Coast Guard info??
 

Anybody out there fly for the Coast Guard?? Looking for some info on the lifestyle and crossing over from the AF via the direct commissioning program.

Do a search here: http://aptap.forumco.com/default.asp

They have good info on mil and other gov't flying jobs

check under corporate aviation.

They just did their first fixed wing Direct Commisioned Avaitor (DCA) board this past winter. I know they picked up at least a P-3 driver and a Hornet driver. Those that got in have to take a pay cut to 0-2 as well. Let me know if you need more info.

I've been wondering about the same thing, have heard that they are looking for some Herk qual. guys. But having to wait for a board..... wonder how much of a hassle this would be.

I have known several helo. and Falcon pilots over the years, but no herk drivers to give me their take on things.

Talking to some of the Herc guys they seem to like it. As with everything they have their gripes but in the grand scheme of things they are pretty trival.

Their duty stations are Kodiak, Honolulu, Sacramento, Elizabeth City, and Clearwater. Deployments vary on duty station but are usually under 2 weeks and typically less than 5 per year.

The biggest complaint is the aging of the H series birds with the wing box limitations now imposed which is limiting their mission flexibility. That and being sent out on an 8 hour SAR/LE case 2 hours before duty relief. That really kills your day off!! Thank God for Sliders though!!! (comp days)

I recently sat on a DCA board for helo guys and there is a set of 5 or 6 questions. They are really straight forward like briefing an approach and wwyd if the crew wanted to go drinking but you aren't supposed to...........

As for looking specifically for Herc guys I think that they are just looking for either fixed or rotary wing aviators. If you get picked up then you submit a dream sheet for which duty stations you want and that will determine your airframe. As always needs of the service come first.

Currently have 15.5 years in the CG and been flying Hercs for the last 7 years.

Last I heard from our assignment officer is that if you are under 35 with 10 or less yrs of service and have some Herc experience they would be interested in you as a DCA. Prior C130J guys stand a good chance of picking up a CG C130J slot due to training cost savings.

Force manager projections as of one month ago had us approx. 100 pilots short for the next decade with DCA's being relied upon to fix the gap.

Unless you're a helicopter CWO (we don't have any warrants flying), you will take one reduction in rank when joining the CG. The theory is if you transferred from another service at the same rank, you would not fair well on a promotion board due to lack of Officer Evaluation Reports. We get promoted off of our collateral duty accomplishments, not flying abilities. We just expect you to be a good aviator.

We only have 3-4 Herc's with significant center wing box limitations. They are all in Elizabeth City, NC and will be retiring within the next couple of years as 6 C130J's come online. Furthermore, a fleet of CASA 235's will also be coming online in the next few years to replace our current fleet of Falcon jets. Current HQ study figuring out if it's cost beneficial to upgrade our fleet of C130H's or buy more C130J's.

My unit deploys 11 months out of the year and we average 2-3 two week deployments per year. We usually average 500 hours per year and log approx. 100 hrs on each two-week deployment. However I did fly 630+ one year.

I've done a few DCA/DCO boards and we focus some on flying, but also hit the officer leadership qualities fairly heavy.

Hi!

The Coast Guard is awesome! I didn't go, because the recruiter didn't know what he was talking about-he said I could never do SAR. I didn't go.

Years later, I found out I could've moved to SAR after 1 tour!

Too bad for me!

cliff
YIP

Hey fellas, thanks for the good info. Always good to hear some information from guys in the know. I swear that dang rank reduction kinda sucks, hell I'm only an O-2 as it is starting my 9th year in service(prior E)

Wow, I didn't realize the CG had any restricted tails.. thought all of the H models were newer.

BTW: what kind of deployments are you referring too? Sand box?

What are the chances w/ over 10 yrs of service and J-model experience?? That will be my position in a couple yrs.

Yes, the rank reduction would suck, but overall it is designed to help your promotion health in the long run.

The personnel folks would have the up to date answer on the 10 year deal. All they can say is no. I think it's that way so the CG can get a good amount of time out you since they are inheriting your retirement/benefit package once the 20 year mark is reached.

Deployments are almost strickly counter-narcotic type in South/Central America. However, I was over in SE Asia for a month following the Tsunami.

Every CG aviator does SAR. The mission just isn't as recognized in the fixed wing community because we're not yanking people out of the water in gale force winds and 60' seas. However, we all end up flying in some awefully crappy wx.

After 15.5 yrs I still concur that the CG is an outstanding organization. The fact that my wife and kids feel the same way after all the moves is another key indicator regarding the caliber of the service and it's people.

