Final answer:
The copy of orders for a reservist's active duty can be used to show eligibility for medical benefits, and the coverage can extend beyond the active duty period. The exact duration of the orders needed for this purpose varies, and it is recommended to consult with the appropriate military service branch or legal advisor for precise information.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a reservist is ordered to active duty, a copy of the orders can be used to show eligibility for medical benefits for different lengths of time, depending on the specific circumstances and regulations that govern such activations.
Under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) regulations, for example, a reservist is eligible for full coverage on the first day of active duty service.
However, it is generally understood that benefits can extend beyond the active duty period, as the individual transitions back to civilian status.
It is advisable for reservists or their family members to directly inquire with their specific military service branch or a representative from the Department of Veterans Affairs for the exact duration that a copy of orders might be necessary for medical benefits eligibility.
This information may vary based on whether the service is federal or state activated, and other factors such as the length of the duty and the nature of the activation.
Contacting the appropriate personnel or legal advisor in the reservist's chain of command will also provide the most reliable guidance, to ensure that there is a clear understanding of medical benefits coverage both during and after active duty service.