r/uscg • u/itsmewiththeface218 • 2d ago
Coastie Question EOE/SILO/FTORS Help
Hello there. I have a question regarding my current situation and could use some advice or insight if anyone here has been in a similar position. I really appreciate the USCG and will always respect the service and mission, but long term, it’s not for me. I joined with this in mind - I joined with the understanding (perhaps a false understanding) that there wouldn’t be a hassle to do my 4 active and separate (knowing that I still have the 4 years left of the inactive reserve). I ended up being vested right out of bootcamp to a MSST, which, for my rate, is a 3 year billet. With that established, I am supposed to PCS this next summer as my 3 years will be coming to an end. My understanding is that I will have to obligate more time to the CG in conjunction with accepting those PCS orders; a minimum of 2 years from what I’m told. If not, then the other option is the FTORS/SILO route which leaves me at the mercy of being kicked out in 30 days, PCS anyways till my current EOE (September 2028), or stay at current unit till EOE. I will be shooting for an extension at my unit for 1 year which would align with my current EOE, and my command told me they will do what they can to push for that, but I know there is no guarantee. My question is twofold: A) is my understanding of how this plays out correct? If not, could someone clear it up for me? B) do I have any clear options to fulfill my current contract and separate within the timeline of my current EOE besides the extension? Or, if the extension doesn’t get approved, am I basically at the point of obligating more time as the only option. I don’t want to have to obliserve and extend my contract, but I also have no intention of getting a negative discharge when I do separate, or lose out on the GI Bill benefits. I want to serve well and work hard for the time I have left, but in all honesty, I don’t LOVE the CG - I am already 27 and would like to move onto the career path that I do believe I will enjoy more in the long run. And if possible, I’d like to not have to stay in longer than I have to. I hope I am wording this okay, I apologize for any naiveness. Thank you in advance.
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u/Bob_snows Recruit 2d ago
I have seen this scenario played out a few different ways… and the answer is it depends on what the service needs, your rating health, and your unit needs. You don’t have to sign anything or obligate to anything that you don’t want to do. Sounds like you will have a year left on your contract when you get your next set of orders. You can refuse those orders and could get Silo. I have seen people try and use silo to get out of their last year and sometimes they get it and other times they keep you for that year. It might be at your current unit, the unit on your next set of orders, or some other unit that is in need of a body. The coast guard is going to take whatever action is best for them. I’ve seen them send someone who had 8months left on their contract to an overseas cutter billet that was critical fill. There are some time requirements for the GI bill, but I think you are fully vested after 2 years. Hope this helps. Good luck.
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u/OGOngoGablogian 2d ago
A SILO for someone with 4 years TIS is almost a guaranteed denial. Your understanding of obligated service is correct. Refusal to obligate service for a PCS leaves PSC with 3 options: 1. PCS you anyway and have you serve out the end of your contract at your new unit (not super likely unless the billet is critical, this is costly to the CG), 2. Allow you to serve out your contract at your current unit, or 3. Separate you within 30 days. It's really difficult to say which of these scenarios is most likely. However, you would still receive an honorable discharge, and I think still be able to use the GI Bill (I can't remember if that requires 2 years or 4 years of service). You will be able to file for disability and still have access to VA healthcare.
Have you considered doing a TEMPSEP? I don't recall the exact requirements for it, and the big caveat is that you can't use your GI Bill during it. But it would allow you to take up to 2 years away from the CG with the option to come back in at your current rate and pay grade. Admittedly I don't know a lot about the details, but it could be a good option for you to see if the grass is greener, and it might have the added benefit of allowing a new billet to open up that you might find amenable. Worth exploring.