Why Join the US Coast Guard Reserve?
Joining the US Coast Guard Reserve is a life-changing decision that offers a unique blend of service, adventure, and personal growth. As a Coast Guardsman, you’ll be part of a proud tradition of protecting America’s coastlines, ports, and waterways, while also serving as a vital part of the nation’s defense. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits, requirements, and process of joining the US Coast Guard Reserve.
Benefits of Joining the US Coast Guard Reserve
Joining the US Coast Guard Reserve offers numerous benefits, including:
- Sense of purpose and fulfillment: Serving in the Coast Guard Reserve gives you the opportunity to make a real difference in your community and country.
- Career advancement and skills training: The Coast Guard Reserve offers training and experience in a wide range of fields, from maritime law enforcement to emergency medical response.
- Education benefits: Members of the Coast Guard Reserve are eligible for education assistance, including the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) and the Coast Guard Reserve Education Assistance Program.
- Health insurance and medical benefits: Coast Guard Reservists and their families are eligible for comprehensive health insurance and medical benefits.
- Travel opportunities: As a Coast Guardsman, you’ll have the chance to travel and serve in a variety of locations, from coastal ports to international waters.
- Camaraderie and esprit de corps: The Coast Guard Reserve is a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals who share a commitment to service and sacrifice.
Requirements for Joining the US Coast Guard Reserve
To join the US Coast Guard Reserve, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Age: You must be between the ages of 17 and 27 (with some exceptions for older candidates).
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
- Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Physical fitness: You must meet the Coast Guard’s physical fitness standards, which include passing a swim test and scoring well on the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA).
- Background check: You must undergo a background check and receive a security clearance.
- ASVAB scores: You must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and achieve a minimum score in the required areas.
The Process of Joining the US Coast Guard Reserve
The process of joining the US Coast Guard Reserve involves several steps:
- Meet with a recruiter: Find a Coast Guard recruiter in your area and discuss your options and qualifications.
- Take the ASVAB test: Take the ASVAB test to determine your eligibility for different Coast Guard careers.
- Choose a rating: Select a Coast Guard rating (career) that aligns with your skills and interests.
- Apply for enlistment: Submit your application for enlistment and provide required documents, such as your birth certificate and high school diploma.
- Attend a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS): Visit a MEPS to take a physical exam, receive vaccinations, and complete other enlistment processing.
- Attend Basic Training: Attend Basic Training (also known as “boot camp”) to learn the fundamentals of Coast Guard life and service.
- Attend Rating School: Attend Rating School to learn the skills and knowledge required for your chosen rating.
📝 Note: The enlistment process can take several months to a year or more, so plan accordingly and stay focused on your goals.
Life as a Coast Guard Reservist
As a Coast Guard Reservist, you’ll serve one weekend a month (known as a “drill weekend”) and two weeks a year (known as “annual training” or “AT”). During this time, you’ll perform a variety of duties, including:
- Drill weekends: Participate in training exercises, attend meetings, and perform other duties as assigned.
- Annual training: Attend a two-week training period, which may involve deploying to a Coast Guard unit or participating in a training exercise.
- Deployments: Deploy to support Coast Guard operations, such as maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and disaster response.
Coast Guard Reserve Ratings
The Coast Guard Reserve offers a wide range of ratings, including:
- Boatswain’s Mate (BM): Responsible for deck maintenance, navigation, and small boat operations.
- Electronics Technician (ET): Responsible for maintaining and repairing electronic equipment.
- Health Services Technician (HS): Responsible for providing medical care and support.
- Marine Science Technician (MST): Responsible for conducting marine inspections and enforcing environmental regulations.
- Port Security Unit (PSU): Responsible for providing security and force protection for Coast Guard units.
| Rating | Job Description |
|---|---|
| Boatswain's Mate (BM) | Deck maintenance, navigation, and small boat operations |
| Electronics Technician (ET) | Maintenance and repair of electronic equipment |
| Health Services Technician (HS) | Medical care and support |
| Marine Science Technician (MST) | Marine inspections and environmental regulation enforcement |
| Port Security Unit (PSU) | Security and force protection for Coast Guard units |
In conclusion, joining the US Coast Guard Reserve is a rewarding and challenging experience that offers a unique blend of service, adventure, and personal growth. Whether you’re looking for a career, a sense of purpose, or a chance to serve your country, the Coast Guard Reserve has something to offer.
What are the benefits of joining the Coast Guard Reserve?
+
The benefits of joining the Coast Guard Reserve include a sense of purpose and fulfillment, career advancement and skills training, education benefits, health insurance and medical benefits, travel opportunities, and camaraderie and esprit de corps.
What are the requirements for joining the Coast Guard Reserve?
+
The requirements for joining the Coast Guard Reserve include being between the ages of 17 and 27, being a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, having a high school diploma or equivalent, meeting physical fitness standards, and passing a background check and receiving a security clearance.
What is the process of joining the Coast Guard Reserve?
+
The process of joining the Coast Guard Reserve involves meeting with a recruiter, taking the ASVAB test, choosing a rating, applying for enlistment, attending a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), attending Basic Training, and attending Rating School.
