Intro
Serve your country with flexibility and purpose in the US Coast Guard Reserve. Discover 5 ways to serve, from maritime law enforcement to marine safety and environmental protection. Learn how to balance military service with civilian life, and find opportunities for career advancement and education benefits.
Serving in the US Coast Guard Reserve is a great way to contribute to the safety and security of the nation while also pursuing a civilian career. With various roles and opportunities available, individuals can choose the path that best suits their skills, interests, and availability. Here are five ways to serve in the US Coast Guard Reserve:
1. Part-Time Service
As a Coast Guard Reservist, you can serve on a part-time basis, typically one weekend a month (known as a drill weekend) and two weeks a year (known as annual training). This schedule allows you to maintain a civilian career while still contributing to the Coast Guard's mission. Part-time service is ideal for those who want to serve without making a full-time commitment.
Types of Part-Time Service:
- Drill weekends: Attend training and perform duties one weekend a month
- Annual training: Participate in two weeks of training per year
- Active Duty for Training (ADT): Attend specialized training or schools
- Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS): Support Coast Guard operations on an as-needed basis
Benefits of Part-Time Service
- Opportunity to serve and contribute to the Coast Guard's mission
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Education assistance and training opportunities
- Camaraderie and esprit de corps with fellow Reservists
2. Full-Time Support (FTS) Service
Full-Time Support (FTS) personnel are Coast Guard Reservists who serve in a full-time capacity, typically in support roles such as administration, logistics, or training. FTS personnel often work alongside active-duty Coast Guardsmen and may be eligible for the same benefits and opportunities.
Types of FTS Service:
- Administrative support: Assist with administrative tasks, such as personnel management or finance
- Logistics support: Manage supplies, equipment, and maintenance
- Training support: Assist with training and education programs
- Operational support: Support Coast Guard operations, such as search and rescue or marine safety
Benefits of FTS Service
- Opportunity to serve in a full-time capacity
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Education assistance and training opportunities
- Camaraderie and esprit de corps with fellow Reservists and active-duty personnel
3. Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) Service
The Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) is a program for Coast Guard Reservists who want to maintain their affiliation with the Coast Guard without a regular drill schedule. IRR members can be called to active duty in times of need and are eligible for education assistance and training opportunities.
Types of IRR Service:
- IRR-Active: Participate in training and drills on an as-needed basis
- IRR-Drill: Attend drills and training, but not on a regular schedule
- IRR-Inactive: Maintain affiliation with the Coast Guard, but not participate in drills or training
Benefits of IRR Service
- Opportunity to maintain affiliation with the Coast Guard
- Education assistance and training opportunities
- Potential for recall to active duty in times of need
- Camaraderie and esprit de corps with fellow Reservists
4. Selected Reserve (SELRES) Service
The Selected Reserve (SELRES) is a program for Coast Guard Reservists who want to serve on a part-time basis, typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year. SELRES members are eligible for education assistance, training opportunities, and competitive pay and benefits.
Types of SELRES Service:
- Drill weekends: Attend training and perform duties one weekend a month
- Annual training: Participate in two weeks of training per year
- Active Duty for Training (ADT): Attend specialized training or schools
- Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS): Support Coast Guard operations on an as-needed basis
Benefits of SELRES Service
- Opportunity to serve and contribute to the Coast Guard's mission
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Education assistance and training opportunities
- Camaraderie and esprit de corps with fellow Reservists
5. Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Officer Service
The Public Health Service (PHS) is a uniformed service that works to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of the nation. PHS Commissioned Officers serve in a variety of roles, including healthcare, research, and policy development.
Types of PHS Service:
- Healthcare: Provide medical care and services to the public
- Research: Conduct research and development in the field of public health
- Policy development: Assist in the development of policies and programs related to public health
Benefits of PHS Service
- Opportunity to serve in a unique and challenging role
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Education assistance and training opportunities
- Camaraderie and esprit de corps with fellow PHS officers
US Coast Guard Reserve Image Gallery
In conclusion, serving in the US Coast Guard Reserve offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the safety and security of the nation while pursuing a civilian career. With various roles and opportunities available, individuals can choose the path that best suits their skills, interests, and availability. We encourage you to consider serving in the US Coast Guard Reserve and be part of a proud tradition of service and sacrifice.