Like most, if not all, on this site I am looking to sign up with the Coast Guard. My final question comes down to going all the way with Active Duty, or Reserve. I was looking to get some help and see if you guys could help me out a little, because so far this site has been the most helpful.

Now I was looking to possibly do the Reserve because I have a fantastic paying job that I was able to get with only a few years of college under my belt. The job is basically something I would of applied for out of College so thats why I stopped going and now currently work full time. Now with my company what do I have to inform them of if I sign up to do the Reserve (if I even can get through it all to become a Coast Guard Reserve)? Will I still be able to work here or do I have to find employment else where closer to the base I would be working at? My job is here in Orlando, Florida.

The other option I was going with would be to shoot for Active Duty full time Coast Guard. I believe that me working at a desk M-F 8am-5pm is just not doing anything for me. I believe that I can do better for myself and my Country by signing with the Coast Guards. I currently am living with my girlfriend of 2 years and so if I make it through all the tests and BC and get shipped off to Kodiak or somewhere like that what happens with that? Can we still have a place together up there? She has been more than understanding but because I care so much I would like to find this out.

I just want to thank all that reply to this because any input is better than none. I have many more questions but these are some I have right now. I know that some of these questions are something so far in the future that my first worry should be to even make it to Boot Camp.

Hmm I saw no one ever answered your questions, sorry bout that.

Unfortunately the CG does not make any concessions for a girlfriend. They're more than welcome to move to where ever you're located as it's a free country, but with that said they are ineligible to live in Coast Guard housing. If you're required to live in the barracks then you will get no basic allowance for housing (BAH or housing pay) either. So if financially she can support herself go for it, if she can wait until you're out of the barracks and say in an apt in town then that would work as well. If your relationship progresses and you're married then housing becomes eligible as barracks are only for the single guys.

I always tell my applicants if you're thinking about active then usually that's the way to go because you wouldn't be thinking about it if it wasn't. Going from the reserves to active can sometimes be nearly impossible.

Thanks for the reply JBraz! I was getting a little worried there myself with no replies . I will most likely end up going with active duty because your 100% correct in your thinking with that.

Another quick question if you may be able to answer it, but if I go with the choice of reserve what happens with my current job? Do I keep it or does the Coast Guard help me transfer to a new one, and will I be able to stay somewhere in Florida or transfered to anyone of the Districts?

Thanks again for the reply!

If you opt into the Reserves you'll be drilling at a unit in the Orlando, FL area. The goal is to keep your commute for your drill weekend under 75 miles. If you choose a unit farther than that you'll have to finance the travel. You'll be able to keep your current job.

Posted By Looking2Serve on 07 Mar 2012 03:09 PM
Like most, if not all, on this site I am looking to sign up with the Coast Guard. My final question comes down to going all the way with Active Duty, or Reserve. I was looking to get some help and see if you guys could help me out a little, because so far this site has been the most helpful.

Now I was looking to possibly do the Reserve because I have a fantastic paying job that I was able to get with only a few years of college under my belt. The job is basically something I would of applied for out of College so thats why I stopped going and now currently work full time. Now with my company what do I have to inform them of if I sign up to do the Reserve (if I even can get through it all to become a Coast Guard Reserve)? Will I still be able to work here or do I have to find employment else where closer to the base I would be working at? My job is here in Orlando, Florida.

The other option I was going with would be to shoot for Active Duty full time Coast Guard. I believe that me working at a desk M-F 8am-5pm is just not doing anything for me. I believe that I can do better for myself and my Country by signing with the Coast Guards. I currently am living with my girlfriend of 2 years and so if I make it through all the tests and BC and get shipped off to Kodiak or somewhere like that what happens with that? Can we still have a place together up there? She has been more than understanding but because I care so much I would like to find this out.

I just want to thank all that reply to this because any input is better than none. I have many more questions but these are some I have right now. I know that some of these questions are something so far in the future that my first worry should be to even make it to Boot Camp.

Do you have to tell your employer - Yes.  It is called an notice of military service.  PM me and I can shoot you a form letter.  You have two options tell the boss before you jump through all the hoops OR wait until all the hoops are hopped and the recruiter says that you are a go for DEPOT.  I waited.

Quick question, do you know what they offer here in the Florida area for Reserve? Like what types of drills or job spots they would have me at?

Your recruiter will have a list of current openings in the area. To understand the types of units, this link will help.

http://uscg.mil/top/units/

Posted By chukles on 01 Apr 2012 07:29 PM
Your recruiter will have a list of current openings in the area. To understand the types of units, this link will help.

http://uscg.mil/top/units/

Thanks for the help!