Coast Guard Reserves question.

[deadcoyote]

I am considering attempting to get into the Coast Guard Reserves. How long is the initial training to get started. I'm full time employed as an LEO, I'm also a bit worried how my department will react if I inform them of my intentions. Any advice for how to present it in a positive light to my employer?

[Snoopy47]

Are you done with FTO and under the union umbrella? If so then I think they would have little recourse.

The federal law protects those wanting to serve in the reserves, and they would basically have to hold your job open, or one of comparable salary and give you both a position back, and any raises associated with it.

Now, you are only protected for 5 years of cumulative time away from your job. If you end up being deployed for 6 years (example) then your employer starts to have recourse to give you the boot. Just keep that in mind if the reserve is a long term commitment and if you have the same employer over that time.

It looks like the coast guard is 2 months of basic and then how ever long your MOS training will take.

So you could be looking at 6 months to more than a year. Or as little as 4 months if you have a short MOS school.

[Snoopy47]

recommendation: I would recommend you go in to speak with your employer about it AND have in hand the federal law.

My boss said it was a no go, and then I spoke with HR and I had the federal law in my hand, and changed their tune.

[Snoopy47]

Here's your ammo to have in case your employer is oblivious

CHAPTER 43--EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OF MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES

Title 38, United States Code

http://www.dol.gov/vets/usc/vpl/usc38.htm#4312

section 4312 is the good stuff

[deadcoyote]

I'm way past FTO, have over a decade in. My only issue would be I was promoted 8 months ago so I'm still on probation RE: my current rank. Thanks for the input.