Seeing as I am almost 22 years old and I have not attended college, nor do I have any interest, I feel as though the military may the right choice for me. I have looked into the Coast Guard Reserves, because I would rather stay home and keep the job that I have. I'm seeking adventure and to possibly come out with some sort of trade. I have yet to speak with a recruiter, but I have done some research online and I am waiting for more literature to come in the mail.

What I would like to know, is if there is anyone on ScionLife that is currently in the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserves. What are the pros and cons? Why did you join? Do you actually like it, or are you just doing it as a career or because the money is good? How much do reservists typically get paid? What was basic training like? I know these are questions I should be asking a recruiter but I'd like to get information from someone who has served or is currently serving.

Thanks!

 

My son age 26 went from active duty Navy, into the Coast Guard, he loves it, makes good money with good benefits, and at this time plans to spend at least 20 years. He joined the Navy at age 20, went to Dental Asst. school, the minute he got out of that school, was sent to the Marines to crosstrain into becoming a Corpsman. Spent a year in Iraq, 2006, then was stationed in Hawaii for 3 more years. He would have stayed in the Navy, but when his 5 year time was up, they told him that to re-up, besides the bonus type deal, he would have to go to Afghanistan for a year with the Marines, due to his combat experience. He shopped between the Air Force, and the Coast Guard, both of which wanted him, and ended up going with the Coast Guard. He is now in San Francisco, in a maint. group, absoulutely loves it, makes good money with housing allowance,etc.,and plans to stat in. He says the Navy was pretty easy duty, except for Iraq, but the Coast Guard is even easier duty. Hope this helps, I dont see how you could go wrong at this point in your life.

 

I've heard some good things about the Coast Guard. I'm active duty Air Force, and the only information I can direct you to is your local recruiter, or this site: http://usmilitary.about.com/

Good luck.

 

Hmmm, hold on, there's a guy on Scionlife who was active duty cg until about a few months ago. He was based out of Monterey I think for a while but went all over the world. I'll try to find his handle.