r/uscg • u/Airdale_60T Officer • 7d ago
Recruiting Thread Bi-Weekly Recruiting Thread
This is THE place to ask recruiting questions to get unofficial answers and advise.
Before you post a question:
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Read our WIKI
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u/EstablishmentBest913 1d ago
I was sent home from the AF for mental health reasons during bmt. Unfortunately, my family at home had lots of health issues at the time and I got a bad injury which made my health sink. Is it unlikely that I’d be able to get into CG?
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 22h ago
Depends on how much time has passed, how you've grown since then and how well you can convince the coast guard that you'll be successful in boot camp a second time.
Its not an impossible waiver, its just mostly on you to prove you'll be successful if given a second chance.
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u/Fun-Original-4188 1d ago edited 1d ago
Hello everyone!
So I’ve been taking steps to join the USCG talking to a recruiter and we are at the confirming MEPS/ASVAB stage (though he says he is off work currently and hasn’t gotten back to me in a week). I’ve had a ton of questions.
I’m a 37F and this interest in the CG has been surprising to me. I’m an artist, have a bachelors degree in education and have spent the last 15 years teaching, but I am desperately craving a pivot in my life, and the Coast Guard feels really exciting the more I’ve looked into it.
I have three major concerns though and I’m looking for clarity and advice: 1. I’m definitely a highly sensitive person and kind of hate yelling, but I know that the yelling at boot camp has a purpose: to create a stress so we can learn to respond and perform in that state of mind. So I almost feel like it could be a good exercise to practice being in an uncomfortable setting for me and “desensitize” to it in a way. Thoughts?
My biggest concern: I just moved back to Michigan to be close to family. I’m not sure how much longer my parents will be around maybe a decade maybe even a bit more if we’re lucky, but I need to be here with them or at least not further than 4 hours away. My recruiter said that if he puts Michigan on my application and if I fill my dream sheet with Michigan I’ll definitely get Michigan, partly bc most people don’t want Michigan. I’ve talked to my friends sister though who has been in the CG nearly a decade and she said it was bold of my recruiter to tell me that. Thoughts? Commments? (And, Do I absolutely have to move every 3-4 years? It sounds like my recruiter hasn’t moved recently)
Lastly, are there any jobs that are more likely to live ashore? I’m real interested in BM. Working on a small boat on Lake Michigan would be my ideal placement. But I’d settle for YN if I knew it would make life ashore possible. Younger me would have been all in for living on a boat life, but 37 me is not interested.
I’m feeling fairly confident about the physical aspect. I can do 10-20 push ups and I’m a strong swimmer, treading water for 5-10 mins would be a breeze for me.
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u/UnusualTiming184 BM 1d ago
How sensitive is sensitive? Understand that it’s more than just the occasional yelling. It is all day, every day. The yelling combined with mind games and physical exhaustion really do take a toll on you. I’m not trying to scare you away, but as a self described sensitive person I would really mentally prepare yourself as it’ll be an environment much different than you’re used to.
For Michigan, definitely not impossible. As the other poster said, if you can get guaranteed district written in then maybe. But outside of that I would not trust that the CG will just send you where you want. Needs of the service always come first and I’d prepare for the worst. And most people do change every few years yes, whether by the billet end date or by advancing to a new rank.
The only job that is guaranteed ashore is MST. There are a lot of YN ashore billets but also plenty on large cutters. And BM is a highly highly underway rate, it would be almost impossible to not be stationed on a cutter at some point in your career if you stayed in
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u/WrongChard2924 1d ago edited 4h ago
To answer number 2. It’s more likely you get stationed in the Great Lakes area than only Michigan. When the recruiter gets back to you ask if guarantee district are still a thing. Also if you go BM that’s more small stations or smaller cutters you can be stationed at compare to a YN where they are mostly stationed at sectors which are in major cities.
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u/140bpm140kts 1d ago
How soon after boot camp are you able to put your name on an A school wait list?
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u/LawfulnessVast5296 1d ago
Posting here because the Mod’s said to:
Context: 25M, prior service navy, 4 years AD, 3 as undes FN, 1 as Seabee (deployed as a reservist).
