How did the World War II Temporary Reserve differ from todays Coast Guard Reserve?
First it must be understood that during World War II, virtually all men and women who enrolled in all the military services were active duty temporary Reservists. In other words, if one became an active duty Coast Guard officer as a result of, being a Reservist who was activated, enrolling, or being drafted, one’s billet during the war did not guarantee one a permanent place in the regular active duty Coast Guard after cessation of hostilities. One was temporary for the duration. However, those who became known in the Coast Guard as Temporary Reservists or TRs were volunteer part-time temporary Reservists who normally were on active duty 24 to 48 hours per week. During this time, they held all the powers of a full-time active duty Reservist and were credited with active duty hours. In June 1942, when the law was changed to allow part-time assignments, due to the German submarine threat, temporary Reservists were initially enrolled with or without pay on a full-time or part-time basis.
