How to Switch From the Coast Guard to the Coast Guard Reserve
The United States Coast Guard is the agency within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for guarding the maritime approaches to the United States. The reserve component of the US Coast Guard is a key component of the agency's readiness and mission capabilities. The Coast Guard Reserve can be a difficult organization to join. Standards for acceptance are high, and not everyone can qualify. According to the official Coast Guard Reserve recruitment site, a recruit must possess a high school diploma, be between the ages of 17 and 35, and be a verifiable United States citizen. The Coast Guard Personnel Manual also specifies that there are physical requirements for joining the Coast Guard Reserve, and that even individuals switching from the Coast Guard to the Coast Guard Reserve may have to pass a physical examination.
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Things You'll Need
- Active duty discharge
- Discharge officer's recommendation
- Proof of citizenship
- Proof of physical examination within past year
- Positive work evaluations
Instructions
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Obtain discharge from the active duty Coast Guard by completing your initial enlistment term. Exceptions may be granted by the Coast Guard Commandant.
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Tell the discharge officer processing the discharge paperwork of your desire to transition directly to the Coast Guard Reserve.
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3
Obtain the discharge officer's recommendation to join the Coast Guard Reserve. This will be offered based on your personnel record.
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Present the discharge officer with your proof of United States citizenship, proof that a physical examination was taken within the past year, and positive work evaluations given by superiors during your most recent period of active service.
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5
Sign the re-enlistment paperwork inducting you into the Coast Guard Reserve.
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Tips & Warnings
Switching from the Coast Guard to the Coast Guard Reserve within one day of receiving a discharge will mean that the switch counts as a reenlistment with no break in service.
Securing recommendations from a district commander can expedite the reenlistment process.
Once you have received retirement orders, you may not reenlist in the Coast Guard Reserve.
Failure to make the switch to the reserves within 24 hours after receiving a discharge from the active Coast Guard will mean that you must pass a physical examination prior to enlistment in the Coast Guard Reserve.
Negative personnel actions during your last active duty enlistment period, including criminal prosecutions and documented poor conduct, may prevent a switch from the Coast Guard to the Coast Guard Reserve.
References
- Photo Credit red coast guard helicopter image by Xavier MARCHANT from Fotolia.com
