Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/US Coast Guard enlistment

Advertisement

Expert: Howard Lorenz - 3/1/2010


Question
My sister has just enlisted in the US Coast Guard Reserve.  She had previously done 4 years in the Air Force.  Now she is being told because she only did 4 years and not 4 years and 1 day she is not entitled to the 'added rank.'  She was originally told she would be an O3E, now they have changed it to O3.  Can you help me out?

Answer
have her look at her DD214. if the DD 214 says 4 years and 1 Day then they have to give her credit for 4 years 1 day. But the regulation that they go by may be preventing her with E rating. I would ask them to see the basis in why they made that determination. With the economy the way that it is, it might be easier to rectify after she get in. There is some signigant difference in pay, but what ever the problem is, is alot easier to fix once you are on the same side of the fence. The Coast Guard has the upper hand at present, unless she wants to explore a different branch of service who may give her the E rating... Like the Air Force Reserve perhaps? I know that there is some differences between the branches and not all ranks transfer.

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Howard Lorenz

Expertise

I have spent the past 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, 3 years was assigned as an Enlisted Accessions Recruiter. I have been deployed various times to several locations. If it is a career in the military you are looking for or thinking about I most likely have the answer. I still have contacts with in the recruiting field and if I don't know the answer then I have folks who do where I can find the answer. I am very blunt and straight forward and will make no attempts to BS you. I will give you the best information that I possible can can. If you think that you cant handle the answer that I give you, then don't ask the question...... If you are planning on joining the military, your number 1 decision factor in making this kind of move is that you need to be more concerned about serving your country than your country serving you!! All the benefits are the best that you can find. Education is at a premium right now and its the most rewarding thing that you can do. If I dont answer right away probably means that I am busy, but have patience, I will get to you.

Experience

Air Force Recruiter for 3 years, Air Force Career 21 Years

Organizations
Veterans of Foreign Wars

Education/Credentials
Community College of the Air Force, International Air Academy, Allied Business Schools, Embry Riddle Aeronautical College, Defense Acquisition University

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.