California State Guard - formerly the CSMR

[RHT447]

Started out with the 102nd Bn in Orovile in 1983. Finished out as CO of the 115th Troop Command Support Bn in Roseville in 2001. Hope the current political climate doesn't FUBAR the whole thing.

[CrazyCobraManTim]

Agreed Sir! I'd like to believe that volunteer work at the SMR & Maritime Support Command transcends political affiliations, but seeing elected officials decline to have their picture in front of the US Flag (or even the city, county or State they represent) speaks volumes of pandering to a constituency that feels less than inclined to support Old Glory and what she stands for. That is a sad statement to make on this Memorial Day....

[jmsenk]

In July I will have been with the CSMR for one year and I just wanted to post on here to briefly share a bit of my experience with them for anyone who might be considering joining.

The soldiers that I work with in the CSMR motivate me more than I could say. Most of them are great people with a good mix of prior service and law enforcement/emergency medical/Firefighter personnel along side the guys who work in business or retail or finance and come in to serve on the weekends. They enjoy training and actively want to learn. More over, they're good at what they do.

I went through a CLS course put on by the CSMR last November. I have gone through a lot of CLS courses during my time on active duty (never in the guard, oddly enough) and this one was one of the best that I have done. It was very well run with subject matter experts giving excellent hands on training over a three day period, culminating in a practical exercise. The course was run by the CSMR, but the students came from the Cali Guard and the Army reserves as well - to include an entire platoon who bussed down from somewhere farther north for the 3 day class. The CSMR personnel on site impressed everyone.

In my one year with the CSMR I have gotten more range time and burned more ammo than I did in the National Guard. I am part of the Installation Support Command SECFOR company, so qualifying and arming up is part of our day to day mission, but we have a large number of individual augmentees who we train on weapons and qualify in order to assist us when our numbers are low, and these guys come from a variety of units - shooting a lot of ammo on the state's dime.

The people are good, the training is there to be had, and the experience is what you make of it. If you miss serving (as I did) and you want a rewarding experience, I would recommend checking it out. Coming in from a prior service background you will be able to have a direct and immediate influence on whatever unit you go to and will serve to enhance their training from the start.

It takes some time and a commitment, but I don't think you would regret it.

[DonFerrando]

In July I will have been with the CSMR for one year and I just wanted to post on here to briefly share a bit of my experience with them for anyone who might be considering joining.

The soldiers that I work with in the CSMR motivate me more than I could say. Most of them are great people with a good mix of prior service and law enforcement/emergency medical/Firefighter personnel along side the guys who work in business or retail or finance and come in to serve on the weekends. They enjoy training and actively want to learn. More over, they're good at what they do.

I went through a CLS course put on by the CSMR last November. I have gone through a lot of CLS courses during my time on active duty (never in the guard, oddly enough) and this one was one of the best that I have done. It was very well run with subject matter experts giving excellent hands on training over a three day period, culminating in a practical exercise. The course was run by the CSMR, but the students came from the Cali Guard and the Army reserves as well - to include an entire platoon who bussed down from somewhere farther north for the 3 day class. The CSMR personnel on site impressed everyone.

In my one year with the CSMR I have gotten more range time and burned more ammo than I did in the National Guard. I am part of the Installation Support Command SECFOR company, so qualifying and arming up is part of our day to day mission, but we have a large number of individual augmentees who we train on weapons and qualify in order to assist us when our numbers are low, and these guys come from a variety of units - shooting a lot of ammo on the state's dime.

The people are good, the training is there to be had, and the experience is what you make of it. If you miss serving (as I did) and you want a rewarding experience, I would recommend checking it out. Coming in from a prior service background you will be able to have a direct and immediate influence on whatever unit you go to and will serve to enhance their training from the start.

It takes some time and a commitment, but I don't think you would regret it.

Excellent, thank you for the summary!

[nevets]

Question for CrazyCobraManTim...

