I did a search and didn't really find anything that was too helpful. So I hope you guys don't mind me making a new post.
Some background info I'm a Master At Arms in the Navy, currently doing patrol until I deploy to support OEF pretty soon. When I return I'm looking into finishing up my enlistment (3 more years after that). I like planning ahead and I'm looking at what to do when I get out. I want to be closer to home and the Navy doesn't offer me that option outside of being a recruiter which I'm not interested in. The Coast Guard however sounds great as I do want to stay active duty. My understanding is that there is no LE rate such as MA in the CG, and that I would have to pick a new rate which is not a problem I'm very interested in GM. I'm also very interested in the LEDETs and I know there's one stationed out of Miami which is back home for me. Outside of what the LEDETs do I don't know much more about them. How long are orders for to a LEDET? Can you do back to back tours with them? MSST... from what I can tell seem like our Mobile Security Dets but I can be wrong. Counter drug ops is listed as one of their duties. Do they do it to the same capacity that the LEDETS do?
If you want to do LE, almost any rate is able to do it. As an SK I've done LE as a collateral duty. The most active rates in LE seem to be BM, MK, and OS in my eyes. GM's tend to spend most of their time trying to do PMS on the weapons, at least in my experience.
LEDET's and MSST tours are 2-3 years depending on location and whether your an O or enlisted. You being enlisted I believe would be a three year tour. LE is available throughout the Coast Guard, the LEDET's and MSST's just spend more time doing it.
This is just my two cents worth though. Hope it helps.
LEDETs are IN/OCONUS deployable law enforcement teams that specialize in CD and MIO. High op-tempo with total days deployed comparable to high-endurance cutters. The irony is that you will spend more time Haze Gray and Underway with the Navy than the USCG.
MSSTs are INCONUS deployable AT/FP teams that specialize in port/facility protection.
While I've been out some time now, my understanding is that MSSTs do not do OCONUS CD ops like LEDET. Not sure about GMs on MSSTs but they could be boarding team members or boarding officers on LEDETs.
Thanks for the info. So are LEDETs considered sea duty with MSSTs as shore? If that's the case is it possible to go back and forth between the two for the sea/shore rotation?
My info is dated, so I encourage you to talk with a recruiter and/or active members of LEDET/MSST.
When I was on LEDET, we got a month of sea time/pay for the the month(s) deployed and for the following month when inport. LEDET was also a higher assignment priority, I believe the same as INCONUS Afloat.
There isn't a sea/shore rotation in the Coast Guard. It all depends on your assignment priority, available billets, and needs of the service (i.e. detailer). Going from a LEDET to an MSST and back again would likely not be an issue as long as there were billets. While getting a billet on an MSST straight out of A School is possible, doing your first PO tour at a TACLET/LEDET is highly unlikely.
A recent reorganization has placed MSSTs, MRSTs, PSUs, LEDETs, TACLETs, and Strike Teams under the umbrella of the Deployable Operations Group or DOG.
The way I understand it, from what I read, a person can go into the DOG and spend his or her entire career doing LE type activities while transferring between DOG units.
Originally posted by JerryG: A recent reorganization has placed MSSTs, MRSTs, PSUs, LEDETs, TACLETs, and Strike Teams under the umbrella of the Deployable Operations Group or DOG.
The way I understand it, from what I read, a person can go into the DOG and spend his or her entire career doing LE type activities while transferring between DOG units.
That actually sounds real good!!
MSRTs...I found some info on them recently and is something else that looks really interesting. Are they only located in VA? Any Teams in FL that you may know about?
There is only one MSRT and it is located in VA. You will likely have to invest some time in the USCG to get there. Search for the solicitation message for MSRT/Direct Action Section on this forum for an idea of the selection process. TACLET South and D7 TACLET are located at Opa Locka. MSST Miami is located at Homestead.
With the almost daily migrant smuggling occuring in the S. FL area, any station and cutter from Fort Pierce south to Key West and up the west coast to Yankeetown would be an excellent choice for law enforcement duties.
If you are interested in LE activity in the CG my suggestion would be that you first pick a rate which is common to the field. IE MK, BM, DC and GM. MK and BM are the most common in LE. Try to get an operational Cutter for your first unit. Patrol Boats are the best and most active in all areas of LE. A small boat station in most areas can also get you a lot of experience in LE. Keep up your physical fitness and pay attention to when there are open billets at TACLET. Once you have the field experience you can apply to TACLET South or PACTACLET. Get as many qualifications as you can but most importantly the ALEC Qualification. Once you have that and your TACLET Pin you can go in a number of different directions. Good Luck
I was talking to a gate contractor here on base the other night who said I would have to go back to E-3? Is this true? By the time I get out I should be an E-5... at least E-4. Getting knocked back two grades in pay doesn't sound really sound too good. Any info on that?
There is no USCG comparable rating to MA that you would be able to crossdeck to, PS might be close but is a reserve-only rating. That being the case, you would likely come in as an E-3 and have to strike or go to "A" School.
You may want to ask your question on the recruiting board to get the straight scoop. I believe you would attend PITSTOP (?) which is a shortened recruit training program for prior service.
Dirty Hands, It depends on the state of Coast Guards recruiting needs and whether or not you possess skill sets in you prior service rating that may be critical for the Coast Guard. Do your research and find what rating may be in need and ephasize those skill sets to your recruiter this will give you an better edge on retaining your present paygrade. I would recommend BM, basing on what i know about MA in the Navy. Although I do have a non-rated member that works with me that was an E5 in the Air Force be she made the change. Choose wisely. As for the other stuff pay attention to what the that ol timer Cajun MK has to say he know what he is talking about.
An "OS" doing LE. Since when? All I see them doing is sitting in a com. room answering the telephone. Then they get awards for every time us BM's go out and do the rescue, while we get nothing.
