What are the major differences in Coast Guard and CG Reserve?

Question

Im still deciding on which one to do and I'm not to sure yet? Does anyone have any insight. Or what they did and like about it?

Answer 1

The difference between the Coast Guard and the CG Reserve is basically the same as the difference between the Army and the Army Reserve.  One is a full time obligation while the other is part time unless activated.

Answer 2

For the regular Coast Guard you are employed by the Coast Guard and are on active duty at all times. For the CG Reserve also known as Coast Guard Reserve you go for training once a month for the weekend and two weeks a year. You can serve in the following areas: Homeland Security, Search & Rescue, Environmental Protection, Maritime Law Enforcement, Aids To Navigation and much more. You are reserved for when you are needed to serve. Being in the Reserve keeps you near home. However that is not always a guarantee. A friend of mine who is in the Coast Guard Reserve is currently serving overseas. If I were you I would join the Coast Guard Reserve. That way you can still go about your business and only have to go for training once a month. But be aware that if you join either one you will have to endure Boot Camp which can last for up to 3 months. I am not totally sure of the time. You can go on the Coast Guard Website which is www.gocoastguard.com for more information. Or you can call 1-877-NOW-USCG. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Service members in the Active Duty Coast Guard live on a USCG base and it is their full-time "job."

CG Reservists live at home, and only go to a base on one weekend per month and for two weeks per year to drill; it's a less-than-part-time "job."

You're more likely to get deployed if you serve Active Duty, and you get more benefits (education, etc) from serving Active Duty.