Here’s my situation. I’m an ET3 that just reported to an frc a couple weeks ago.

The previous ET3 made 2nd and went to a 270 as an a critical full or advance to position. Not completely sure.

The previous ET2 got pregnant and it’s no longer on the boat and will be transferring.

It’s only me until July when the new ET2 will show up.

My question is when I eventually make ET2 will I fleet up even though I will always be in the ET3 billet (since I will have been on the boat longer) or will I get the ability to transfer to another unit?

Here’s my situation. I’m an ET3 that just reported to an frc a couple weeks ago.

The previous ET3 made 2nd and went to a 270 as an a critical full or advance to position. Not completely sure.

The previous ET2 got pregnant and it’s no longer on the boat and will be transferring.

It’s only me until July when the new ET2 will show up.

My question is when I eventually make ET2 will I fleet up even though I will always be in the ET3 billet (since I will have been on the boat longer) or will I get the ability to transfer to another unit?

Just got my pick list for BMA , does Anyone have any information on station kings point in NY, such as schedule , operations and things of that nature anything helps.

I’ve been pondering the option of going to the USCGA. I understand the inherent challenges that come with this, but the thing I am worried about is the service after the fact. All the bureaucracy around being an officer seems very ruthless, regarding the “up or out” policy with promotions. Can someone with more knowledge share some insight on this? How easy is it to screw up

Heard a rumor if you a federal officer you can go to depot as a non prior service member?

So I’m pretty much done with the whole enlisting process. I’m in DEP so I’m just waiting to do my 2nd swear in and final contract and ship out which I leave may 21st. My recruiter hasn’t given me one single thing from a water bottle to a bag. Which I mean I’m not gonna make a big deal about, yet I see every other recruiter giving their applicants stuff. The only reason I bring this up is because I’m looking for a bag to put all my stuff in to bring to boot camp and I heard there is a bag some people received from their recruiters that is exactly what you need. Just wondering if I’m the only one to not receive anything of those sorts from my recruiter. Other than that he has done a fantastic job and has been great help. Sorry for typing a book.

I've been in for a little over three years. Boot camp, cutter, A-school, and now honestly hating my rate. I've already made E5 thanks to studying and the (unfortunate) CG retention rates.

I need a change, but no one really knows how Direct commission works or if there are even any options for me as I'm currently a YN. I'm also curious about CGIS. With the constant changes, inconsistencies in programs we are required to use, and the command climate at my unit, I don't think this is something I want to do for 20 years. I know I'm still junior, and I don't need to love my job, but I'd like to at least not hate it.

If anyone has any info, I'd really appreciate it. And yes, I've reached out to recruiters, but they weren't helpful.

Hello all, I’m just curious why the CSPI decisions have not been released yet. Is it due to the budgeting issues?

what are the odds of getting 3 med waivers that stem from the same thing? (one being adhd) when your college gpa was a 1.38?? (haven’t taken any courses in almost 2 years) would getting good letter of recommendations help overlook the poor gpa?? (also, i’ve had a job all that time as well and at some points 2 jobs at once. idk if that helps or anything)

I have been looking to join the uscg for quite a while now and I am wondering what the requirements are for height and weight. I have been looking and have not found a straight answer. I’m 18 , 5’10 , 260lbs and have been strength training for the past 8 months.

So long story short, my recruiter dropped the ball on my security clearance I’ve been in the process of joining for 11 months total now and here we are two weeks before shipping and he realized that we hadn’t done my fingerprints and submitted my SF-86. Just finished my prints today and got the form finished. I ship on the 28th for DEPOT. I’ve been waiting a long time for this date. Will my security clearance be processed in time for me to ship? I am prior service I had security clearance in the USMC. Record is as clean as a whistle no outstanding financial issues or anything. From what I was told by the CG liaison at MEPS it usually has to be green lighted 1 week before ship date which would mean this clearance needs to be approved by this coming Friday. Super concerned about this and pretty pissed that the recruiter dropped the ball this bad. Any ideas on timeline would be cool.

I’m an OS & I was on AD for 6 years and spent 2 in the reserves. If I were to request to go back on AD, how quick would that process be?

