Hello all:
I'm currently a civilian working for the Coast Guard and in my several months there, working with all manner of Coasties on all sorts of projects, I've really come to respect and appreciate the service, the mission and the men and women who wear the uniform.
So much so that I'm kind of thinking about pursuing a part-time career as a reservist. I overheard a couple of LTs talking about SRDC the other day and decided to check it out.
I wouldn't say I'm gung-ho just yet about doing this. I have some other positive, significant things going on in my life right now and though I've worked in a military environment and around military people before I'm not all that confident that I'm the type of person who thrives in a military lifestyle, even part time (though I love the climate in the Coast Guard). I also haven't discussed this with anyone (though I sit next to the LT who seems to be familiar with it, so I may try and get some info from him). But, it's pinging my radar enough that I'm thinking about it more seriously than I have in the past. As far as age and fitness goes, I see no problems meeting those requirements.
My questions are this:
1) The SRDC website says that there is a four year commitment. Is this based on an active duty timeframe, eseentially meaning that a part-time reservist can expect to serve at least 8 years to fulfill their service requirement, or is a minimum of four years of one weekend a month, two weeks a year?
2) I know a recruiter is the best path to getting a question like this answered, but I wonder how I can use my position now with the CG to my benefit in my SRDC, and what sort of billets there are that would be a good match for someone who's already "on the inside" so to speak. I would probably pursue a path as a reserve officer, but I also haven't ruled out going enlisted if I do this (they're the guys that have the most fun, after all!
).
Thanks y'all!
