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Any Coast Gaurd Guys here...??? Recruiters
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Member Posts: 168,427 ✭
My son is thinking about a career in the Coast Guard but he'd like to get his degree and go in as an officer. I just got off the phone with a Coast Guard recruiter and he informed me that it is almost impossible for a civilian with a bachelors degree to get into the Coast Guard as an officer. He said that they have so many prior service folks from other branches of the military joining, that they give preference to them (knowing that they have a proven track record) over civilian candidates. Does anyone out there know if there is any truth to that?
He said that there were two options for my son to join as an officer. One was the DCO program, where he goes through another branch of the service's ROTC program and then joins the Coast Guard...or if he enlists as an enlisted man and works on getting his degree while active duty...then after reaching the rank of E-5 and being active for 4 years, he can go to OCS.
Any of you recruiters out there know if this is true...or what opportunities are really available for someone who wants to join as an officer???? I'd like to see my son earn his degree now and get it over with...rather than trying to come back and do it at a latter date (and this is what he'd like to do as well). Life/responsibilities can sometimes have a way of getting in the way of achieving these goals down the road.
I'd appreciate ya'lls input...if you have any valid information to share. [:)]
He said that there were two options for my son to join as an officer. One was the DCO program, where he goes through another branch of the service's ROTC program and then joins the Coast Guard...or if he enlists as an enlisted man and works on getting his degree while active duty...then after reaching the rank of E-5 and being active for 4 years, he can go to OCS.
Any of you recruiters out there know if this is true...or what opportunities are really available for someone who wants to join as an officer???? I'd like to see my son earn his degree now and get it over with...rather than trying to come back and do it at a latter date (and this is what he'd like to do as well). Life/responsibilities can sometimes have a way of getting in the way of achieving these goals down the road.
I'd appreciate ya'lls input...if you have any valid information to share. [:)]
Comments
Any idea why he is looking at the Coast Guard?
Aren't they pretty much ambulance drivers or LEO's anymore?
Brad Steele
Contact your Senators' offices about an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy. An Academy grad will typically have better luck at getting his desired designator (Officer MOS) than an OCS candidate.
Any idea why he is looking at the Coast Guard?
Aren't they pretty much ambulance drivers or LEO's anymore?
I don't believe they have an Academy Don. The Coast Guard protects our coastal borders. They also serve under the authority of the Dept of the Navy during a time of war. We have Coast Guard vessels in the Middle East right now.
There are some pretty neat job opportunities in the Coast Guard. He wants to serve our country. I like the idea that they are more focused on the Continental US and our Territories, than they are on the rest of the world. Some folks forget that they are in fact a branch of our military.
http://www.uscga.edu/?gclid=COvjt47bq6cCFc9w5QodUFfOCg
I don't believe they have an Academy Don. The Coast Guard protects our coastal borders. They also serve under the authority of the Dept of the Navy during a time of war. We have Coast Guard vessels in the Middle East right now.
There are some pretty neat job opportunities in the Coast Guard. He wants to serve our country. I like the idea that they are more focused on the Continental US and our Territories, than they are on the rest of the world. Some folks forget that they are in fact a branch of our military.
Mud-puppies still have an Academy, Eric.
http://www.uscga.edu
Edit:
I have a cousin who graduated from the USCGA and flies helicopters. Has been stationed all over the country, including stints in Alaska, Florida and flew rescue missions during the Katrina rescue phase.
He has made a career of it. He loves it, and his family seems to love it. Seems to me to be a highly political career-track, but I guess most military positions at O-5 and above are political in some sense.
I considered it, just to spend a summer on the Eagle. Decided, rightly for me I think, to go Navy ROTC.
Brad Steele
one thing you said:
"if he enlists as an enlisted man and works on getting his degree while active duty...then after reaching the rank of E-5 and being active for 4 years, he can go to OCS"
in my opinion, probably the best way to go. he'll be getting paid, and he probably won't have to pay much if anything for college, so no debts accumulated there. he'll have free life and health insurance, which are comforting. plus, he'll already have a taste of the military life and some experience when he does go officer.
edit: if he's going to be a pilot, enlisted probably wouldn't help him as much as it would if he went in as some other MOS.
It would be an honorable career. Might not hurt to have him contact the nearest CG base, and talk with the officer in command there. Might even get to go out on a patrol or two. Recruiters mean well, but they don't tell the whole story.
Good for him! I wish him well.
quote:Originally posted by ECC
I don't believe they have an Academy Don. The Coast Guard protects our coastal borders. They also serve under the authority of the Dept of the Navy during a time of war. We have Coast Guard vessels in the Middle East right now.