And since all orders have been issued for OSs, how would picks go for someone returning to AD? I know the OS assignment officer has allowed non rates to choose based on open assignments, is it similar for us?

E5 if it matters, E5 made when on AD

I’m nearing the end of my contract (October 2024) with the army and I’m pretty much done with their bs but still want that knowledge that I will have a job pretty much no matter what. I’ve been considering the CG but I’m unsure of something’s. When I joined the army I had in my contract I am getting ___ job, how does that work with CG? I’ve been considering ME. I would like to know what I’m going to do before I sign. Something I want to know also is would I have to go through your basic training.

Hello shipmates,

Today I received an email says that the class roster for my ET “A” school has been updated and I’m no longer scheduled for the class without any information about the next available class or reason why it happens. Has anyone experienced this before? Any idea how long I will have to wait for the next class? I’m in the vested program and not allowed to perform any work at my unit until I become an ET3.

Ok so I am 2 weeks out from MEPS and I told my recruiter depending on how I feel in my ability to perform on the asvab I would let her know if I need more time about 2 weeks before so here's my issue I want to be a rescue swimmer and I have to score 65 or above on just the AFQT portion or get a combined score of 152 in VE+MC+AS I've been trying to study as well as I can trying to focus on the AFQT but math has always been difficult for me it's hard for me to grasp and then retain what I learn and I am worried that if I try and take the asvab and don't get the score I need I will either have to wait 2 years and retry or go for a job I don't necessarily want does anyone have any advice should I push MEPS back and try and study more or cram for 2 weeks so everything is fresh in my head and is there any really good resources for judging how I will do on the test and for study help thank you for any advice

Hello! I’m 19 and a F would love if u could tell me your experience with either if u were part or current are! Where u were stationed, how was /training how u liked it. I’ve been on a swim team for a year and am getting back into swimming again I would say I’m pre good and like to lift and workout everyday that’s why I’m interested but I’m not sure if I’ll be physical able to do it? If you were in the AMT or the other what job what did u do and after the CG what jobs were u able to land ? Did it make a good amount of money are you happy ? What scores did u need as welll to get in?

So I recently signed my beautiful dd214 from the marines in November, I was a combat engineer out at lejeune. I’m now looking to join the CG because the Civi world is too damn boring. I have a few questions. 1.) what’s the best mos that will allow me to enjoy my time in my early 20’s? 2.) how much free time do you get if I’d like to take some college classes? 3.) how often do you move roughly?

If anyone wants this USCGC Diligence name plank and is willing to pick it up in the Raleigh area, it's free.

It came off of the Diligence in 1996.

Does anyone know what the housing situation is like for a married and unmarried E-4 stationed at sector Boston?

title.

My 8 year old boy has recently begun showing an interest in USCG operations, a fact which my wife and I are eager to encourage. For a little background, we live on the coast of Maine, my wife's father has done many different kinds of commercial fishing and diving, my brother was a merchant marine before becoming a safety manager at BIW, my uncle was a commercial fisher and fisheries observer for NOAA, and my cousin in-law retired as a Commander, so there is a huge family culture of appreciation for what the Coast Guard means to our community and family personally. He's an active kid, very motivated towards any activity involving engineering type toys and learning, gets his biggest satisfaction from helping others, and ever since my cousin talked to him at Easter about Coast Guard operations and equipment he has been very aware of their presence in our communities and interested in learning more.

What do current service members think are the best ways we can gently and continually encourage him in his interest, beyond simply continuing to tell him the significant value we personally place in the USCG, telling him we would be proud if he chose to enlist, or follow my cousin's urging to try for the academy, and continuing to support his current physical fitness interests (mostly swimming, biking, and karate), and his intellectual passions? Are there any specific kids programs in the Northern New England area? Are there days or ways to arrange to station tour? And what motivated you to pursue your career?

As I approach my 20th year of guarding Coasts, I just wanted to share my honest, abridged and very generalized answers to common questions I see here from new personnel or people looking to join, all in one place. Remember this post?https://www.reddit.com/r/uscg/comments/1bvwtkr/unsolicited_career_advice/

Yeah, its like that but only slightly shorter.