I just got the ALCON a couple days ago and it looks like the state has officially stood up the Maritime unit and will be recruiting soon. I know that OPSEC is a factor, but can you give us any details on missions, MOS's, training, etc...

I might be filling out the interest card soon, but want to find out as much as I can first and I'm sure a lot of the guys reading this thread do too. Thanks for the help!

[CrazyCobraManTim]

Well - there are a number of missions being considered and discussed. Like the Guard - it will have both military and civil support missions. But we will likely do some additional things beyond what the CANG current does. I don't want to publicly state any of the items being discussed, as some might not come to pass. And I don't want to dash anyone's hopes.

If you are interested - I'd recommend you still go through the link, state your desire to learn more, and input your skill sets. The CAPT & team will be going thru all candidates.

Happy 4th!!!

[CrazyCobraManTim]

FYI - the state Officially activated the California Maritime
regiment aboard the USS Hornet several weeks Ago. NOW is
The time for Sailors, coast guard and Marines to consider
Service. 4 to 100 in a month!!


Oohrah / Hooyah!!

[nuocmua]

Yes Sir!

Now is the time to consider Service with the California Maritime Regiment. Here at the units in NorCal we are offering training and certification in OPSEC, Maritime operation and security skills and soon Cybersecurity

We are in search of those Ready to Serve!

Hooyah!

FYI - the state Officially activated the California Maritime
regiment aboard the USS Hornet several weeks Ago. NOW is
The time for Sailors, coast guard and Marines to comsider
Service. 4 to 100 in a month!!


Oohrah / Hooyah!!

[anavaet]

Benefits

Yes Sir!

Now is the time to consider Service with the California Maritime Regiment. Here at the units in NorCal we are offering training and certification in OPSEC, Maritime operation and security skills and soon Cybersecurity

We are in search of those Ready to Serve!

Hooyah!

Since this is a volunteer program, what benefits are there to the state reservists i.e. VA home loans, GI Bill, USAA?

[amishfarmer]

Sooo since I've retired USAF I've been looking for a job where I can serve and part of something bigger than myself again. Is there any opportunities for a retired E-6 Aircraft Mechanic?

[E Pluribus Unum]

Since this is a volunteer program, what benefits are there to the state reservists i.e. VA home loans, GI Bill, USAA?

You should join the SMR for the notion of selfless service and nothing more because the hours are long, and most of it is on your own dime.

That being said, there are full time State Active Duty billets. There are paid missions. Many of the benefits given to CalGuard soldiers are given to us. College tuition assistance after 2 years; veteran home loans after 6 years, USAA membership, 10% discount at Home Depot, but none of that compares to the notion that you do your job better than those that are paid a lot more. If you join with the idea that you are going to get more than you put in, then you wont be happy.

Sooo since I've retired USAF I've been looking for a job where I can serve and part of something bigger than myself again. Is there any opportunities for a retired E-6 Aircraft Mechanic?

There are all KINDS of opportunities. THIS is the attitude one must have. THIS is the type of Airman, Soldier, or Sailor the CSMR is looking for.

I'm not in recruiting, and don't quote me, but depending on how long it's been since you ETS'd, you can probably keep your E6 rank... might lose a grade, but you wont be coming in as an E3, I promise you.

If you need a recruiter PM me.

[CrazyCobraManTim]

Farmer / Flight - of course there is! The SMR has an Air Component, and though we don't get to wrench or safety-wire GE or P&W engines, there are still valuable missions for our airmen to accomplish alongside the ANG. PM me your email, and I can put you in contact with the team in NorCal who can tell you more. BTW - our Deputy Commander for the SMR is a retired USAF 1-star, so there is blue influence at HQ. You'd be able to keep virtually all your ABU and dress uniforms. Just a couple minor changes as per the Dept of the AF regs require of us.

[amishfarmer]

Sent you PM

[CrazyCobraManTim]

Farmer, thanks - I've replied to your PM and send the email. Check your inbox.

S/F,

Tim

[epbrown1967]

Hello! Is there a POC for Santa Barbara area?
Thank you!