Hello. First time poster here. I've read through as many of the threads as I can. Here's a brief bit about me.
I'm just shy of 40 1/2 years old. I'm a professional pilot living on Long Island in NY. I will likely be furloughed in October due to the pandemic. One of my plans was to go to some sort of school and learn a trade, but I have become more and more interested in doing it in the Coast Guard reserve through the DEPOT program. I have a 4 year Bachelor of Science degree, no prior military service and nothing that I can see that would be obviously disqualifying. (No criminal record, no known medical issues, no drug use, great credit, not too many dependents, etc..). I also realize that aviation jobs are not really open to reservists, and that's fine with me, as I'm looking to learn new skills.
Here are a few questions I have, not necessarily in logical order. (And no, I haven't been in contact with a recruiter yet as I want to be as informed as possible before talking to a recruiter so I know I'm asking them the right questions.)
Being 40 1/2, is between 4-6 months prior to turning 41 enough lead time to speak with a recruiter and wind up in boot camp prior to turning 41?
I see a number of reserve vacancies listed for NY, but they don't say where in NY, as I have read about being within 100 miles round trip of your assigned unit. Where in NY (specifically NYC/Long Island) are there units that have reserves assigned to them?and how can I find out which vacancies are close to me in NY and which ones are at the other end of the state? The coast guard website doesn't specify.
If there are several reserve openings for different ratings within my geographic area, will the ASVAB results tell me which one(s) I may be better suited to vs others?
As far as "A" school goes, I would prefer to choose a rating that trains in Yorktown, VA instead of in CA. My family situation allows my wife and young child to accompany me to training. On the Training Center Yorktown website, it seems as though they just have barracks for trainees. Would I be allowed to secure my own housing nearby in order for my family to be with me for the duration of A school?
The retirement appeals to me too, so is it that simple to just do 20 years (earn enough points) and earn the retirement? (I realize 20 years is a long time and so many things can happen preventing one from being in the reserves until 60....medical, not desiring to re-enlist, etc...
That's all I can think of at the moment...any answers/advice/things to consider are greatly appreciated!