Moving on. These are a mix of my opinions and experience and are generalized answers to complicated questions to dynamic situations with some grammatical and spelling areas mixed in to prove I'm not AI (has nothing to do with the fact that I'm slacking on my proof reading skills.) I will be focusing on the enlisted side of the boat, but some of the info I'm covering is universal and can apply to officers as well. As always, do your own research as your experience will vary.

Is the CG right for you?

Maybe, but there is a lot to unpack here. The CG is generally a good fit for people that either want to join the CG specifically, are looking to stay in the U.S most of the time, don't mind working on and around the water and are looking for a challenge and a unique military experience that the other branches can't offer. This includes working extensively with the public and doing more beyond your specialty as we are the second smallest branch (the smallest being our biggest stans, the Space Force, who recycled our "Guardian" name, and was inspired by our motto and our service song.) This means we are all required to do more than just our specialty out of necessity. As an example, the CG only has 21 rates (not counting the two new rates coming soon to a recruiting near you). The Navy has 89 rates. Because the Navy has so many jobs, they generally don't need or let people work outside their specialty. I went to a Navy "C" school once with a rate similar to mine and they were amazed at all the thing I do besides my primary job. All of them pretty much did the same thing year after year. With this, there comes more responsibly. You will be asked to do more out of necessity, and I personally think its awesome. But if you want stability and to be just another cog in the machine, a big branch is right for you. To be clear, this is fine, to each their own. The DOD services have way more variety in jobs they can offer, so if you are looking into gaining military experience as a Dental Hygienist, they would be a better fit. Additionally, the CG does not have the funding or programs of a lager branch, which means quality of life can be less than other branches. Less housing/medical facilities/morale/gyms ect. While the DOD branches are always well funded, the CG is Posse Comitatus'd to Department of Homeland Security. This means that we don't have as much annual funding for personnel and equipment and are subject to Government shutdowns, something you won't have to deal with in the DOD. So, again pros and cons of the CG and only you can know what is right for you.

Recruiting process:

Generally speaking, it is more difficult to get into the CG due to higher ASVAB requirements and less room to approve various recruiting waivers for medical/personal issues you may have. We also have less recruiting personnel and less offices, which can sometimes mean you have to be very proactive in the recruiting process. It is unfortunately common to have to hound your recruiter because they are understaffed and spread out. This isn't the Army, where a recruiter will call you everyday to check in on you, ask how your lunch was and tuck you in at night. Recruiters will talk about a lot of things, answer questions and guide you through the process. If you don't get into the CG don't be discouraged, try the other branches as they may have a spot for you.

Prior Service:

So, you are you/were an Army 42A or an Air Force 4Y0X1 thinking about making the switch to the CG? You will have to go to a modified boot camp again, and probably loose a rank or two. Refer to my "Is the CG right for you?" paragraph for the difference in CG vs. DOD life. A lot of jobs don't translate to the CG so you may have to find a completely new specialty. But, if you were in the medical field or some other specialty, you might have chance of become a Direct Commissioned Officer https://www.gocoastguard.com/get-started/officer-applications/direct-commission-officer-programs

The smoothest transition tends to be from the Navy and Marines to the CG based on the fact that we share similar terminology, history and operations, but we have members from all different services join us and they adjust. Don't worry though, even if you were never a jealous squid or a crayon eating Marine and the CG doesn't have a need for your Air Force 8D100 skills, you can probably find a rate you will enjoy, just talk to a recruiter. Side note, I hope it goes without saying but I was just kidding about the squid and crayon comment, just some friendly interservice jabs. I'm glad to have served with you guys! I'm not apologizing to any Space Force Guardians I may have offended because they replaced us as the branch people make fun of the most, so they will take it and like it like we did and if not, comment below. Moving on.

Should I join as a Non rate or go boot to "A" School?

