RESERVIST MAGAZINE THE MORE YOU KNOW “TARRgetting” future recruits Last fall, the Coast Guard Recruiting Command activated 11 reservists as temporary assigned reserve recruiters, or TARRs, for six months (with the possibility of an extension). These members, all enlisted, were specifically working in major metropolitan areas, and completing outreach in various businesses to include colleges for prospective applicants for the Coast Guard Reserve. TARRs are solely focused on building the Reserve back to its authorized strength of 7,000. If they encounter a candidate interested in active duty, they pair the person with an active duty recruiter who will help them through the process. TARRs provide information on the benefits and programs available in the Coast Guard Reserve. Chief Petty Officer Autumn Majack was a TARR working in Seattle who also works closely with Port Security Unit 313. Majack left the Coast Guard after eight years of active duty to become a police officer. After 15 years, she joined the Reserve, serving at PSU 313 and Station Bellingham. In her duties as a TARR, Majack had been visiting law enforcement departments, colleges, and various businesses in and around the Seattle area. She gave a snapshot of some of TARR’s daily conversations: What’s the biggest benefit future reservists are thinking about? The biggest selling point for future reservists is the medical and dental benefits offered. We also usually talk about a retirement savings plan that can be earned, and the Forever GI Bill that can be used by the member or passed onto an immediate family member. What’s the #1 question people ask you at a recruiting event? Age limit. I often hear a potential applicant say they don’t consider the Reserve as an option because they’re too old, but we can take applicants up to 40 years old. If an applicant is slightly older with prior military service, they could be considered with an age waiver. What areas/fields are you recruiting in? All fields are being sought. We’re looking for working professionals who will bring their skills into the Reserve. College students have a great opportunity to have longevity and professional growth in the Reserve that will transfer to their new career after college. What ratings are you prioritizing? Currently, the most critical ratings for the Coast Guard Reserve are engineers (MK), maritime enforcement specialists (BM), and public affairs specialists (PA). What kind of bonuses are available? It depends on where the applicant is located, and the unit they’re interested in. The below list is what currently is available in the CG districts: • $2,000, any rating, any unit in D8, D9, D13 • $10,000, for PSUs 308, 309, 312, 313 for BM, ME or MK ratings • $5,000, PA, any district What’s the Everyone’s a Recruiter program, and what’s special about it? This is a great way for the Coast Guard to recognize our own members and how they advertise for the Coast Guard by word of mouth. Every time one of our members can get a possible applicant interested in the Coast Guard and apply, they will be recognized. This is a great program for our current reservists, active duty, retirees, Auxiliary, DoD members and civilian members, and there are different incentive levels. Depending on the referral and whether the applicant qualified to join or not, incentives range from coins and thank you letters, to positive page 3307s, letters of commendation and special liberty/time-off awards. The biggest thing to remember is when you refer an applicant, remind them to tell the recruiter about you. We value our members, and don’t want to miss out in recognizing them for their referral. � Editor’s note: As of print time, TARRs were located at the following cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, New Orleans, Detroit, Mobile, Vancouver, and Channel Islands. TARRs can be requested by calling these units; numbers are found by visiting gocoastguard. com and entering your zip code. 28 RESERVIST � Issue 1 • 2022 (ME), boatswain’s mates
