I would like to know what Coast Guard Reserve position gets the most action? (if there is such a position). I would be interested in serving but not to fulfill a boring desk job (I understand desk jobs are important too, but I have that in my civilian career), I desire the most dangerous, action-packed position in the Reserve...what do you think that is?

Also, what CoastGuard role is closest comparable to say Army/Marine Infantry? (Im thinking about the Coasties who board drug smuggler vessels with M-16s on tv..what are their rates?)

FS

The most dangerous, action packed job in the Reserve is: US Army 11B, USMC 0300. Go for it.

quote:

Originally posted by BTDT:
The most dangerous, action packed job in the Reserve is: US Army 11B, USMC 0300. Go for it.

Anything even remotely close to those in the Coastguard Reserve?? Is there any Search & Rescue heavy roles in the CG Reserves? (Im only interested in the CG Reserve)

quote:

Originally posted by tip_dog:
FS

FS ? What is that?

http://gocoastguard.com/

Start there. Look at all the jobs. BM/MK do the most SAR as they are at all stations and are open to Reserves. We don't have Infantry. We do have PS and PSU's. Do a search on the forums and all your questions will be answered.

FS, yup I've done boardings before and fisheries.

Your best bet is to first contact your local recruiter in Seattle, I know them all, since I transfered from there just 2 months ago. Find out if you are even basically qualified to join. Then find out what positions are even open in your area and then go from there. CPO Kalbach

Chief K,

We have Combat YN's at our unit. Our CEA is an FSC. Damn fast with a spatula during ground attacks!

BM, MK, PS as reservists.

quote:

Anything even remotely close to those in the Coastguard Reserve?? Is there any Search & Rescue heavy roles in the CG Reserves? (Im only interested in the CG Reserve)

I'm curious. If you are looking for the most action then why are you ruling out the other services, especially when you mention you are looking for the one closest to what the infantry does?

EX_CG-GM

I have explored the other services and really like what I have read/heard about the CoastGuard..I have friends in the Army/Marine infantry who also said it was the worst decision they have ever made and that if they had to do it again they wouldnt have Its hard to get excited when a majority of the things I hear about the other services is negative about the areas I would be interested in(several sources)---I also have a fulltime career that I would be fully prepared to leave temporarily for a deployment...but I hear Army deployments are much longer/more often than CG..which would be difficult on my civilian career(I have a friend in Army Reserve who has been sent 3 times to Iraq in a couple years). Did that answer your question?

Yes it did. Thanks.

Only thing you may need to be aware of regarding deployment in the Reserves would be the fact that PSU's have been deployed to the Persian Gulf. I'm sure others here can tell you how long that deployment lasts.

quote:

but I hear Army deployments are much longer/more often than CG..

A Coast Guard Reservist can in fact be called up to active duty for as much as 2 years. Does this mean they could be deployed that long, sure it does. Reserve = mobilization Setting expectations realistically. CPO Kalbach

Good to know, thank you. Personal question for you...Pretend for a moment you are not in either branch... would you rather be activated for a deployment with the Army or CoastGuard reserves right now?

quote:

would you rather be activated for a deployment with the Army or CoastGuard reserves right now?

Doesn't matter, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard. I signed a contract stating I would "Support and Defend the Constitution of the United States of America, against all enemies foreign and domestic.

I served in the United States Navy, The Iowa Army National Guard, The United States Navy Reserve, whatever uniform I wore, I was ready for the call.

The Armed Forces of the United States of America is a powerful deterent, and when needed springs into action. No service member lives for combat, but is ready when the call comes.

I came a breath away from Desert Storm I, I was willing and able to go. CPO Kalbach

Seattle,

Even the most "High-Speed" 'jobs' in the five armed forces have a lot of 'hurry-up-and-wait' and 'tail-chasing' aspects, especially in the reserves. It's just part of the package. Most CGR work is low-speed, with PSU, MSST (if any billets still exist), and small boat ops being the closest to 'high-speed.'

All positions at a PSU, and especially boat crews, require a great deal of personal, 'own-time', dedication. If non-prior service and without a paramilitary, e.g., police, background, a person can become very disillusioned very quickly. (Even many with such backgrounds find it isn't for them.)

Non-PSU Small Boat OPS are very similar. If that's what you want, great; but, be aware of the demand and sacrifices as well as the recruiting hype.

Nevertheless, the CGR does have very much to offer: the satisfaction of challenging oneself in work that is different from one's normal routine, establishing friendships with very fine people from all walks of life, etc. Even the most mundane jobs, when approached well and with an eye to the CG's mission, can be very satisfying. No matter what a reservist does, she or he will develop a dimension that their civilian counterparts can never fathom.

Is the CGR the best for you? Only you can find out. If you want to play Rambo, you will probably be disappointed in any of the services. But if you approach the decision with an open mind, maturity, and an understanding of each service's mission, and that your reserve career may be 20 years or more, your chances of finding a good fit that will be much greater. By asking the questions in your above postings, you are well on the way to making a sound decision.

Good Luck!

quote:

Originally posted by PO1Kalbach:

quote:

would you rather be activated for a deployment with the Army or CoastGuard reserves right now?

Doesn't matter, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard. I signed a contract stating I would "Support and Defend the Constitution of the United States of America, against all enemies foreign and domestic.

I served in the United States Navy, The Iowa Army National Guard, The United States Navy Reserve, whatever uniform I wore, I was ready for the call.

The Armed Forces of the United States of America is a powerful deterent, and when needed springs into action. No service member lives for combat, but is ready when the call comes.

I came a breath away from Desert Storm I, I was willing and able to go. CPO Kalbach

That was very inspiring...Thanks for your service, you missed a real thrill in the 1st Desert trip...

quote:

That was very inspiring...Thanks for your service, you missed a real thrill in the 1st Desert trip...

What thrill was that?
Nightly SCUD missile attacks?
Breathing air polluted by burnt oil products?
Taking pills the first night to ward off the effects of NBC attacks, only to find out later the pills were almost as bad as the nerve agents?
Driving 22-foot Whalers in six to eight foot seas?
Having to switch mindset from "search and destroy" back to SAR when a soldier fell off a pier and drown, then switch mindset back again once the body was recovered?

Which "thrill" were you referring to?

quote:

Originally posted by JerryG:

quote:

That was very inspiring...Thanks for your service, you missed a real thrill in the 1st Desert trip...

What thrill was that?
1)Nightly SCUD missile attacks? Stop being so dramatic, but yes!
2)Breathing air polluted by burnt oil products? yes
3)Taking pills the first night to ward off the effects of NBC attacks, only to find out later the pills were almost as bad as the nerve agents? yes
4)Driving 22-foot Whalers in six to eight foot seas? dunno
5)Having to switch mindset from "search and destroy" back to SAR when a soldier fell off a pier and drown, then switch mindset back again once the body was recovered?dunno

Which "thrill" were you referring to?

*the sand storms
*building camps for others during days when the temps were well over 100 and our camp condition stayed the same...
*working 15 to 18hr days
*eating MRE's till your gut was so bloated from constipation
*the constant cbr dress up or worse getting to keep the mop gear on while working

These were just a few of the thrills I was refering too...Just so you know the "thrill" comment was sarcasam...I have many more examples if you wish to read...CAN DO!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MrFubis,

quote:

That was very inspiring...Thanks for your service, you missed a real thrill in the 1st Desert trip

I imagine it wasn't a thrill for anyone that had to go, but they went and did their jobs, just like all the other service members have done before and are doing now. CPO Kalbach