There's more than Hercs
 

Obviously Hercdriver has much better knowlege about the 130 community in the Coast Guard than me being a Falcon guy. That being said with the purchase of the CASA there are going to be a lot of fixed wing billets showing up in the next few years. The estimate is that there is going to be a need for approximately 200 CASA duty pilots once the program is fully functional excluding Command and Control types. Right now there are only about 70 or so Falcon drivers that will be the initial pilots into the CASA. These numbers might seem small to other services but this is BIG growth for the Coast Guard. :)

CG Deployments
 

As for deployments you can expect to remain in the Western Hemisphere for fixed wing aviation. There are exceptions but for the most part you are looking at the Carribean, Northern South America and Central America.

The missions are Counter Drug, Migrant Interdiction, and SAR. The worst location I've been to is GTMO. Other guys went to Columbia and said that it was scary and sucked because you were stuck on a military base for protection.

I put a package in for the 21 May 07 board. The process for the package was drawn out and annoying. If anyone is thinking about it start early, they basically want you to reproduce everything you have ever done in the military.

I have a couple of falcon pilots in my unit. They have nothing bad to say about the CG. My take was how many of your peers in the AF a fed up with something and get out early (as am I). You almost never here of a Coastie separating before retirement, something must be going right over there.

I was told that the CG is currently around 80 pilots undermanned and by 2011 expects to be 140 behind. Not sure how accurate these numbers are, but I was told by a CG O-6 that they are "critically manned" for fixed wing.

Anyways...Anxiously awaiting the decision board results. If anyone heres any news please post it.

Good luck with your board. If you want fixed wing try to fight for the Herc transition, because it will keep you in the cockpit longer. The Falcon's are retiring sometime in the near future and the CASA's are not even close to being operational yet.

I would have to agree that with the numbers you posted at least being in the ballpark. "Critically manned" is a fair assessment since we are being told that no leave will be granted over the summer for the guys not PCS'ing. In Mobile and Miami I've heard that if a crew bags out or goes med down they might need the Command and Control types to stand the alert duty.

Granted this is hearsay but the fact that this is even being considered means that the critically manned statement is probably true.

Good luck with the board results and if I see it on the message board I'll try and post it here. But it usually takes about 6 weeks for the results to be released so you should hear by mid-July.

Double check with a recruiter but I was told that with over 10yrs commissioned service, you are no longer able to apply and there is an age limit above 34 years that will keep you out as well. I hear it is a great way of life when coming from the Marine Corps.

Dca
 

Thanks to all for the good info!

What type of airframes do they favor in the DCA FW boards?

Does it help to have had a company command or is more focused on aviation duties?

I have a few more years active with the Army before I can apply. I have around 700 hours in the RC-12/C-12 and should get a shot at a citation or Dash 7 in the next year.

I don't think the DCA boards favor any particular FW airframe, unless of course you already have experience in one of our FW aircraft. It's more a needs of the service issue.

Company command leadership would definitely be beneficial in a CG board.

Exactly what Hercdriver said.

You would be applying for a position like the commisioned guys in the Army have. Just without the middle east deployments and you fly a bit more.

You will be a military officer and leader first and an aviator second. Sell your leadership skills when you go to the board but throw in an aviation twist as needed.

I've heard varying presumptions on the path to FW pilot: one, 2 years as an "anchor clanker," or direct from OCS. What gives?

I'll be a college grad when I apply, if that has any bearing on your answer.


ps, Falcon20, you have been very helpful in this and other CG threads, so thank you for your time.

UPTme the simplest answer for the path to CG aviation is "it depends". There are a few general paths though.

1) OCS direct to flight school. AKA "AVCAD Program" I know this exists for our enlisted folks who are guarenteed flight school. Some OCS grads go straight to flight school and I've heard that some were given flight school before OCS and others applied and were accepted during OCS.

2) Direct Commisioned Aviator (DCA) are typically Army helo pilots who are looking for a better QOL and come into the CG. The CG just started doing this for fixed wing pilots in 06.

3) The most common route is a person gets their commision from OCS or the CG Academy and gets their first assignment. From there they apply to flight school. The requrement is that you have to be an O-1 or O-2 when you apply. Which effectively give you four years to get accepted.

Thanks Falcon20 and Hercdriver


I know everything is based on the needs of the Coast Guard, however how does the aircraft selection work once you have been accepted?
How long typically do you stay at each duty station?


It does not seem like anyone really gets screwed with duty station or assignments, but maybe thats because I'm over here in sunny motarritaville.

Good times

Aircraft assignment is based on duty station. You provide the detailer a list of preferences for assignment, a "dream sheet", and then as you stated, needs of the service come first. If there is need everywhere then chences are good you can get what and/or where you you want.

