact information and personal information and certify their medical readiness for all tasks required by law.
Is IRR muster duty mandatory?
Yes. The secretaries of the service branches establish procedures to ensure IRR members’ continuous screening. One of those screening tools is a muster. A member of the IRR may be ordered to muster duty, with or without their consent, in accordance with Title 10, U.S.C. 12319, up to one day per year. It may be an in-person muster (readiness and personnel accountability muster) or a virtual muster (VM).
What is a virtual muster?
A virtual muster is an electronic muster that you can complete online in about 15 minutes. When notified by email or U.S. mail to complete an ordered virtual muster, you must log on with a common access card (CAC) or directory server (DS) logon. Completing the muster allows you to update contact and personal information and certify medical readiness, which are all IRR requirements.
When do you get paid for muster duty?
Ready Reserves may be paid the MDA before, on or after the date on which they perform muster duty, but not more than 30 days after that date.
What is the definition of muster?
According to Collins’ English dictionary:
- Verb: Assemble or summon (troops) for inspection, roll call, service or in preparation for battle
- Noun: A gathering together or assembling, as of troops for inspection, display or exercise
What is IRR?
The IRR is a Ready Reserve category for the U.S. Armed Forces’ Reserve Component and is composed of former active-duty and Reserve service members, as authorized under federal law (10 U.S. Code Chapter 1005).
What is Active Reserve?
Active Guard Reserve (AGR) soldiers and airmen from the Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Serve serve full-time and enjoy the same benefits as active-duty service members in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. With an AGR job, you receive full pay, medical care for you and your family and an opportunity for retirement after 20 years of active service.
Who calculates the MDA rate?
The MDA rate is calculated by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Government-Wide Policy Overview.
