If I recall reservists went to boot camp how did you skip that process and what is a communicator
I used the term “communicator” in the generic sense.
As a 20 year old, I was about to be drafted with a Vietnam destination, so I joined the Air National Guard. I served 6 years as a Comm Center Specialist. Was out of the military for almost 5 years, then I investigated joining the CG reserve. All military at that time, and at all times uses the same communications system. The only skill unique to the Coast Guard radioman rating at the time was Morse code. Since I had 20 wpm skills via amateur radio, they were able to enlist me into that rate.
My function on weekends was search and rescue watch stander, and as a reservist I would come in and take the watch for the regular CG person. I was very fortunate that rather than sit around or train constantly, I had a weekend job, 12 hours on Saturday, and 8 hours on Sunday. I even slept Saturday night at the base so that I could get more rest.
My job was to stay alert monitoring the hf and vhf emergency channels, send and receive message traffic between units, and to communicate with vessels in distress, helicopters, small boats, and help coordinate rescues in that manner.
Was an interesting job, but stressful, so when I got my time in, I ended my career. I am grateful for the experience, and that I got to meet some wonderful people!
I never went to CG boot camp, never had a swim test and served for 14.5 years as a reservist. Got my basic military training from the Air Force.