Im going to be going to good ole cape may here shortly for boot, and im really interested in the GM position with the coast guard. Im planning on going to a cutter after boot camp, so I can get a feel for what postion I want. I have been doing my research on the (GM) position but still have a few questions. I was wondering what life was like as a (GM) on a cutter?

well 924 I don't know about other classes but on 378s you don't stand underway watches and spend most of your time doing pms work and training your gun crews and in port more pms and other ship maintenance and taking people to the range and standing duties gunners mate.

924,

This all depends on what class of cutter you would be assigned to. On the larger cutters your responsibilities would be conducting preventive maintenance on the weapon systems, standing underway watches on the bridge, training gun crews and maintaining daily routine. You also have the option of collateral duties such as boat crew and boarding team member. On smaller cutters your preventive maintenance is limited due to the location of your systems. This maintenance you would most likely defer to in port time aside from daily lubrication. Underway you will stand bridge watches, act as boat crew (possibly coxswain depending on your motivation in that field), boarding team member and assist in the daily routine of the ship.

Going to a cutter directly after boot camp is a very wise move. This will allow you to get hands on with most ratings and assist you in making a decision on your future in the Coast Guard. If you have any more questions feel free to throw them on here. There are plenty people on here who are more than willing to offer advise and encouragement.

GMC Shipley

924,

I have been on a 110 patrol boat for the past three years in Miami and am heading to St. Petersburg, FL for atleast two more. Like Chief Shipley mentioned earlier the smaller cutters give you less time per say underway to do PMS and things of that nature. Alot of your PMS you do inport but on a 110 you duties are Weapons Officer and inport OOD and underway QMOW(or JOOD, whichever you command calls it). Which means every so often inport you will have what we call duty where you look over the ship over night and QMOW underway you assist the OOD with steering the ship and other things. I think 110 or a good begining platform for young coastie's because you get to more closely see what all the rates do and your such a small crew that everyone kinda learns the others job which makes you a more rounded coastie.

GM2

Sorry I was on my wife's profile. LOL this is munch2323 if you have any other questions please ask.

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...well 924 I don't know about other classes but on 378s you don't stand underway watches...

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On the larger cutters your responsibilities would be conducting preventive maintenance on the weapon systems, standing underway watches on the bridge,...

Just curious. The above two statements contradict each other. Is that because the watchstanding can be unit specific, or what?

I've been on a 210 as a nonrate for a little over a year. After getting my quals done and comfortable in my duties i shopped around the rates. I found everyone pretty happy to let me see what they do and work with them in my free time.GM was a big one for me and about 6 months ago, i was allowed to work for our GM's full time. I was very lucky and fortunate since this isnt too common i guess. I recommend doing something like that if you can. It will let you really see and expierence what they do, but plan on dedicating your free time to work outside of your department.

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Originally posted by Ex_CG_GM:

quote:

...well 924 I don't know about other classes but on 378s you don't stand underway watches...

quote:

On the larger cutters your responsibilities would be conducting preventive maintenance on the weapon systems, standing underway watches on the bridge,...

Just curious. The above two statements contradict each other. Is that because the watchstanding can be unit specific, or what?

I think seccond one was just a general statement, but I have been on a 378 and did not stand watch and I am on a 110 rignt now and i stand QMOW

Thanks.

Here is your GM billet rundown on a 378. As a crewmember aboard a 378, it is your responsibility to get your DCPQS completed. After passing the DCPQS , you will become a qualified watchstander inport (GMs do not stand any underway watches unless specified by the CO, Bridge Watches, etc.) While underway\Inport, the duty GM will make inspections of ammunition magazines to inspect for flooding\and or fire. Maintaining the integrity of these spaces is foremost the duty of a Gunners Mate. PMS,PMS,PMS(Preventive Maintenance System)is what a Gunners Mate will do day in and day out(underway or inport) to maintain the operational capability of his weapons systems, whether it be the .50cal, 25mm or the 76mm. The GM rate is the best in the USCG!