Again, this is specific to you and your situation, but I'll try my best to break it down. Going in as a non rate is advantageous if you are not sure what rate you want, or if you are sure you want to go aviation or PA, because you don't have a choice but to be a nonrate first. Spending time in the fleet as a nonrate will expose you to see what rates actually do and give you a change to speak with them about their rates. No amount of recruiting material will do as well as seeing first hand what they do. You will gain experience on how the CG operates and what we do, which will be valuable for when you do find a rate and end up as a 3rd Class Petty Officer, potentially leading non rates. The downside is being the lowest ranking enlisted you are entry level and are required to do entry level things such as cleaning, washing dishes, ect. But, you may also get to do things you would not get to do as a boot to "A" such as be a crewmember of a 47ft Motor Life Boat, because if you go right from boot to YN "A" school, that Motorlifeboat will never have a YN anywhere near it, so you will miss out on that. Bottom line, it can suck to be a nonrate at times, but it is a unique experience and generally lasts less that two years. Boot to "A" is advantageous if you are sure of what rate you want. That way, you accelerate your career and can get a jump on doing what you joined to do. It may also be advantageous if you are looking to possibly get a reenlistment bonus after your initial contract expires. There are certain rates which lend themselves better for boot to "A"ers such as YN, SK, IT, ET. These are rates which generally do not have non rates working for them. Rates like MK, BM, EM that do have non rates may find it a bit more difficult to manage the dynamic, but again, it is doable. So, you've figured out what contract to sign (after carefully reading it of course) and now its off to the Wild Woods of Cape May, NJ for basic training.

Basic training:

If I'm being honest, I know almost nothing about boot camp today. When I went 20 years ago, we still used M1 Garands, had no confidence course and were in our first year of the DHS. to find out more about modern boot camp, Business Insider has a good video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBtJet6kmZ0&t=1208s (my favorite scene is the recruit that had to "chair sit" with his back against the wall, screaming "Aye Aye Petty Officer Gunn" which morphs into "IIARGHRHRNNN" the more stressed he gets. If that's you, comment below. Huge fan, I hope you are doing great things and doing the right thing when no one's watching. Moving on. The only things that I know don't change are these: Study your Helmsman, work on your physical fitness as much as you can before you ship out and bring a watch. After you've had your 10 seconds to get off the bus at Cape May, keep your head down, listen to instructions, power through and move on. You will probably never think you are ready because you aren't. No one is, but we all got through it and so will you. It's going to be hard but its not impossible, it is designed to challenge you, not to fail you. If I can do it, you can do it and trust me, if you knew me, this would be very encouraging. Ok, enough mushy stuff. Say goodbye to your new shipmates as they head off ET "A" school for 48 months of school because you just got orders to the fleet.

Cutters vs Land:

Life in the fleet is vastly different for everyone depending on the location and type of unit, so I'm just going to quickly cover questions I've seen here. Cutter life varies by mission type, location and size. You will be away from homeport anywhere from six days to six months. Your mission could be Aids to Navigation stuff (with black hulls and hammers!), to Patrol Boat stuff (small galley and one week cruises!) to White hull stuff (Counterdrug ops and Caribbean port calls!) to Red Hull stuff (Penguins and scientists!) No matter the cutter, you are standing on business getting qualified, doing a good job and getting on an "A" school. When you are not underway and in homeport, you will stand duty but have time at home as well. On land, it is more of a 9 to 5 life, where you get to go home when not on duty. You already know what to expect generally, since you already live on land. If you really, really want to be "marked safe" from having to be assigned to a cutter, join the Air Force or these rates: MST, PA, MU (lolz).

"A" School:

Its like a mix between college and boot camp. Not as hardcore as boot (there is some marching and PT) but also not as loose as real college, but you will have classes everyday, some homework and get to experience dorm life, with the broken ping pong table, soda machines and occasional room inspection here and there. Study, stand some weekend gym or movie theater duty, don't get a DUI and gradate.

Rated life:

This is the first day of the rest of your CG life. You finally have a career. Now you can focus on advancement, taking special assignments, or telling everyone you are thinking about going OCS or Warrant someday. Congrats! For more on unsolicited career advise, see my other post linked at the top of this post.

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So im a nonrate rn going to HS A school but I wanted to use my TA on cosmetology school. I was wondering if anyone had more information on how to manage the coastie work schedule into a schooling schedule? Like work day vs school day. Has anyone else gone to schools in person while in the service??

What are my chances of getting a WSML? I’m looking to party hard and work a little. Those seem like the best place to get paid to hang out.

Which one of those 3 is the most beneficial? I’m about to be a chief and would like some insight.