I have been giving some serious thought to pursuing a commission through the DCO program in either the US Coast Guard Reserve or Navy Reserve.

I just don't know that much about the Coast Guard, but it seems that it is much easier to get into the Navy Reserve. Can anyone give me some advice on the Coast Guard Reserve DCO program? I would be interested in intelligence or law enforcement. Any idea how difficult it is to get into this program?

I am 30, prior enlisted Air Force, and have a masters degree. I live in Houston.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Go Coast Guard. Your choice should not be about "easier". I could go on, but go CG.

--M

quote:

Originally posted by 7555925:
Go Coast Guard. Your choice should not be about "easier". I could go on, but go CG.

--M

I think 'easier' is probably not the word I was looking for. It's not that I'm looking for the easiest route.

I have a masters degree in geology and a masters degree in economics. Are these even degrees that the Coast Guard can use or would be interested in? For the Navy Reserve, I haven't seen anything that suggests that they are looking for a certain type of degree (with the exception of the medical and legal fields).

I am definitely very interested in the Coast guard, I'm not sure I even stand a chance of being considered if I don't have a certain type of degree.

http://www.army.mil/

An alternative.

ID10T

Name calling is such a primative response.

The U.S. Army is a legitimate alternative to The Coast Guard or Navy. Don't forget about the Air Force or Marines. Each service has its pros and cons.

Having served in both Navy and Coast Guard (still in), I can tell you of my experiences. The Navy is great for travel, there is a variety of jobs, opportunities at sea and ashore are higher, and advancements and promotions don't narrow as quickly in some fields.

The Coast Guard has a family atmosphere. After a decade in, it would be difficult to go to another unit where you don't know someone. The work that you do in the Coast Guard has a direct impact on citizens -- you will see results in areas such as pollution response, migrant and drug interdiction operations, and disaster relief. We don't just practice (and participate these days) for war, but actually carry out operations that affect day-to-day activities of Americans.

Had I known about the Coast Guard before joining the Navy, I would have gone to the Coast Guard instead. As you might experience, we don't have the large recruiting budget of the other services. It is more difficult to find accurate information and answers about joining the Coast Guard. But, once in, few regret their decision.

davidsonjb,

Thanks for the advice.

I have made up my mind that the Coast Guard Reserve DCO program is my first choice.

However, I'm not sure that the Coast Guard Reserve would be interested in a DCO candidate with my background.

I would be very interested in intel, law enforcement, counter-terrorism, or environmental protection.

Do I even stand a chance?

Yes. Econ is good. Sorry my posts are short, I am surfing from my phone. lol.

--M

http://www.marines.com/page/usmc.jsp?flashRedirect=true

Try this site! What a mission!

169-
I think you'd be better off asking another person that has entered through the DCO program. (Check the Commisioned Officer discussion area.) I have a former shipmate/friend that entered the reserves thru DCO as an Intelligence Officer who was prior service Navy (enlisted). He also has several languages (had gone thru Monterey for Russian) and worked in Intel as a civilian. In other words he was a good fit.
You stated that you are interested in four different fields. Why not just apply for SRDC?
Chances are you will end up working in one or more of those fields as a reserve officer.
Good luck!

Thanks for the information. I'll contact the Coast Guard recruiter in Houston and ask about SRDC. I'll also put a post on the commissioned officer discussion area to ask for some additional information there. Thanks again.

489,

Again, why do you post those responses to people who are asking about the Coast Guard?

Go play in traffic.

quote:

Originally posted by 17929489:
http://www.marines.com/page/usmc.jsp?flashRedirect=true

Try this site! What a mission!

LOL! One, Two, Three, Four - United States Marine Corps!

All appreciate your advocacy of our fine military branches, but why do you post other alternatives here? Are you an anti-CG individual? Did they arrest you while drunk on a boat, and is this payback now? Why are you doing this? What purpose does it serve? Where do you feel it is helping yourself, as well as readers? Please reply, as I ask in all seriousness.

DonnyBee,

You are real close to slander and defamation of character with your commments.

quote:

Originally posted by 17929489:
DonnyBee,

You are real close to slander and defamation of character with your commments.

Really? I believe that in legal terms, slander can only be commited in the verbal, though. I think you're implying libel. How so am I "close" to what you say I am if I asked you questions? How many kilometers? If I am, I encourage you to report me. It is your civic duty.

Why will you not answer the questions? This is what I want to know.

Mods,

DonnyBee wants me to report him, it is my CIVIC duty!!! So, I'm reporting him to you.

quote:

Originally posted by 17929489:
Mods,

DonnyBee wants me to report him, it is my CIVIC duty!!! So, I'm reporting him to you.

489,

This is good. Now you're getting somewhere. Let us see what transpires. You could, of course, obtain quicker results by writing to the mods yourself in an e-mail here. Just sayin'.

In the meantime, maybe a green tea smoothie mixed with Ex-Lax is in line for you for breakfast. Made by you, of course. This, too, is your civic duty.