I need some help/guidance.

I am a reserve member assigned to a small boat station. In my civilian employment I am a law enforcement officer, currently assigned to a covert counter-narcotics and anti-gang unit. Due to the nature of this work my appearance is not in line with CG grooming standards. This is not a career spanning assignment, but will probably last 1-3 years.

Changing my appearance to conform to CG standards for weekend drill or 2 weeks of active duty is not feasible due to on going operations in my civilian employment.

My CG unit has allowed me to continue to drill, but not to wear the uniform or get underway. I am now facing my yearly active duty.

I am looking for input from any USCG Reserve members who may have addressed this situation (I can’t be the only one). Please let me know how you were able to resolve the issues.

Thanks for any help.

you are lucky they have done this so far. Technically speaking you should have to meet the uniform regs and grooming standards. Even the Aux have to meet the regs so why do you think you should be special. Sorry for being so blunt but some things just get on my nerves. If you have questions look through uniform standards and everythign you need is in there

Posted By southern118 on 20 Jun 2010 11:43 PM
you are lucky they have done this so far. Technically speaking you should have to meet the uniform regs and grooming standards. Even the Aux have to meet the regs so why do you think you should be special. Sorry for being so blunt but some things just get on my nerves. If you have questions look through uniform standards and everythign you need is in there

Most of the time I agree with you but you are not being blunt the question "why do you think you are special?", its condescending. He already told us why, undercover narcotics work. Basically if he can't fit in, he's in deep ya know what. If you have no other advice than you should have just stopped at the first couple of sentences.

im just saying you give up a lot of things when you join the military. i understand he is undercover but also has to understand he signed a commitment and took a oath to obey the laws and regulations of the coast guard. If they let him so be it. Something he could try is getting a special request chit ran up the chain of command. The thing i see is he is saying 1 to 3 years so why did you join the reserves if he knew he was going to be doing undercover work?

He doesn't say how long he has been in the reserves... he could be in 5 years already, having been total Joe Coastie and now this opportunity presents itself with his force. Something that wasn't an option earlier in his careers. We are all assuming too much... he just asked how he should/could handle it.

Sir, I thank you for your work in both endeavors keeping our streets & our country safe. Talk to your command and see what can be done, what exceptions can be made. No matter which job you are doing, please be careful.

The CG is obviously not his primary job. Under the circumstances I think an exception should be made. Not saying that it will happen but it is totally understandable. Being an LEO is his primary job and source of income, not being a coastie.

Good luck to you.

Posted By southern118 on 20 Jun 2010 11:43 PM
you are lucky they have done this so far. Technically speaking you should have to meet the uniform regs and grooming standards. Even the Aux have to meet the regs so why do you think you should be special. Sorry for being so blunt but some things just get on my nerves. If you have questions look through uniform standards and everythign you need is in there

Thanks to those who posted helpful advice.

As for Southren118, way to go assuming I’m clueless, you must be a lot of fun to work with. Just FYI Shipmate, the first thing I did was consult the URM for guidance. I’ve got 12 years of affiliation with the CG (6 AD). I’m not trying to circumvent the regs., I’m trying to meet the objectives of both of my careers.

I know of other members who have been given consideration with this same issue. I have no way of contacting them though for advice, so I tried here.

1525, you are in a tough situation. As your situation is an uncommon occurence (i would think lol), your best bet is to work through your command as early as possible. Another option would be to have documentation from your civilian supervisor to present to your command. This is a long shot, but CGIS may be another option. I would speak to them and they may be able to work an agency-agency deal to help!

I wish you the best!