There are some pretty neat job opportunities in the Coast Guard. He wants to serve our country. I like the idea that they are more focused on the Continental US and our Territories, than they are on the rest of the world. Some folks forget that they are in fact a branch of our military.
Mud-puppies still have an Academy, Eric.
http://www.uscga.edu
Edit:
I have a cousin who graduated from the USCGA and flies helicopters. Has been stationed all over the country, including stints in Alaska, Florida and flew rescue missions during the Katrina rescue phase.
He has made a career of it. He loves it, and his family seems to love it. Seems to me to be a highly political career-track, but I guess most military positions at O-5 and above are political in some sense.
I considered it, just to spend a summer on the Eagle. Decided, rightly for me I think, to go Navy ROTC.
My son is looking at the possibility of becoming a helicopter pilot as well.
My son is looking at the possibility of becoming a helicopter pilot as well.
USCG Pilots land on some of the smallest ships that take copters, Eric. No matter what anyone says about the USCG, landing a Seahawk on a 200' boat takes a pair and then some.
Brad Steele
Contact your Senators' offices about an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy. An Academy grad will typically have better luck at getting his desired designator (Officer MOS) than an OCS candidate.
Any idea why he is looking at the Coast Guard?
Aren't they pretty much ambulance drivers or LEO's anymore?
Hey Don, it says on the Academy's website that Congressional nomination is no longer required for the CG. Is it something that you would do anyway? Would it help him get his foot in the door? Thanks!
Hey Don, it says on the Academy's website that Congressional nomination is no longer required for the CG. Is it something that you would do anyway? Would it help him get his foot in the door? Thanks!
I have no idea, Eric.
I believe it was a requirement when I was considering it, and I believe my cousin got a Senatorial recommendation/nomination. I would certainly suggest he write the three letters.
Brad Steele
quote:Originally posted by ECC
They may get made fun of but many of them have a real world mission everyday. They don't just go somewhere and train.
The application process (from experience) to any of the Academies is 2-prong. First, you have to send in a pre-Candidate Questionaire which is probably done online now. If you're not screened out by that, they'll send you an application to the school. The second prong involves the application process to the politicians. Apply to ALL of them including the Vice President, both U.S. Senators, and your U.S. Representative. Each person has a certain number of people they can nominate. 10 people per slot that is open for each academy. It all depends on how many graduated, dropped out, or got kicked out the previous year from that politician's pool of people that they nominated previously who were given the appointment. In other words, there may be 1 slot or 3 slots for your Congressional district. 10 nominations per slot. Once you get your nomination, you're competing against the other 9 for the appointment. If one of those 10 is being recruited as an athlete, hang it up. You're not getting it.
My brother was offered appointment to West Point and the Naval Academy and I was offered appointment to West Point.
The Coast Guard is like the Air Force.
It's a low-impact ride. [;)]
Tell that to these guys
http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/tacletsouth/
My brother was one of them. He's as Bad-* as they come.
The Coast Guard Academy is the most competitive academy for entrance. It's tougher than the other 3. Fewer seats and average SAT/ACT scores are higher than the other academies -- as are previous GPA's. The percentage of CGA entrants who were valedictorians, class presidents, etc. is astounding.
They may get made fun of but many of them have a real world mission everyday. They don't just go somewhere and train.
The application process (from experience) to any of the Academies is 2-prong. First, you have to send in a pre-Candidate Questionaire which is probably done online now. If you're not screened out by that, they'll send you an application to the school. The second prong involves the application process to the politicians. Apply to ALL of them including the Vice President, both U.S. Senators, and your U.S. Representative. Each person has a certain number of people they can nominate. 10 people per slot that is open for each academy. It all depends on how many graduated, dropped out, or got kicked out the previous year from that politician's pool of people that they nominated previously who were given the appointment. In other words, there may be 1 slot or 3 slots for your Congressional district. 10 nominations per slot. Once you get your nomination, you're competing against the other 9 for the appointment. If one of those 10 is being recruited as an athlete, hang it up. You're not getting it.
My brother was offered appointment to West Point and the Naval Academy and I was offered appointment to West Point.
Thanks for the info Ids!
They may get made fun of but many of them have a real world mission everyday. They don't just go somewhere and train.
Excellent point.
Being a Marine Infantryman, I made as many Coasty jokes as anyone....but, honestly I spent more time drinking and playing Halo than actually doing my job.
Coasties earn their pay, no doubt about it.