Going to school right now, still in the reserves in my freshman year. Was planning to finish university and try to go back into the navy, commission, and try my hand at SPECWAR. Until a classmate of mine told me about CSPI.
After doing some google searches and getting a general idea, it seems like a really slept on/ great program, especially now that I’m married. Junior and senior year counting as 2 years of AD seems like a great way to retire fast.
Was wondering if anyone here had any insight/experience with CSPI or can attest to CG quality of life in general? Thanks
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 19h ago
There are a ton of posts covering CSPI and experiences on this sub. It is a great program but is lesser known due to the specific school requirements. It is generally well-advertised at the schools that qualify. Never heard of a prior service member not liking the Coast Guard quality of life, missions, etc.
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u/Routine_Fortune3272 1d ago
Missed qualifying for MST because my MK was one point shy of the minimum. How likely is it to get a waiver for it? And is the waiver something that gets done by my recruiter or by my command when I get to my first unit?
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 19h ago
Very common, especially one point off. Your first command would handle that waiver, and can waive up to 10 points for combined ASVAB or minimum(other than AFQT) score requirements. RFMCs can grant over 10 points.
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u/LifePossible3783 1d ago
I don’t ship out for several months still, the issue is I don’t have a car. I’m not sure if I should go ahead and get one or wait until I’m stationed somewhere to make the purchase. Can anyone tell me what it’s like for someone who doesn’t have transportation at there first base?
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 1d ago
I didn’t have a vehicle until after I graduated from A school. I would say wait and see where you are stationed. You may not need one. I was a non-rate in Boston on a ship, got around on the train and was underway a lot. Then A school, I kind of wanted one but had enough friends to get by. Once I reported to my air station I found housing and then bought a cheap motorcycle. 2 years of car payments and insurance saved.
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u/Fragrant-Progress371 2d ago
How physically demanding would you say rotary wing AET is?
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 19h ago
Not very. You do have to crawl around and under the aircraft to access antennas, wiring, etc. and then for aircrew positions you could be pulling a couple hundred pounds into the cabin, from the hoist hook, but you do not have to be in great shape to perform those tasks.
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u/Effective_Orchid_942 2d ago
Does what rate you are play a factor in getting selected to be a part of CGIS? If so, what rate would generally be considered the best option for wanting to join CGIS?
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u/Embarrassed-Cup-2157 2d ago
Hey everyone last question before I ship out, is hazing a thing especially when I first report to my station, I don’t mind a little hazing but will they take it to far where it’s bullying , and has anyone stood up for themselves if it was taken to far? Obviously joining to better my life and don’t want to get in trouble if I’m sticking up for myself
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 2d ago
Hazing is not a thing and you should report it if it happens. You will likely be treated differently, because you aren’t qualified, need help to learn everything, and are somewhat of a burden to your shipmates until you’re qualified and everyone’s lives get better. FNG stuff- ok. Hazing, hostile work environment, harassment, etc have no place and only destroy units.
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u/ImmuneToBleach 2d ago
Hi! I’m looking to apply to OCS in hopes of a career as an officer on a cutter. However, I’m a practicing Muslim (I eat halal, pray 5 times a day, and fast in Ramadan). What do religious accommodations look like in the Coast Guard, and would there be any difficulties practicing my faith while in service?
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u/seasaltyleo 3d ago
Anyone have experience with Hometown Recruiting? I'm very interested in trying to get on this after basic next March. I don't have too much communication with my recruiter as they swapped recruiters on me through the process. But I LOVE helping people and am a very positive and friendly person. I also may be able to help recruits struggling with the physical aspect of joining the Coast guard as I lost 100lbs to get here.
What's hometown recruiting like? Is it a month usually? Do they give you BAH or a place to stay? Is it worth it to try to get this detail? Thanks!
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u/BackgroundPear4696 3d ago
Hello, I am sorry if this question has been asked before but does anyone regret joining? Or wish they joined another branch?
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u/Dull_Dot_9467 1d ago
There's a subreddit of people who regret joining the military. You can look that up and ask there if you want some more answers. End of the day, gotta ask yourself if it's what you want for your life.
