Coast Guard
 

I would like some advice from you guys. I am a recent airline furloughee and have been working some meaningless jobs the past 2 years. Ive been thinking about joining the Coast Guard and to hopefully fly with them. I have a four year degree and I am about to turn 26 so im still under the age limit. Can anyone who is in the Coast Guard tell me a little about the life of a Guardsman? Id specifically like to fly however I am open to other ideas as well. Im just wanted to know what basic was like, where you are living, what you are doing, and how you like it.

Since no else chimed in...I have a family member in the USCG. For most personnel, including aviators, the QOL is better than the other services.

Unlike the other branches, the CG is not an expeditionary force, it stays home in the US for the most part (and a few territories) to do it's mission. There are always exceptions, such as PSU units or remote stations which may not allow family-accompanied tours but for the most part you will be home in your own bed every day.

Also the CG has a slightly different mentality, they are a bit more like the civil service than other military branches (again exceptions for some units). My relative (former navy O) finds this aspect annoying and frustrating as far as getting things done, but it is probably a QOL positive.

Also sea duty in the Navy is an almost unbearable family burden for many AD folks...in the CG sea duty is actually highly coveted and hard to come by (fewer ships) and I think non-ship drivers will not have to do it if they don't want to. Also CG ships don't have the range and endurance of the navy...shorter at-sea periods in many cases.

There are a variety of CG jobs...the spectrum runs from Security/Vessel Board-Search-Seizure/Drug interdiction all the way to search/rescue, maritime safety, and environment compliance. There some folks whose outlook is decidedly un-military who do fine in the safety/compliance.

Read up on the various jobs...unlike other services, few officers have a set career specialty (pilots and maybe ship drivers?)...you can be assigned to anything.

Also assignments to flight training is done after OCS...this means you have to commit to serve without being guaranteed a flight slot. Possible exception for BLUE 21 (search for threads on that here on APC).

Thank you for the great info, I really appreciate it. You wouldn't happen to know the current staffing level for aviators in the Guard would you? I would suspect with the economy its not any better here either.

Not a clue.

We are sitting pretty fat on aviators right now....especially on the fixed wing side. I'm also hearing rumors (unconfirmed) that the fixed wing pipeline is about to slow down big time. Not trying to discourage you, just paint a correct picture. If you want it bad enough, go for it!

I really appreciate the info. I think I have a little more research to do. However, this option... even if its non flying, seems like it fits me.

PM me and maybe we can get in touch via telephone if you want some more info. I'd be more than willing to chat your ear off. :D