Check out this video:
For those who think being in the coast guard is a piece of cake try going out with them in rough seas. I was out once with them and the seas was so rough that the entire bow of the ship was going under water. I was more than glad when we made it back to port. They sure made fun of this Recon Marine but I was a little scared when the entire bow disappeared .[:D]
Check out this video:
[:D] That'd have me puckered up tight!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI1AWCA6340
quote:Originally posted by ECC
quote:Originally posted by MMOMEQ-55
For those who think being in the coast guard is a piece of cake try going out with them in rough seas. I was out once with them and the seas was so rough that the entire bow of the ship was going under water. I was more than glad when we made it back to port. They sure made fun of this Recon Marine but I was a little scared when the entire bow disappeared .[:D]
Check out this video:
[:D] That'd have me puckered up tight!
I thought you were a paratrooper?
If so.....what happened?
Nothing...but I do have a healthy respect for the ocean. I've been out in some rough seas on relatively small boats. It's not too bad when you are way out there. The scary part is when you are coming back in...and you are near land like these guys were.
I reckon I've spent enough time in and under whitewater to have a healthy respect for it. [;)]
quote:Originally posted by ECC
quote:Originally posted by dano
quote:Originally posted by ECC
quote:Originally posted by MMOMEQ-55
For those who think being in the coast guard is a piece of cake try going out with them in rough seas. I was out once with them and the seas was so rough that the entire bow of the ship was going under water. I was more than glad when we made it back to port. They sure made fun of this Recon Marine but I was a little scared when the entire bow disappeared .[:D]
Check out this video:
[:D] That'd have me puckered up tight!
I thought you were a paratrooper?
If so.....what happened?
Nothing...but I do have a healthy respect for the ocean. I've been out in some rough seas on relatively small boats. It's not too bad when you are way out there. The scary part is when you are coming back in...and you are near land like these guys were.
I reckon I've spent enough time in and under whitewater to have a healthy respect for it. [;)]
I'm thinkin you've gone soft. [:X]
Turn-in your jump wings and hang your head in shame. [:(]
Watch your tongue boy...don't make me jump through this screen! [}:)]
Know many Marine and Army would not be able to cut it with this group.
These are the Guys you are seeing in the Youtube rolling their ship on Purpose.
If he can get into a 4 year state school, apply for ROTC and go that route. There is nothing like the college experience, nothing like waking up at 5 am on Tuesday and Thursday either. [;)]
He will need to fill out an application for ROTC. It is about 10 pages, Army and Air Force both required essays, 3 letters of recommendation, good grades, extracurricular activities. If you pass that, then a medical exam and medical history. If all that is completed, a ROTC scholarship maybe offered. Or they will ask him to join ROTC with no money. If he does well, there maybe a scholarship after his freshman or sophomore years.
quote:Originally posted by Don McManus
Contact your Senators' offices about an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy. An Academy grad will typically have better luck at getting his desired designator (Officer MOS) than an OCS candidate.
Any idea why he is looking at the Coast Guard?
Aren't they pretty much ambulance drivers or LEO's anymore?
I don't believe they have an Academy Don. The Coast Guard protects our coastal borders. They also serve under the authority of the Dept of the Navy during a time of war. We have Coast Guard vessels in the Middle East right now.
There are some pretty neat job opportunities in the Coast Guard. He wants to serve our country. I like the idea that they are more focused on the Continental US and our Territories, than they are on the rest of the world. Some folks forget that they are in fact a branch of our military.
Without even thinking....New London, Connecticut. I grew up 10 miles from it.
That's the minimum height requirement.
Just in case the ship sinks, he can walk back to shore.
Being an old blue water sailor I couldn't resist poking fun at a future shallow water sailor.[:D][:D]
Is your son at least 6' tall?
That's the minimum height requirement.
Just in case the ship sinks, he can walk back to shore.
Being an old blue water sailor I couldn't resist poking fun at a future shallow water sailor.[:D][:D]
Well, at least you didn't call them puddle pirates. [:D]
Eric, He has nothing to lose by trying to get into the academy. He needs to get started on his qualifications right pretty quick if he goes that route. I think they have a fairly young age requirement. If he needs a prep school he might max out on the age.
Competition for the academy is fierce. Competition among E-5s is even more so.
Admissions page.
The Coast Guard has its own Academy. Like the other service academies, it is a 4 year college. It is located in New London, Ct. It is considered one of the best schools in the world for Marine Engineering, but offers other majors as well. A liberal Arts school it is not.
Unlike the other service academies, admission is not by congressional or senatorial appointment. Entrance is obtained only by competitive examination. For more information please log on to the official US Coast Guard site. It will amaze you!
Eric
Have him talk to an Army recruiter to get the information on what it takes to become a helicopter pilot. It is a long drawn out and tough process now days. If you are chosen for flight school. It is Basic training, Warrant Officer school, Then to Ft Rucker for more test and training before you ever get to sit in the seat of a trainer helicopter. If he has the right stuff the Army is the easiest route to becoming an Officer, helicopter pilot and gain tons of experience all in one hitch. Then it should be easy to get into the Coast Guard if that is his wish.
