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AR15.COM
2/19/2003 10:51:46 AM EDT
So, I have 8 years active duty, and 6 years Guard time. I got out of active duty in 1993 due to cutbacks, and other bullshit. I proved to myself I can make it just fine on the outside, and am considering getting back in. I am seriously looking at the Coast Guard. Seems like they have always had great equipment, and a real life misison all the time, nit just in times like this. They do SAR, Counter Drug, and stuff like that every day.

Anyone have any comments or suggestions regarding the Coast Guard?

Aviator
2/19/2003 10:59:13 AM EDT
[#1]
Well I know that in the Air Force once you leave active duty you cant reenlist...
Im not sure how other services work in regards to prior service and such. Also ther emight be an age limit, how old are you?
2/19/2003 11:00:32 AM EDT
[#2]
Oh and my uncle is in the Coast Guard. He has an Ice Breaker now and loves it. Hes an o-4 I believe. Before he got his own ship he moved around ALOT. Just about every 2 years IIRC. Did a stint in Cuba too.
2/19/2003 11:00:59 AM EDT
[#3]
The only real negative I have heard of was slow promotion. I guess since they are a smaller group, you can't get up the ladder quickly. That and flying in REALLY shitty weather.
2/19/2003 11:01:05 AM EDT
[#4]
I'm 35, but it is my understanding they take your years active duty, off your actual age, and use that for an enlistment age. Mine would then be 27, which is well within the limits.

Aviator
2/19/2003 11:03:08 AM EDT
[#5]
I see. I know the no prior service cut off for the AF is 28. Best way to get info is to aska  recruiter.
2/19/2003 11:04:32 AM EDT
[#6]
This from the CG website:

What are the qualifications to join the Coast Guard?

The following are the basic requirements for joining, you MUST:

Be a United States citizen or nationalized to be a Coast Guard officer.
To enlist, you must be a United States citizen or a Resident Alien.
Be between the ages of 17-27. If you are 17, you'll need parental consent.
Have a high school diploma.
Have no more than two dependents.
Take and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
Pass a medical exam give at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
Be the type of person who wants to work to serve the public on or around the water.
2/19/2003 11:05:09 AM EDT
[#7]
And this:

Does the Coast Guard take people with prior service?

The Coast Guard is hiring prior-service people. Call 1-877-NOW-USCG and speak with the recruiter nearest you to determine eligibility and paygrade upon entry.
2/19/2003 11:06:04 AM EDT
[#8]
Well, the Coast Guard recruiter I spoke with told me I was able to enlist. I am just wondering what people have heard regarding the CG

Aviator
2/19/2003 11:38:20 AM EDT
[#9]
Aviator,

Feel free to ask me any questions pertaining to the Coast Guard - I'll answer what I know. I just got out of the regular Army and enlisted in the Coast Guard as a GM-3, Gunners Mate Petty Officer Third Class (E-4). Kept my rank from the Army and I don't have to go through their version of basic/boot camp. I still have to go to Gunners Mate school (12 weeks). Seems like a number of prior service Army are going Coast Guard for some strange reason. I know I was attracted to the law enforcement angle plus all the new high speed training/units developing now.

 If you are interested primarily in Coast Guard law enforcement type work, there is the Port Security rating. This however is only a part time job (Reserves) - though they seem to get activated a lot of late. The full time Coast Guard has MSST's (Maritime Safety and Security Teams) which were formed after Sept.11th as an anti-terrorism force primarily. MSST's include a number of ratings/jobs and are not a job/MOS unto themselves. MSST's seem to get all the new,cool toys from pictures I've seen. Plus they undergo boat boarding and firearms training at Camp Lejeune. TACLETS/LEDET's may interest you as well - these are Tactical Law Enforcement Teams and Law Enforcement Detachments whose primary mission is LEO work plus security of US Navy vessels,etc. The Coast Guard is getting more high speed gear and units - this year and next they are undergoing a change in their uniforms as well. Currently, most Coast Guard personnel are issued a blue work uniform which is being phased out for blue BDU's.

Feel free to IM me with any further questions -I'll try to help as best as I can. Also, Fijfi on the AR15.com board is a Coastie.

Check out this Discussion Board for the Coast Guard....

http://forums.military.com/1/OpenTopic?a=cfrm&s=78919038&f=67919558