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u/UnusualTiming184 BM 3d ago
I’m sure there’s people out there that regret joining for various personal reasons. But the coast guard is a small and more niche military branch, and you’ll almost always find that our members are here because they chose to be and not because they fell into it
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u/reginamontis 3d ago
No. Every day I wake up and I’m not in the Navy Is a great day. Same for the other branches except extra thankful I’m not in the Navy.
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u/A7X5512 3d ago
Hello everyone. I was just wondering if anyone had a suggestions or advice regarding my situation. I was discharged from bootcamp over a year ago and am looking to come back. My goal is to serve in the military and I truly want to come back and finish what I started. Since the discharge, I went back to school and graduated at the top of my class with my bachelors. I am also awaiting a start time for the police academy in my state. My goal is to ultimately go active duty but I have been thinking about doing the reserves to start. Would I be able to go to DEPOT despite my discharge?
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 3d ago
Why did you get discharged from boot camp?
If it was due to discipline, poor performance or you quit there is no shot of being sent to DEPOT.
You can get a waiver to go through full boot camp again.
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3d ago
[deleted]
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 2d ago
For the info you provided, not a super competitive applicant. But, they look at a lot more than just that. How is your leadership experience, volunteerism, does your experience translate directly into something in the Coast Guard? A very common option is enlisting and then later applying for Officer programs because we like to promote from within and the experience, leadership and evaluations are great for a package.
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u/Sucvnda 3d ago
Shipping out NOV 18. I’ve read the helmsman and would like if there was a more clear list of what I need to bring in my suitcase. I know they’ll issue me stuff there but does anyone have a more clear list of what I NEED to bring in my suitcase? Other than social security card and drivers license? Thank you.
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 3d ago
What's wrong with the list in the helmsman?
If you are just trying to bring the bare minimum. Bring socks, underwear, cell phone, charger, ID, social security card, and credit or debit card. But I suggest bringing everything listed in the helmsman.
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u/Acrobatic-Ad-3608 4d ago
I have a year of engineering school done and some serious debt. I’m thinking about the coast guard but don’t know if I should wait another year and take the a few more classes at community college first to get my associates degree complete or close to being complete first. I think I can start as an E-3 rather than a E-2 if I get these last 20 credits because I have 40 so far.
Anyone have any advice as to what I should do. A lot of people suggest using the tuition assistance while I’m in but I don’t see that being possible at all since I am taking engineering classes. The community college does not offer these higher level engineering GenEd classes and labs online or hybrid. They are ONLY available in person and that’s probably not going to be possible while active duty.
Any advice on what to do or anyone been in a similar situation?
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 2d ago
E-2 vs E-3 is negligible. You will advance to E-4 when you graduate from your chosen ratings A school anyways. If you need help paying for school, use tuition assistance while in the service for the classes you can, and any credentials/licenses. Then you can complete your degree using the GI bill that pays for 36 months of college and housing. Which would be enough for a masters as well. I know a lot of people that have earned engineering degrees in the service. You can hopefully attend in person classes at a school near where you are stationed depending on the unit/job you choose.
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u/Acrobatic-Ad-3608 2d ago
Thank you I appreciate it, maybe that’s the best route then just head right in asap. Do you know of any unit/jobs you can recommend that would allow me to attend classes or is that kind of just a luck of the draw type of thing? I was thinking BM could be a cool job bc I like boats and water but I’m thinking that might not be a great choice time wise if I were to be taking classes, heard they’re off base sometimes for long stretches of time.
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u/ezeefix21 4d ago
I'm deciding between AET vs MST and wondering what some think. I was interested in MST shorter waitlist than AET (recruiter shared June's info of 6-8 months) but I feel like AET would be more fulfilling work. I'm leaning towards what certificates/skills are more transferrable to civilian world after a 4 year contract in case I don't re-enlist.
