how does the Coast Guard work?

Question

I wanted to know what are the chances of you getting deployed to Iraq or other places in the Mid-East if you are in the Coast Guard? Because I heard about the DOG (deployable operations group) how does this work?

Answer 1

A big part of it depends on your specialty and what kind of unit you are assigned to. I hear Port Security Units (all reserve units) go over quite a bit, and some cutters (Coast Guard ships) do, also.

If you are assigned to a cutter, you're more likely to see the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, or Carribean.

If you are working in a mission area that does not have an involvement in the war overseas, like Marine Safety, there is little chance of being assigned in Iraq or Kuwait, unless you volunteer for such duty.

Answer 2

The Coast Guard is in charge of port security in Iraq. So, your chances of being deployed are quite good.

Answer 3

The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security. Currently, there are forces deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (a few cutters and some shore side port security personnel).

The deployable operations group is a new concept for supporting all Coast Guard missions, not just defense readiness.

All the Coast Guardsmen serving in combat theaters requested that service. It's actually competitive to obtain orders.