The USCG closely designs basic training after the Marine Corps. The Sailor said overall Coast Guard boot camp was tougher, and the Marine said mentally Coast Guard boot camp was more challenging. My lead CC was even a former Marine and said mentally it is more challenging.
In general, the Coast Guard Reserve official site says that those who join as Reservists can expect to be working “side by side with full-time Coast Guardsmen. No matter what mission, you'll typically serve two days a month and two weeks a year at a base near your home.
Be between the ages of 17-31 (up to age 32 if qualified for attending guaranteed 'A' school) for Active Duty. (If you are 17, you'll need parental consent.) Reservists must be between 17-40. Prior-service personnel should contact their local recruiter for specific programs.
To be in the Coast Guard Reserve, you must be between the ages of 17 and 40. However, there are some exceptions for those who have prior service experience. You must be between the ages of 26 and 35 years to enlist in the Coast Guard with a specialized skill.
Can I join the Army at 45 years old? Unfortunately, no. Under Federal law, the oldest a recruit can be to enter any branch of the military is 42 years old.
Non-rated enlisted members who entered into their first Regular Coast Guard enlistment and complete EM, ET, FS, MK, or OS Class A-School are eligible for a CSTB. A $10,000 CSTB is authorized for enlisted members in pay grades E-2 and E-3 who agree to attend and subsequently complete EM, ET, or OS Class A-School.
Reservists who have served honorably on active duty establish veteran status and may therefore be eligible for VA benefits, depending on the length of active military service and other eligibility factors. In addition, reservists who are never called to active duty may qualify for some VA benefits.
Tattoos are permitted in the Coast Guard on most parts of the body. There are no restrictions on the amount, size, or percentage of coverage of tattoos apart from the head, face, neck, and hands.
Coast Guard Reserve BenefitsMembers of the Coast Guard Reserve are paid for all time spent training or deployed. In addition, they receive most of the same employment benefits as full-time Coast Guard members, including tuition support, training and plenty of time on the water.
Like the other military branches, the United States government sets the pay scale for the Coast Guard. Basic pay starts at $1,554 per month or $18,648 a year for E-1 and $3,188 per month or $38,256 a year for O-1.
As an active-duty member in the Coast Guard, you'll be privy to a benefits package that is largely unheard of for most people just starting out. College tuition assistance, housing and meal allowance, free health, dental and eye care, and 30 days paid vacation are just the beginning of the benefits offered.
Reservists on Class A and Class B periods of service are paid on a daily rate, based on their rank and time in that rank. Reservists on Class C periods of service, such as those who deploy on operations, receive the same pay as Regular Force members, which is calculated at a monthly rate.
Basic Military Pay Chart For Army Reserve Soldiers*
| Rank | >2 Years | 6 Years |
|---|
| Private (E1) | $3,639.51** | $3,639.51 |
| Private (E2) | $4,079.25 | $4,079.25 |
| Private First Class (E3) | $4,289.67 | $4,835.88 |
| Specialist or Corporal (E4) | $4,751.46 | $5,767.65 |
Navy Ranks And Pay For 2020 – Enlisted
| Pay Grade | Rank | 2020 Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|
| E-1 | Seaman Recruit | $1,733 |
| E-2 | Seaman Apprentice | $1,943 |
| E-3 | Seaman | $2,043 |
| E-4 | Petty Officer Third Class | $2,263 |
Tuition AssistanceIf you are an Active Duty, Selective Reserve or Coast Guard federal employee, the Coast Guard will pay up to 100% of your college tuition.
A veteran is a former member of the Armed Forces of the United States (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) who served on active duty and was discharged under conditions, which were other than dishonorable. (Reservists called to active duty by Executive Order qualify as veterans.)
Coast Guard Ranks - Enlisted and Officer, from Lowest to Highest
| Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation |
|---|
| O-7 | Rear Admiral Lower Half | DRML |
| O-8 | Rear Admiral | RADM |
| O-9 | Vice Admiral | VADM |
| O-10 | Admiral | ADM |
approximately eight weeks
The Coast Guard deploys.The Coast Guard has also provided security and support to Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom. In wartime, the Coast Guard can also be called to augment the Navy. Stateside, Coasties deploy every day in their duties – there are cutters out for months at a time.
After boot campImmediately after graduation, you will leave Cape May and have five days of leave to be with your family and friends. You will then be recalled and report directly to your first assignment. Assignments in the Coast Guard are filled with priority given to operational duties.
The Army has the highest cutoff age for new recruits at 42, which was increased from 35 in 2006. The cutoff for the Navy is 35, the Marines is 28 and the Air Force is 27.
Con: It Can Be DangerousLike any other branch of military, the level of danger is dependent on the area you are serving in. If you are a Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer, you are more in danger especially when you are trying to save someone in windy water, and he is panicking while using you as a floater.
Voluntary Separations.In some cases, members will be allowed to simply leave their contract and go on their merry way. However, members often incur a service commitment to the Guard or Reserves if they leave active duty early. This could be a Regular Reserve or Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) commitment.
As one of the country's six armed services, the Coast Guard has been involved in every major U.S. war since 1790, from the Quasi-War with France to the Global War on Terrorism.
The Coast Guard life is not a typical military lifestyle. Unlike other military services, which operate large government housing tracts on military bases, most Coast Guard officers live in the local community.
Varies from person to person. Generally, it takes and individual 1 year to go through the testing and physical exam requirements before making it to recruit training. Even after arrival you will be evaluated for an 8 week period with no guarantees of continuation in to the fleet.
As a Reserve/National Guard member, you must have 20 “qualifying” years of service to be eligible for retired pay at age 60. A “qualifying year” is one in which you earn a minimum of 50 retirement points. As long as you have no break in service, your retirement year ending date (RYE) will be one year later.
