A kind gentleman from the recruiting forum told me I should look into CG Reserves. I have a 2 year degree. I am a certified LEO here in S. Florida. However, job market is not too good right now in our area. I was thinking about going reserve maybe PSU? I like the Direct Petty Officer Enlistment Program, however I wouldnt mind at all going to boot camp.
Also just how many weapons are you instructed on? I have heard so many different stories. One guy told me you qualify both on dry land and in the ocean. Another said you only shoot the Sig 229 .40, others say you shoot lots of guns. I am confused. I defiently like the idea of a virtual floating infantry barge =)
I would imagine your similiar to a Navy Riverine Unit?
Can someone tell me if the Gunner's Mate rating would be a better fit? I do have a love of tinkering with weapon systems.
As a direct petty officer you will most likely come in as an E-4 and go to REBI. If your LE academy had discipline and you have "stood tall before the man" and you can listen to direction without whining or back talking you should be fine without going to Basic. I would recommend the PS rating vs GM. It is easier to promote in PS. GM promotion tests deal with the fine points of shipboard sprinkler systems and forms and specific weapons maintenance procedures. PS is a better translation from LE and if you go to a PSU -- like in Tampa -- you will have plenty of time to tinker with and clean all manner of guns. Most of your range time will be on land and the boats do train with crew served weapons on the water. You will shoot every weapon in the USCG inventory at a PSU. I recommend going to PS "A" school and also recommend going to a PSU. They need good people and will certainly keep you as busy and employed as you want to be. There are also some selective bonuses available and that may help direct your decisions. Many of the recruiters on this forum will also help you make good decisions about what to do since they work with more reservists than the average Active Duty recruiter. Good Luck!
Hey guys, thanks alot for the excellent responses. I really do appreciate it. Those big boats loaded with fire power are just awesome looking. I seen them patrolling a few years back.
Originally posted by bnk183: Do you have to have LE experience for the PSU rating? I have 12 years full time FF/Medic experience and the PSU rating sounds really interesting.
A PSU (Port Security Unit) and the PS (Port Security) rating are two separate entities.
Years ago, most, if not all, LEO's and FF's became PS's. The PS rating split off to PS and FS (Fire Safety), then merged again, and split once more (PS and MST - Marine Science Technician).
Contact a Recruiter, go to gocoastguard.com, and call 1-800-GET-USCG.
When I was at a PSU we had a FF/Medic in the unit and he came in as a PS. One of the best guys in the unit and the ability to work and think under stress is the same as a FF/Medic as it is as a Cop. The average paramedic also has far more real world experience in trauma than the average USCG Corpsman (who may or may not have outside experience) so that is an asset that any PSU command will love to have. PS is a great rate to enter in and promote through.
