I've been a CI on several VGS's
All the comments on this thread have been accurate - don't underestimate the commitment levels required by the VGS. It's quite high - and if you're really involved it takes up evenings and holidays too...............
The winch launch VGS is manpower intensive and hard but rewarding work, the SL VGS is less manpower and more waiting around IMHO but enjoyable because I think more productive in terms of cadet throughput.
621Andy is correct - I'd still highly recommend it - as long as your family and employer are happy with you being out all the time :-0. 8 til 8 not an unusual day in the summer and 8 til dark in the winter..................
Arc