I am very interested in joining the CGR. I have spoken with a recruiter via e-mail and got very limited information. I live close to Memphis, Tn, but there are no openings for the PS rate there. The local recruiter directed me to the PSU 308 area if "I didn't mind the drive". To give a little background; I am a deputy sheriff assigned to the K9/tactical unit, and I have 4 years experience. I am looking for any 308 members that can give me a little insight to your particular unit. I know it is kinda broad, but any information you could give would be greatly appreciated!

Also, I need some tips on how to tell my wife that I want to join. She is very supportive of the military, I just dont think she will be supportive of ME in the military.

Thanks again.
Blake Hudson

From the CG website...

From an Internet website...

Of the three Port Security Units in your general (VERY relative term) vicinity (-305, -308, and -309), PSU-308 is by far the closest. With that said, you're looking at a 5 hour and 51 minute commute of about 367.63 miles, one way (according to Mapquest, from downtown Memphis to downtown Gulfport). Times and miles may vary.

For being a drilling Reservist driving that distance to drill at a unit, you have to be a DOUBLE volunteer, because driving/flying/etc. is on YOUR dime, not the governments.

Talk with a recruiter (gocoastguard.com or 1-800-GET-USCG) and don't limit yourself to just PS. There are CG units in Louisville KY, St. Louis MO, and Chattanooga, TN that may have different Reserve rating openings and might be the same distance or even a little closer to you.

Good luck!

k9,

The commute will SUCK! I've done it. You will hate it as it will add to your drill time/days off and no pay for driving. Jerry gave good advice. Try another rate and a closer unit. You can always transfer later.

Just to add to what BTDT said, I have also been a "volunteer" to the monthly 5 hour trip each way from my home (S/W of Chi-town) to the former PSU-302 (now -309) in 1994.

Did it through snow, rain, sleet, etc.

Reported in Friday night, left Sunday evening, all for my four monthly drills.

It takes a special commitment for PSU's if you do not live local to the unit.

FWIW.

Do some searching for navy (not USAF) C-9 schedules. There are several USNR units on the MS coast, and USN has flights on a regular schedule to pick up and deliver reservists from around the region to specific locations with reserve units. Sometimes these are called 'round robin' flights. I don't know if they have flights from Memphis to Keesler, but they might.

USN C-9s are military version of DC-9 airliner, except more cramped. USAF C-9s are air ambulance/medical evacuation planes. Big difference.

You can search three ways: find out from the local military air fields, including ANG, where they have flights to; find out from Keesler and maybe the ANG at Gulfport where they have flights from; and contact the USNR units in Gulfport to see if anyone there knows about these flights.

Also there may have been someone in Memphis asking about PSU308 a month or two or three ago, or maybe that was you although your screen name does not look familiar. You could try digging someone up from the local area in the same unit and carpooling.

Sometimes civilian employers are a great asset, also.

An MK at PSU-302 lived in the Boston area and was a truck driver. His company would give him a run to Ohio for his drill weekend. The guy would drop the load, bobtail it Camp Perry, drill the weekend, and then pick up a load in Ohio on Monday and drive it back to Boston (or wherever).

To me, that company should get every award and recognition the NCESGR gives out!!!