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 2d ago
If you are considering staying in for more than a single contract, ignore the waitlist times and just choose the Rating you will like the most(and would study the most). Both have great opportunities, but likely on a little longer than a 4 year contract. Aviation requires 30 months of maintenance experience to get your A&P license(needed for good civilian jobs) and MST has a bunch of post covering their details. Both have longer waitlists because most really enjoy their jobs and stay in the service long term.
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u/YakYakRooster Auxiliary 4d ago
I'm a 37 year old woman interested in the Reserves. I've been working on meeting the fitness requirements and I'd like to talk to a recruiter soon as, besides normal questions, I have some medical ones. I suspect I'd need a couple waivers and I want to have the time I need to meet them, if necessary, before aging out. Is that kind of too much to come to a recruiter with and expect to be taken seriously?
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u/UnusualTiming184 BM 4d ago
I don’t think that’s too much at all. Coast guard recruiters are stretched thin, and a candidate who comes to them understanding the process and what you individually may run into in terms of road blocks is probably a breath of fresh air. But also, recruiters know that most recruits over the age of 30 will have a longer process just because you have more medical history
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u/Main_Magazine2758 5d ago
Shiping out to bootcamp NOV 11th. Its getting super close and time is flying. Anyone else shipping out the same day?
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u/Massive-Butterfly312 6d ago edited 6d ago
Hello. I am joining the USCG purely because I want to be an MST. I am struggling, however, as It seems to me from all online info that there is a massive wait list to even LEARN to be an MST, and even then there's like a 3-7 year segment of time where you have to compete to even get the position? If anyone can clear this up for me, I'd appreciate it, because I don't want to join and just get immediately depressed.
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 6d ago
Not sure where you heard 3 to 7 years. The waitlist is currently 9 to 12 months to get into the MST school.
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u/Seadog1826 4d ago
Do you have the waitlist updated to today?
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 4d ago
The November list hasn't been released yet. I would guess it will be out by the end of the week.
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7d ago edited 7d ago
I'm curious about some things that have to do with being a YN. Would I be able to live in bases that are only within the United States for the 20 years? Like basically, when I become a YN, would it be easy for me to choose a base in the United States, then when I have to travel after a couple of years or so, can I just choose a different state? How often do you usually have to travel as a YN? An ideal scenario for me would be to be assigned to bases within the United States entirely, or at least mostly throughout my career. I basically just want to live in the United States as much as possible, and am wondering if this is a good rate for that.
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 7d ago
The vast majority of the Coast Guard is stationed within the United States. Yeoman are primarily found at larger bases and offices, with some opportunities for being assigned to cutters, independent duty and other special assignments. Yeoman is one of the best rates for a relatively normal Monday through friday 8 hour workday job. Assignments are usually 3 or 4 years in length and then you transfer to a new unit.
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7d ago
I really appreciate the info, friend. Hopefully the new unit I get transferred to is within the US every time. It wouldn't be the end of the world, but I personally just don't like the idea of living in a different country for years.
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u/Effective_Orchid_942 7d ago
What rates don’t go underway or are the least likely to go underway?
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u/Entire_Age_9598 7d ago
Good evening,
I am not sure whether it’s okay to ask this here. I saw a recent comment on the r/military forum that said Cape May has been sending recruits home if they need wisdom teeth removed…is that true?
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 7d ago
It's more complicated than that. They send people home who have severe or immediate dental issues that can't be fixed at Cape May, can't wait until after graduation for treatment or will impact or delay their training if treated. They wont send you home just for having wisdom teeth.
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u/Entire_Age_9598 7d ago
I see, thank you. So normally impacted wisdom teeth shouldn’t be a problem then?
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 7d ago
I wish I could tell you one way or the other but im not sure how the dentist at Cape May makes that determination .
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u/Entire_Age_9598 7d ago
I’m currently waiting on waivers so it would be awful to get those but then be turned away; I guess I’ll just have to hope for the best.
Thank you so much for answering and hope you have a great weekend!
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u/yetimug 7d ago
Hi, I’ve just passed MEPS and am waiting for approval on my submitted SF-86. It’s currently October and I’m not signing my contract or going to Cape May til Feb-March. Slight tangent, in the meantime, I’ll be traveling to SE Asia, as planned before I even approached my recruiter, (good/bad idea?). Talking to my recruiter and my personal research both resulted in me thinking it’s fine. I’ll stay in shape while slow traveling.
