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 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...

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.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Liberty_2000,

Which Atlanta Recruiting Office did you call?
North or East?

Call the Atlanta East Office, ask for ext.15.

http://www.gocoastguard.com/results.php?state=GA

I will be happy to answer all the questions you have.

I'm going down to MEPS today and say good luck to my 2 shippers. I should be back in the office around 1500.

Call and leave a message with a phone number and a good time to call you back.

Age:
RK: 17-30, non-prior service
RP: 17-30, non-prior service
RX: 21-35, non-prior service enlisting as E-4 or above
RQ/RN: 21-39 with prior service
SRDC: 21-36

Thanks for your reply. I had called ATL North, as that was the one the website and 800 # directed me to.

I just now left a message at your extension.

Thank you again for your time. I do look forward to speaking with you soon.

PS - what are the abbreviations you posted under "Age"? I was only able to find a definition for SRDC.

The abbreviations - age (min-max) relate to the programs below. Thanks for calling, I'll reply to you're message in the morning.

http://www.gocoastguard.com/find-your-fit/reserve-oppor...ies/reserve-programs

Bad form for abbreviations...

6 x $.25 = $1.50 in the jar.

I'll explain that in the am.

cgluke,

I enjoyed speaking with you this morning!

I was able to find the following link:

http://www.gocoastguard.com/get-the-answers/frequently-...bout-the-coast-guard

Specifically, the following:

-----------------------------------------------
What are the qualifications to join the Coast Guard?

Following are the basic requirements for becoming a member of the Coast Guard:

* You must be a U.S. citizen or a Resident Alien.
* Be between the ages of 17-27 (up to age 32 if qualified for attending guaranteed 'A' school) for Active Duty. (If you are 17, you'll need parental consent.)
* Reservists must be between 17-39. Prior service personnel should contact their local recruiter for specific programs.
* Have a high school diploma. GEDs are accepted in special circumstances.
* Have no more than two dependents.
* Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
* Pass a military entrance medical exam.
----------------------------------------------

Any suggestions? Please advise and I do look forward to speaking with you again soon.

Andrew

quote:

Any suggestions? Please advise and I do look forward to speaking with you again soon.

Yes, continue to speak with your recruiter(Luke). That highlighted portion in red is the age for PRIOR SERVICE. CPO Kalbach

Age limits vary by program.

Prior Service personnel that have completed their initial eight-year military service obligations.
Age: Maximum 39. Construtive age waivers may be up to age 42. RQ Program.

Prior active duty or Reserve personnel who have "not" completed their initial eight-year military service obligations; e.g.,personnel being released from active duty from another service, or serving in another reserve component desiring to transfer.

Prior service personnel who were separated prior to completeting the initial eight-year military service obligations due to hardship or other disqualifying factor, with documentation that disqualifying factor no longer exist.

Age: Maximum 40. RN Program.

*Puts dentures in...

"Darn you, Old Age! If I could catch you, I'd beat you with my cane!"

"Ah, well... I think I need a nap first..."

Thanks for the info Luke, and your reply, CPO Kalbach. I will check with the Navy Reserve recruiter, but I think they may be the same as CG. I do know I can get into the Army Reserve or ARNG.

Thanks again for the time,
Andrew

Thanks Andrew!! It was great talking with you and I wish you the best of luck.

Give me a call in the office if you have any questions about MEPS.

http://www.mepcom.army.mil/meps/atlanta/index.html