My best friends son is career Coast Guard. He is currently O-5 and was just informed he would not be eligible for promotion after 18 years with a perfect record. His dad says due to Obama's promoting lesser qualified officers of the black persuasion. [:(!]
That's not an Obama program. It goes back to Lyndon B. Johnson and it's called the "Equal Opportunity Program".
Even if he didn't have the Equal Opportunity Program to overcome, more people don't get selected for Captain than do. Retiring as a Commander is a successful career. All but one get passed over at some point in their career. There is only one Commandant.
My best friends son is career Coast Guard. He is currently O-5 and was just informed he would not be eligible for promotion after 18 years with a perfect record. His dad says due to Obama's promoting lesser qualified officers of the black persuasion. [:(!]
Becoming a Captain in the USCG or the USN means either one is a true standout professionally or is a political animal that plays the game extremely well. As JamesRK has pointed out, the transition from O-5 to O-6 is not automatic, and requires much more than just a perfect record.
I personally would be surprised if race had much to do with him being passed over. It used to be a bigger factor than it is now, and has been replaced by sour grapes.
Brad Steele
I understand wanting to be an officer, and getting the college part done ASAP, but going enlisted doesn't entirely prevent that. Some MOS's even earn college credits just by completing tech school, as much as two years' worth of credits in some cases.
one thing you said:
"if he enlists as an enlisted man and works on getting his degree while active duty...then after reaching the rank of E-5 and being active for 4 years, he can go to OCS"
in my opinion, probably the best way to go. he'll be getting paid, and he probably won't have to pay much if anything for college, so no debts accumulated there. he'll have free life and health insurance, which are comforting. plus, he'll already have a taste of the military life and some experience when he does go officer.
edit: if he's going to be a pilot, enlisted probably wouldn't help him as much as it would if he went in as some other MOS.
BINGO!
to begin with, never-ever believe anything a military recruiter tells you or promises you. They will do almost anything to fulfil their recruiting quotas. If you want the straight "skinnie" about entering the military or one of the service academies, simply look up their offidial sites on the internet...but don't believe the recruiter!
The Coast Guard has its own Academy. Like the other service academies, it is a 4 year college. It is located in New London, Ct. It is considered one of the best schools in the world for Marine Engineering, but offers other majors as well. A liberal Arts school it is not.
Unlike the other service academies, admission is not by congressional or senatorial appointment. Entrance is obtained only by competitive examination. For more information please log on to the official US Coast Guard site. It will amaze you!
You are correct about the Coast Guard Academy not requiring a nomination. It's been awhile since I applied to all the academies and, if memory serves me correctly, I needed a nomination in the early 90's. Then again, I could be completely wrong.
However, my friend, I can't speak for Navy, Air Force, USMC, or Coast Guard Recruiters. However, I was an Army recruiter for 4 years and I never lied to an applicant -- not once. I would have been strung up by my nether-regions by my Commander and would have been beat within an inch of my life -- an inch that I would have lost when I hit the ground. Lying may have worked back in the 60's and 70's but it doesn't work today for a host of reasons I won't delve into.
I may have gotten the Coast Guard Academy bit wrong regarding nominations, but you struck out severely in the recruiter department.
quote:Originally posted by swopjan
I understand wanting to be an officer, and getting the college part done ASAP, but going enlisted doesn't entirely prevent that. Some MOS's even earn college credits just by completing tech school, as much as two years' worth of credits in some cases.
one thing you said:
"if he enlists as an enlisted man and works on getting his degree while active duty...then after reaching the rank of E-5 and being active for 4 years, he can go to OCS"
in my opinion, probably the best way to go. he'll be getting paid, and he probably won't have to pay much if anything for college, so no debts accumulated there. he'll have free life and health insurance, which are comforting. plus, he'll already have a taste of the military life and some experience when he does go officer.
edit: if he's going to be a pilot, enlisted probably wouldn't help him as much as it would if he went in as some other MOS.
BINGO!
I think I earned somewhere around 24 semester hours of college during my Army career. I had 171 semester hours when I received my BA. I received some Marketing semester hours upon completion of the Recruiter course and some Criminal Justice hours when I completed the CID Special Agent course. I got out of some nutrition or physical education requirement because of Basic Training. I can't remember the rest but it was somewhere around the 24 semester hour mark. I've taken around a dozen courses over the last 2 years and the Army paid for all of it so I could complete my BA. I still have the GI Bill. I might do something fun and interesting at a Vo Tech school or something like that after I retire in 6 years. I turned down the officer route. I have family that did that and am intimately familiar with both sides of the house. No thanks. I don't need higher retirement pay that badly.