In flight school, the determination of FW vs RW is made. I was fortunate and got to choose. I know many CG aviators who were simply told "your going helos." Once you get your wings you get assigned to an air station and that determines what particular airframe.

Example: you get winged as a FW aviator in Corpus Christi and you told the detailer you just want something on the east coast. It just so happens that Air Station Clearwater really needs aviators so you go there to fly Hercs. If both Cape Cod and Clearwater are equally in need, then the detailer might give you a call and ask which one you prefer; Hercs in FL or Falcons in MA.

Hope this helps.

If I had read a few posts back I would have known you are already flying in the Army ;) . As a DCA, you still provide the detailer your choices/preferences and they will assign you to an air station in need, taking into account your request as best they can. Once the first assignment has been determined you will get orders to the appropriate transition course, Hercs at CAE (Tampa) or Little Rock AFB, or Falcons/CASAs in Mobile.

I've got to correct Falcon 20's post: DCAs have been sent to fixed wing assignments for a while. In my DCA class in Jun '80 there were 24 people, 12 fixed wing (C-130s) and 12 rotary wing ( H-3s and H-52s). Both those helos are long gone and now replaced by the H-65s and H-60s. Your backround will usually determine what you'll fly. If all rotary wing experience you'll probably get a helo assignment. The CG will value your experience and assign you accordingly unless they're really short of pilots in the other community(fixed wing). And vice versa; a fixed wing backround will get you a falcon, 130 or the new CASA unless the CG is really short of helo guys. You really don't know until you're sitting in the cockpit and cranking the engines to go on your first SAR case.

Good deal


I would not mind going back to rotary wing if that is what the Coast Guard needed, however I would prefer fixed wing. All Army aviators start in the TH-67 or OH-58 helos before moving into an advanced aircraft. I was one of those lucky few who got a fixed wing assignment straight from flight school. Thinking back I have never had as much fun (in an aircraft) as flying doors off in the OH-58.

Any news from anyone who has gone through the board recently?

I heard on another forum that the list is awaiting DHS sign-off and should be made public as soon as next week. Here's a link to the message traffic site:

http://www.uscg.mil/reserve/msg07.htm

21 May DCA results released!
 

Here's the message traffic release. Congrads to those who got it, can't wait to see you all in Conn.

