I'm trying to decide between CGR and ANG. I wanted to poll the audience for suggestions, comments, or things I had not thought of. I have been at CG website trying to get info as local recruiting office (Atlanta) ALWAYS goes straight to voice mail. I have met with Navy, Army Reserve, and Georgia Army Guard recruiters.

I'm 38... 39 in October, so I'm getting short on time. Married (10 years in October). Two kids. 82 college hours; about 12-15 years ago, and no specific degree plan, just classes I was interested in (Biochem, Organic Chem, Psychology, Public Speaking, etc). Would like to now finish college, probably Bachelor's of Biz Admin or IT/IS. Eagle Scout. No prior service. 87 on the short practice ASVAB. I know I can get this score higher... I walked in after work, not knowing about the test, not having done Algebra in 15+ years!

"Why now?" Because I regret not serving earlier. Because I love my country and I respect the military who protect my family's way of life. Because I want the camaraderie of serving a great country with others who feel the same... i.e. no candy-arse liberals Roll Eyes Because the only thing necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing, and perhaps in some small way, I can do something. Because my father served (Army) before I was born and still regrets getting out; my uncle retired from the Navy; my father-in-law kept the B-52's flying in 'Nam. Because father-in-law's military funeral brought chills to my spine. Because I want my daughters to have a country where they are free and safe. Because I want to finish college. Because I want to have the feeling of accomplishment from finishing boot camp. Because I like really short haircuts... Razz

Main concern is deployment. Have lived overseas, and traveled through third world countries, so international travel doesn't bother me, even being there for several months doesn't bother me too much. However, a 15 month tour, with the possibility of more than one 12-15 month tour, does. I would like to have a family to come home to. Yeah, I know the reply from some will be "Join the chess club, yada yada"... please, save the bandwidth for someone who actually wants to help me out with an intelligent, useful answer.

Deployments are a major benefit I can see for CGR. As I understand it, most missions are CONUS.

I have a few questions and would appreciate any answers you would be willing to give.

1. Why did you choose CGR over another branch?

2. What is your favorite thing about CGR?

3. What is your biggest gripe/peeve about CGR?

4. With 82 hours of college (and willingness to continue on towards degree), can I apply for officer candidate? Is it likely I would be accepted (esp. due to my age)?

5. Since CG is now Homeland Security, do you still go on international missions? If so, what are they like (length, type of missions, usual locations, etc).

6. My friend (Navy Corpsman) told me Navy Reserve is really big on education. Online schooling, continuing ed credits, college credits for rate/MOS training, etc. He is already most of the way to his bachelors. Is CG like this?

7. Since Atlanta is a good distance from the "coast" what would I be "guarding"? I always think of CG as Florida, Alaska, etc. I didn't realize there would be an office in such a landlocked location. What do they do there? Or are they just recruiting and I would need to drive to the coast for my weekends?

8. Are there sign up bonuses?

9. I have d/l and read The Helmsman, the current issue of The Reservist, and the Enlisted Career Fields pdf. I have also been reviewing this discussion board. Is there anything else you think I should read up on for CGR?

Again, I appreciate your time to answer these questions. I am trying to gather as much info as possible to make an informed decision in a timely manner. I just don't know when I will hear back from the local office and don't want to wait until the very last minute. I will be 39 in October, and I read at least two different posts of people waiting 4 to 6 months from first calling to get a reply from the recruiter.

Answers to most of your questions can be found in various threads. Many a potential Coastie have already made the same inquiries. Take some time and research this forum for the information you seek.

You mentioned that your local recruiter is not available by phone. Consider contacting another CG recruiter in GA to at least start a dialogue. I did and it worked well.

A few recruiters hang out on this board. I suggest you find one and send the recruiter an e-mail with your questions. Again, a lot of what you're looking for has already been asked/answered time and again.

Good luck

Thanks Napkin for taking the time to reply. I did contact another GA office and spoke to a recruiter today. He was a little unsure of the age limits though; the CG website shows 39 as the max Reserve age, and he thought it was lower. We are checking into that.

Anyway, I am continuing to read the older posts as I have time.

Thanks again.

quote:

Thanks Napkin for taking the time to reply. I did contact another GA office and spoke to a recruiter today. He was a little unsure of the age limits though; the CG website shows 39 as the max Reserve age, and he thought it was lower. We are checking into that.

Anyway, I am continuing to read the older posts as I have time.

Thanks again.

luke will hook you up. The 39 is for prior service. CPO Kalbach

Join the Air Force!

The ANG is looking at 12 months every 3 years for deployments. The CG units that deploy are looking at about 8 months every 5 years. Lots of units don't deploy. The nearest deploying unit for you would be in VA, Gulfport, or St Pete. I am sure there are plenty of opportunities from Charleston to Kings Bay. Since it will most likely be over 50 miles, the unit will have to find a place for you to stay overnight for drills. The advantages over other branches -- typically a more rapid advance to E-5 and E-6, local activations in the US, good educational benefits, and higher ASVABs to enter (in general). Disadvantages -- you won't get to go to Iraq to play in the big show if that is what you want to do, and not much overseas work unless you are in a deploying unit -- PSU. The AF/ANG would give you more opportunity to go overseas for short periods. It all depends on what you want to do on a drill weekend and how you want to be deployed.