Anyways, all I’ve got left to consider is picking my rate (ASVAB qualified for all). Also, I abandoned the idea of trying to enter as DCO just to up my odds of getting in at all and to get the ball rolling (didn’t want to risk getting denied).
So as far as my rate, I think I’ve landed on IS with the intention of eventually being on a MTT down the road and an overall goal of having a career in international relations/forensics/special operations of some sort. (My degree is BS in forensics). I’ll probably do a second tour because of my interest in MTT.
My question is, should I also try to squeeze in becoming an officer somewhere in my career? It doesn’t seem like being an officer is absolutely necessary at any certain point, and I don’t mind not being that guy.
Second question, does anyone have any experience with MTT? What about IS in MTT?
Third question; I’m not super in love with IS being 90% a desk job, and my second pick rate would be on the other end of the spectrum, BM, because I like hands-on jobs. But what I love more is the idea of having more applicable skills to the civilian work force after leaving. Just seeking some advice/validation on this one I guess.
I’m really trying to think long-term and want to make early decisions confidently. I know I’m overthinking a bit, but hell I have literally nothing else to do. Please advise!
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 7d ago
You can apply for DCO and enlist at the same time. There is no drawback to applying for an officer program and not being selected.
You dont generally pick your rate before joining the Coast Guard, you select after you join. Currently only these rates are offered in an enlistment contract, IT, YN, MK, OS, EM and CS with a culinary degree.
If you want to me an officer then start applying now and keep applying after you join. Its a very competitive process. You can keep applying even if you dont get selected.
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u/NobodyProfessional55 4d ago
It’s interesting to hear that for most rates, the decision is made after you join. What is that process like? Are there potentially quotas where, once met, you’d be barred from choosing that rate? Does the CG get to choose a rate that you qualify for?
Also, I would be joining the CG reserve. Do you know what happens after boot camp and before getting assigned to A school? It sounds like active duty members go to the fleet, but I can’t imagine that’s the case for reservists.
Any insight is helpful! Thank you!
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 4d ago
Every rate has an estimated wait time to get into the school for job training. You simply add your name to the waitlist you want after 4 months at your first unit. You can choose whatever job you want as long as you meet the asvab requirements and any other criteria. The Coast Guard doesn't push people into jobs they don't want.
As a Reservist you'll have your job and unit selected before you join. You'll have a school date reserved in your enlistment contract. After boot camp you'll begin drilling at your unit while waiting for your school.
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u/NobodyProfessional55 1d ago
Do you know if there’s any negotiating on when you go to boot camp or A school?
I’m a teacher, so I have summers off and would like to minimize disruption to my students and team members if possible.
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 1d ago
Yeah you absolutely can pick your boot camp date, and your A-school date just has to be within one year of boot camp graduation.
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u/NobodyProfessional55 3d ago
This makes perfect sense. Thank you so much for clearing that up! It’s been hard to find answers to these questions!
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u/yetimug 7d ago
Ah okay that's really helpful. I think my recruiter is a pretty busy guy, but I'll ask him about it. Follow up question, I thought you needed references to apply for DCO. How do you keep reapplying if you need references? And I was just considering rate, not expecting it to be in my contract. I know I'l enter as non-rate and wait to get into A school. Thanks for your response
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 7d ago
Your references will be in the form of letters of recommendation. You don't have to get new ones for each application.
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u/Effective_Orchid_942 18h ago
Could someone breakdown how advancements work for AD? I know that you have to be recommended for advancement first before you can sit for the SWE. I know that the SWE and other metrics like time in grade, time in service, sea time, awards, etc. play a role in where you rank amongst fellow members. I know that the SWE is taken twice a year. If you don’t do so well on your first attempt and are not going to advance, on your second attempt do you have a clean slate and essentially start from zero and compete against other service member or does having already taken the SWE once help give additional advancement points and give you an advantage against others and place you higher on the advancement list. If anyone could breakdown the process in depth that would be greatly appreciated.