Well with only one semester of highschool left I need to make some decisions, and soon, and was wondering, does anyone have any regrets about joining? From what I have read, members of the USCG are a lot more satisfied than the other branches but I'm just trying to get a little more insight. If I go I have intentions of making a career out it. Any opinions?
Let me put it this way. I have met a lot of ex-marines, ex-navy, ex-army folks in the Coast Guard. But I have not met any ex-coasties in the Marines, Navy, or Army.
To be fair to you a lot of us liked it a lot more in hindsight. I joined while I was a senior in Highschool and have no regrets. It was an awsome experience with plenty of excitement to be had. If you get in try to get some time in Alaska either underway or aloft. Peace and good luck, Dick
Originally posted by duckcop: Let me put it this way. I have met a lot of ex-marines, ex-navy, ex-army folks in the Coast Guard. But I have not met any ex-Coasties in the Marines, Navy, or Army.
To piggyback off of duckcop, I haven't meet many people going from the CG to other services, with the exception of the Army Warrant Flight Program. I myself am prior service Army (4 years) and as asm3driscoll stats, in hindsight, I'm diggin' the CG (since 1999). So no regrets, but it's always different strokes for different folks.
I agree with duckcop and cgaviation as well. I was stationed with a number of prior service folks (mostly navy, army, marines) that leaped over to the coast guard at some point in their military careers and they were all very glad they did so. That's not to say they were dissatisfied with their prior jobs; most of them spoke of how they just enjoyed the missions of the coast guard much more.
I have no regrets to speak of after 21 years with the ol' uscg. However, if I could go back and do one thing I didn't get to do then, I would have done a tour with polar ops.
Definitely do your homework and explore all the pro's and con's of a military career. The Coast Guard can provide as many opportunities as you're willing to accept. They're all very rewarding. Best wishes to you with whatever route you finally decide upon.
Thought about this some ... I realized that, when I joined, the unknowns were so great, that I subconsciously struggled to maintain as much control as I could. That is, I took a guaranteed MK'A' school when I enlisted over a slot to the (old) AD school that I really wanted. I asked for units near my hometown when I graduated, and got one.
I was seeking stability and normalcy in an environment which can switch you up at any time. It was only later (much later) that I realized that the service gives you what you need ... you may not always get what you want, but I think your needs are generally met.
I wouldn't counsel anybody to just let the Coast Guard make your decisions for you carte' blanche, only that, whatever happens, there can be a whole lotta good come out of it.
My entire career, I tried to avoid service in Governor's Island and Alameda. Now, since San Fran and NYC are two of my favorite cities, I realize I would have loved to be a senior PO in one of those areas. I missed a lot of great cultural activity because of my ignorance and fear.
So, begin your career not with fear, or trepidation, but with trust in the service, your superiors and your shipmates. They all contribute to help you through.
