Active reservists are part of the militia, except when in a duty status, on either inactive or active duty. The same is true of inactive reservists, but they never are in a duty status, unless they are recalled, in which case they are no longer in inactive status. The terminology is a bit confusing, with "active/inactive" duty easily confused with active or inactive status. Active status means participating some amount per year. Inactive status means you are on a list for call up. In my case I'm on the Retired Reserve list of the Air Force (it says so right here on this nice framed certificate I have beside me), but without sufficient career points to be eligible for retired pay, now or when I turn 65. Active duty means well on active duty, full time, drawing pay and benefits proportional to the time served on active duty. Active Duty can be for training (as in two week annual training) or can be for other reasons, such a call up, or so called "man days", to either aid the active force, or for strictly reserve force administration or other none training matters. Inactive duty is the classic "weekend" duty, although in reality it need not be on the weekend. Drills are 4 hours long, for which the member is paid a full day's pay, but does not get any benefits, such as BAQ, or BAS. You get one point for each drill, paid or unpaid, plus one for each day of active duty. Plus you get 15 points per year for participation. Points can also be earned by taking correspondence courses. I took Squadron Officers School and an Intelligence Officer's course that way.