ALCGRECRUITING 08/07
SUBJ: DIRECT COMMISSION OFFICER (DCO) PROGRAM 21 MAY 07 SELECTION
PANEL RESULTS
A. COMCOGARD RECRUITING COMMAND WASHINGTON DC 081807Z AUG 06,
ALCGRECRUITING 012/06
B. RECRUITING MANUAL, COMDTINST M1100.2E
C. WEIGHT/PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS FOR COAST GUARD MILITARY
PERSONNEL, COMDTINST M1020.8F
1. THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY HAS
APPROVED THE RESULTS OF THE DIRECT COMMISSION OFFICER (DCO)
SELECTION PANEL 03-07 THAT CONVENED IAW REF (A) ON 21 MAY 07. THE
PANEL RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING NAMED INDIVIDUALS AS PRIMARY AND
ALTERNATE CANDIDATES FOR DIRECT COMMISSIONS. PRIMARY SELECTEES ARE
LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER.
2. ALTERNATES ARE LISTED IN THE ORDER APPOINTMENTS WILL BE OFFERED.
THE DCO PANEL 03-07 ALTERNATE LIST REMAINS EFFECTIVE UNTIL THE
SECRETARY APPROVES THE RESULTS OF THE NEXT DCO PANEL. ALTERNATES
ARE ENCOURAGED TO REAPPLY TO MAXIMIZE THEIR COMMISSIONING
OPPORTUNITIES.
3. ALL SELECTEES ARE APPOINTED RESERVE COMMISSIONS UNLESS OTHERWISE
NOTED WITH TWO ASTERISKS (**), IN WHICH CASE A TEMPORARY COMMISSION
IS AUTHORIZED. THIS REPORT CONCLUDES THE DCO SELECTION PANELS FOR
FY-07 ACCESSIONS. THE CONVENING DATES FOR FY-08 DCO SELECTION
PANELS WILL BE ANNOUNCED VIA SEPARATE MESSAGE.
A. DIRECT COMMISSION AVIATOR (DCA):
(1) DCA PRIMARY
NAME RATE EMPLID RANK UNIT
BARNES, CHRISTIAN W. LTJG
BELL, JEREMY A. LTJG
HINDERS, KRISS K. LTJG
HYATT, SCOTT W. LTJG
PINA, BETTY S. LTJG
SANDUSKY, JAY T. LTJG
STECHSCHULTE, SCOTT R. LTJG
TALBOT, MICHAEL M. LTJG
VANLEY, ERIC S. LTJG
VORENKAMP, TODD R. LTJG
(2) DCA ALTERNATE
NAME RATE EMPLID RANK UNIT
1. WRIEDEN, JAKOB C. LTJG
2. SHACKELTON, CORY M. LTJG
3. BALDWIN, REGAN M. LTJG
4. ROSS, MICHAEL R. LTJG
5. GRAJKOWSKI, THOMAS R. ENS
6. LUMPKIN, CHARLES A. LTJG
7. NEBL, ANDREW J. LTJG
8. DINSMORE, TIMOTHY E. LTJG
9. GOMEZ, BRENT J. ENS
10. GREEVER, BENJAMIN A. ENS
4. SELECTEES WILL RECEIVE LETTERS NOTIFYING THEM OF THEIR
SELECTION STATUS AND ANY PENDING COMMISSIONING REQUIREMENTS. FINAL
APPOINTMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON MEETING ALL COMMISSIONING
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND REMAINING FULLY QUALIFIED IAW REF (B).
CO'S AND OINC'S MUST ENSURE SELECTEES REMAIN IN COMPLIANCE WITH
USCG CORE VALUES AND WEIGHT/FITNESS STANDARDS IAW REF (C).
5. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT
AUTHORITY TO ISSUE TRAVEL ORDERS TO ATTEND DCO SCHOOL.
6. THE PANEL MEMBERSHIP IS LISTED BELOW:
NAME/RANK UNIT
CAPT DONALD GRANT, USCGR, PANEL PRESIDENT CG-3PCP-4
CDR JAMES KELLY, USCGR CG-13
LCDR PRINCE NEAL, USCG CGPC
LCDR SUZANNE BROWN, USCG CGPC
LCDR FRANCES MESSALLE, USCG AIRSTA WASH
LCDR ROBERT SMITH, USCG CG-3PCV-1
LCDR ROBERTO TORRES, USCG AIRSTA NEW ORL
LCDR JOHN PRIEBE, USCG CG-481
LT MATTHEW HAMMOND, USCG RDC
LT JAMES FLANNERY, USCG CG YARD
LT BRYAN BEGIN, USCG AIRSTA CAPE COD
LT JILLIAN MALZONE, USCG CG-12A
LT BRIAN BREGUET, USCG AIRSTA ATL CITY
7. APPLICANTS WHO WERE NOT SELECTED OR WERE SELECTED AS ALTERNATES
ARE REQUIRED TO REAPPLY THROUGH THEIR RECRUITING OFFICE OR ESO IF
INTERESTED IN BEING CONSIDERED FOR ANY FUTURE DCO SELECTION PANEL.
8. THE PROCEEDINGS OF A SELECTION PANEL, INCLUDING ITS
DELIBERATIONS AND CRITERIA FOR SELECTION, CANNOT BE DISCLOSED TO
ANY PERSON WHO WAS NOT A MEMBER OF THE PANEL. PANEL MEMBERS DO HAVE
VALUABLE INFORMATION THAT MAY BE SHARED REGARDING THE GENERAL
SELECTION PROCESS, ITS FAIRNESS, AND EQUITY. QUESTIONS REGARDING
THE RESULTS OF THE PANEL OR HOW TO BETTER COMPETE FOR FUTURE
SELECTION PANELS MAY BE ADDRESSED TO LTJG JEFFREY DAHL, DCO PROGRAM
COORDINATOR, CGRC OFFICER PROGRAMS BRANCH, AT 703-235-1873, OR VIA
EMAIL AT JEFFREY.M.DAHL(AT)USCG.MIL. APPLICATION PACKAGE
REQUIREMENTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE USCG RECRUITING WEB SITE AT:
HTTP://WWW.GOCOASTGUARD.COM/DC/DCINDEX.HTM
9. SERVING AS A SELECTION PANEL MEMBER IS AN EXCELLENT PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR OFFICERS. OFFICERS INTERESTED IN
SERVING AS MEMBERS OF AN OFFICER SELECTION PANEL SHOULD CONTACT LT
MATTHEW DERRENBACHER; VOICE: 703-235-1762; EMAIL:
MATTHEW.C.DERRENBACHER(AT)USCG.MIL. EMAIL IS THE PREFERRED METHOD
FOR INQUIRIES.
10. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
11. RELEASED BY CAPT S. E. VANDERPLAS, USCG.:D