ABSTRACT
This study aims to explore the integration experiences of individuals who completed their compulsory military service as reserve officers within the framework of the military profession. Reserve officership, which holds a unique position within the conscription system, offers individuals the opportunity to directly experience the military profession, albeit for a limited period. In this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants from diverse professional and socio-cultural backgrounds who served as reserve officers. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The analysis revealed key themes such as perceptions of the military profession, construction of military role identity, experiences of command, interaction with military culture, the feeling of not being a permanent officer, and the transition back to civilian life. Most participants described their military service not merely as a compulsory duty, but as a transformative experience encompassing personal growth, a sense of responsibility, and social recognition. In this context, the study demonstrates that the military identity shaped during the reserve officership process can leave lasting impressions, contributing original insights to the sociological understanding of military life.