Vantaggi
Without a doubt one of the best reasons to work for the Coast Guard as either a military person or civilian is the variety of missions focused on saving lives and protecting America. Even if you aren't part of a rescue team, your job usually supports missions that most would consider noble and you feel proud to be part of that. Secondly, the people in the Coast Guard of some of the best I have ever met. Hard committed workers, respectful to others, with high integrity. This provides the ingredients for a great working environment. Pay and benefits for Reservists is excellent with access to low cost health care and access to all military facilities.
Svantaggi
Active Duty personnel are required to change positions and move usually every 2 to 4 years. Reservists may have to drive to or fly to a duty station far from home, but the Command is usually flexible on when drills are performed in these instances. The service has become more similar to the other armed services since 2001 and has lost some of the goodhearted nature it used to have.