I'm planning on joining the USCG but there are some things I don't understand.

>How do you report to your first unit?

>After the plane arrives at the state (or territory) that I will work on, how will I get to the base (Taxi?)?

>Do I have to pay for the plane?

>How many day's of leave do i get after boot camp?

>If I decide to take those day's, do I have to pay for the plane that goes home and then pay the one that goes to the first duty station?

>Is Alaska a good place to work in?

>How do you pay for cellphone/internet if you have to stay in a ship for let's say....4 or 5 months?

Well a few of your questions are pretty situational and will depend on certain details that you can only know once you have finished boot camp and know what unit you will be going to. I will try to answer a couple of your questions!

In boot camp, you will receive orders to your first unit. To report, you will be in contact with your supervisor while in boot camp and work out details. Usually, you will work with them to iron out details on how you will arrive. Depending on the type of unit, this can be complex. If it is a cutter, and they are underway, you may have to meet them at their next port of call. A land unit is usually easier. Either way, you will be taken care of and be explicitly informed of your options.

After boot camp you will have 5 days of leave. In any branch of the military you earn 2.5 days of leave per month. Boot camp is just shy of two months, therefor you will have 5 days after boot camp gracuation. The coast guard will pay for you to get to your new unit. If you choose to take leave, you will pay for any expense incurred above the amount that it would have spent to get you to your new unit.

As for working in Alaska it just depends on you. I was there a year and I really enjoyed it. I like to hike, climb, fish, etc. so its a good fit for me. If you don't like the cold, the rain, or the outdoors, you may or may not enjoy your time there. You will make a lot of money in Alaska though if you play your cards right.

I think I got all of the questions answered but if you have anymore, ask away!

>How do you pay for cellphone/internet if you are stuck in a boat for 4-6 months?

>How do you actually get to the unit you're supposed to report to when you arrive at the airport? Do you have to pay a taxi? Will there be a bus waiting for you?

Thank you for answering

Most cell phone and utility companies allow you to "suspend your service" so you only pay a few dollars a month while underway. Since you have to have direct deposit in the CG, you can pay them electronically. Almost every company now has a website that allows you to schedule monthly payments. Heck, I just know my cell phone gets paid the 8th of every month, I don't think about it. Same with every other bill. I have it set up to pay in full every month. Bam. Bills done.

As far as getting to your unit, that really depends as was already said. If you fly, your sponsor (the person you arrange all your stuff with) may pick you up. If you drive, its a moot point. And yes, for some units you take a bus or a taxi. You won't know this answer until you have to do it. The CG will pay you back for all of it though.

oh ok thanx

All of these are excellent questions to write down and bring to your first appointment with your recruiter.

I already went to my first appointment. I guess i was too excited that i forgot.... Anyway, that's why you guy's are here right?

Posted By oO Flowzilla Oo on 21 Apr 2012 10:04 AM
I already went to my first appointment. I guess i was too excited that i forgot.... Anyway, that's why you guy's are here right?

Absolutely. But for detailed questions like that, I like to point people in the direction of their recruiter. We don't mind answering though.

Our unit/base has a duty van that makes runs around the area, say picking up parts out giving people a lift to medical appointments, and they also use it to pick up new arrivals from the airport. That may out may bit apply to where you end up, it reply does depend on your unit.