Coast Guard Roll Call

thought i would drop on by and see whos in the area im at STA Sand Key FL, its great i really like it down here in D7, its a nice change from the D13 pacific north west.

 

FN

Station Apra Harbor, Guam

Taking the MK3 test again Friday, so we will see. If that doesn't happen then I should be in Yorktown for A school around the December time frame.

 

Salute Aft, Salute Quarter Deck, Request permission to come aboard.

Former Hooligan checking in. AG-1 (MST), '64>'77 (yea, I'm old), all in the 13th.

Just getting back to Toyotas (as soon as I can sell my 2500DH Chev) after a 20 year absence.

Semper Paratus

Bill

 

i got some questions from yall!

In the USCG, as a reservist what exactly can you do?
on active duty how does your schedule work?
do you have any sayso in where you go or what you do for the CG?
how do you advance in ranks?
and is it hard going from reserve to active duty?

 

As a reserve you do all the same things an active duty member would do, but on a reserve status (1 weekend, 2 weeks type thing). Some jobs are not open to reserves, some are primarily reserve jobs.
Active duty is a "full time" job. The day to day schedule is dependent on the type of unit and specialty you end up in.
You get to request where you want to go and what jobs you'd like, but your performance and the needs of the service are major factors n the process.
For enlisted, you have to have a certain amount of time at your current rank, then complete some practical exercises and pass a couple tests. The results from those along with a variety of input from your service record place you on a list in rank order and then they advance folks as needed. Officer promotions are based on time and performance evals.

Not sure about going reserve to AD - there are folks who have recently, but it depends on your specialty and what the service needs. Right now - They are looking to reduce overall numbers, so I would say that doesn't help your chances, but that is no way an official statement.

 

last question i promise!

if you do reserve do you have to go AD at any point?

 

Have to...Only in certain jobs. There are lots of opportunities if you WANT to,but you won't be forced to in most cases.

 

As stated, any rate as well as the officer corps is open to reserves but check with your local recruiter to find out what is currently open. Gov. reduction is the name of the game right now so it's getting harder and harder to get it.

AD schedule depends on what unit you're at. Some jobs are 0700-1300, some are a 2 days on/2 off with rotating weekends, cutter duty is dependent on the amount of people qualified at any given time underway and in port.

Yes you have a say in where you go. You put in picks when you transfer but it ultimately comes down to what the service needs at that time. Even right now where I am with priority 1 and 2 picks the detailer will tell people to find a new spot-service needs first, as well as career advancement.

As far as doing what you want, yes. However, keep in mind that unless you come in through a direct petty officer program (which I doubt they do anymore) waiting for your rating "A" school or "striking" OTJ training will take you over a year in just about all circumstances.

Advancements are based on completing tasks related to your rate as well as Coast Guard history/policies and passing a test to be eligible for the exam that puts you against everyone else in your rate competing for the same pay grade during that time.

The most recent information I got on reserves was that they are trying to end Extended Active Duty for reservists while continuing or increasing other programs to utilize them in a more efficient manner than what they have been in the past. In most circumstances you can't expect someone who shows up 1 weekend a month/2 week a year to be anywhere near as qualified to do a job as the people that do it day in and day out. As a reservist you don't ever have to go AD. You request that unless we go into WW3 or something.


I probably went too deep on a couple but hopefully that summed most of it up. If you have anymore post them here or PM.

 

In case nobody told you, the cuts came out on Friday!! Good luck to everyone.

 

I'm at Sector! I love D7 too, but I haven't been anywhere else in 12 years...probably going to change that next summer.

 

i saw your truck couple weeks ago i think. I had to replace an outboard on our 25 so we brought it on over to use the shop. what do you do at sector?

 

Welcome!

Worked with CGA quit a bit when I was with BOSDET (way back when)...lot of good folks.

Bill

 

your at sector? sector miami?

 

Has anyone been stationed in Sitka, AK or know anyone thats stationed there? Trying to figure out if i want to put ANT Sitka on my picks or extend where i am for another year....

 

I was at sector st pete at the ESD from 2003 to 2007

 

Had a BM2 (now BM3) at my last unit and my old FN is an AMT up there now and loving it. Knowing SE Alaska I'd do it in a heartbeat if I wasn't married. If you're pushing for an XPO job there I would say definitely try.

Got orders to the Tern last week, really excited. Good weather and a different platform to work on.

 

MK3

CGC Mustang 10-12
CGC Baranof 12-13
next stop CGC Bluebell!

 

BM2

Sta Woods hole '07-'09
Sta Barnegat Light '09-'15

 

Interesting about the CAC not working since you're taught to show it if requested for a badge. I'm sure it could be argued both ways with no real distinct yes or no. Other services I could see it being an issue since security forces/MAs/Mil Pol don't have the authority and jurisdiction we hold. Honestly it sounds like a pretty flimsy law to rely on and the ALCOAST reinforces that thought. http://www.uscg.mil/announcements/alcoast/549-10_alcoast.txt

I guess my biggest question is what the reasoning behind the law was in the first place other than some kind of extra benefit or provision to LEOs.

 

Hey guys I'm a junior at SDSU and I hope to join the Coast Guard when I graduate. Right now one of my class is requiring me to research a magazine in the career I want to do in the future so I was wondering if you guys recommend any magazines.
Thanks