[alaskamiller]

I was a Marine combat engineer veteran and then a reservist and a recruiter for a bit of time.

You're jumping the gun on a lot of things. Military benefits, especially for a reservist, isn't as cheery and rosey as you're picturing it.

For example VA loans are only given to veterans, the same goes for the health insurance coverage.

In addition, I find it somewhat disingenuous that people (this might not apply to you, feel free to email me to say I'm a pompous douche) are interested in the military, to only want the benefits but not the burden that few carry.

[potrerohill]

I don't have a problem with that criticism. I posed the question the way I did because I thought I'd get better feedback. Mentioning the "serve my country" part of the decision has caused a lot of crazy arguments for me in real life, so I left that part out.

[alaskamiller]

Serving your country by enlisting in the military is not a very popular topic especially in the SF bay area.

It's a big commitment, active or reserve. My only advice to you is that if you do this you do it for the right reasons and think of the benefits that you do accrue as bonuses, but don't expect them.

Talk with a coast guard recruiter and find out exactly what you are or are not eligible for. If you do sign a contract make sure you read it multiple times and that whatever you discussed with your recruiter is listed on that contract right there and then.

Edit: Coast guard boot camp is pretty demanding -- more so than Navy or Army. Unlike Marine boot camp, I've heard it focuses more on practical skillsets than just strict discipline and marksmenship. If you enjoy maritime activities, you will definitely find the challenge rewarding.

[HeyLaughingBoy]

I'm not a veteran, but in High School I did attend a summer program at the Coast Guard academy that was aimed at Juniors who wanted to become engineers. The USCG is tough. The academy (I know, you're entering as a reservist, not active duty, but the concept holds) prides themselves on being militarily the toughest of all the academies. Since a large percentage of the kids in the program applied to the Academy later, they always put you through one day in the life of a 'swab' (freshman cadet) and it ain't easy. I didn't enter the Guard, but did go to Merchant Marine school after that and it was cake compared to what New London would have been.

Being a Coastie looks like a rewarding, challenging life, but it ain't gonna be easy!

[potrerohill]

Thanks for your reply. I am very interested in maritime activities. One project I did a while back involved nautical electronics and I was supremely envious of the people who actually got to go out to sea for testing.

By the way, here is the article where I learned about the Patriot Express loan:

http://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/49297/

[alaskamiller]

That's administered by another agency, not the VA. The barrier for that is much less -- not that that's not a fun thing to do anyways.

For what it's worth I really enjoyed my bitter time in the military, it influences every single aspect of my life. Once you cross over you'll the world in a different light. A lot of the vets here on YC apparently don't share what I feel. Like a poker game it's all about the cards you're dealt with and trying to make the best of it.

[sethg]

...also note that an enlistment contract is governed by military rather than civilian law, so you should probably go over the contract with a lawyer who knows that branch of the law.