Hello all,

My name is Gerry. In the past few months, I've been doing supplemental research about various careers I'd like to pursue in different branches of the U.S. Military.

Recently, I discovered the rate of "Gunner's Mate" in the Coast Guard and became instantly interested; I'm a big-time firearms ethusiast.

So, I was wondering if anyone could possibly answer a few questions I had about the GM Rate. I looked through the two pages in the GM sub-forums and could not find the answers I am looking for, so I apologize if these questions have already been answered elsewhere:

[1] Currently, does the Gunner's Mate rate deal more with "Big Gun Maintenance" or what could be seen as small-arms maintenance and gunsmithing?

[2] Is there time enough in the GM Rate to work on a degree... Maybe say in Mechanical Engineering? And what programs are offered in the Coast Guard to work on a degree? Would I have to seek a program online from civilian institutions?

[3] How easy [or hard] is it to go through the GM's Firearms Instructor C School?

I look forward to any and all answers that anyone may be able to provide. And as always, I thank you all for your time.

- Gerry

Wow...good questions! Let me see if I can stab at them in a "constructive" method:
1) A roll of the dice. You could find yourself on a 270' or 378' Cutter doing 76MM. You could also find yourself on a 210', 179' or 110' doing 25MM. On the other hand, now days you could easily end up at a station as a Weapons PO or at an Armory as an SAI (Small Arms Instructor) or any other vast number of jobs. It's all up to the needs of the Guard and the detailers magic eight ball!
2)Is there enough time to work on a degree-the easy answer is...if you make time! Working on a degree would normally take place by using a local College or going on line. Either way, it's my understanding that the CG has great tuition assistance in place.
3) Easy answer: refer to answer number one. Getting SAI is based on the needs of the unit/sector. Attached to an armory or something of that nature...usually pretty good. MOST cutters normally have only one SAI which "tends" to be the senior PO.

With this all being said, I did (8) years in the Navy (with ZERO regrets mind you). I came over to the Guard in 91' and I can tell you-it's the best darn choice I could have made! The Guard has been GREAT to me and my family and I've personally seen it do great for many others!

If you decide to come our way...come "locked and loaded" ready to do whats right to the best of your ability! We are a proud service with a very proud group of fine folks in the GM world!

Best of luck in your hunt!

Regards,
GMCS Wilbert
GM-School Chief

Dan,

Congrats on the Advancement to Senior Chief! Now you live up to your age!

Paul

....10,000 comedians out of work and we get stuck with you!

Thanks Paul!

Congrats Dan! ... I mean Senior Chief Wilbert, Gunner's Mate School Chief!

I normally don't come over to the GM side of the forum, but I'll add a few things. I served with "teachguns" on the old Northland, he's right on every aspect. But I can tell you as far as continuing education, besides TA, you have things like SOCOAST, and other "military friendly" universities that will give you credit for you service. Case in point, get EVERY C school you can!! Usually a school more than 5 days equals some kind of college credit. The newer ships have some sort of "conncetivity" underway so doing online classes is a possiability (just depends). When you get to your first unit, get with your ESO (education services officer) and let them know your intentions and they can guild you along.

Being a GM, you defianlty want to go to a SAI school (it'd almost be a like a BM who doesn't drive a boat!! ) Once an SAI, you kind of become a district asset and will travel around alot from station to station shooting people through ranges (gotta love Per Diem!!!).

Now, one more point and I'll stop. My advice, join the CG, go to a cutter first if possible and see ALL the rates, then decide what you want to do. I'm sure the GM's on that 270 wouldn't mind having you come down and clean .40's after the B.O. and B.T.M.'s come back from boarding that Haitian Frieghter (you know what I'm talking about Teach ), anyways, good luck in your decision and wish you the best!!

Ahhhh, always good to see an old Shipmate!
Great to see you out there, Boats. I hope this finds you well.
You've done well! You should be proud!
And yes, you're dead on point!
Be safe ol' friend.
R/GMCS

....and thank you too "LT". Great to see you again, sir. We'll hook up again down the road I'm sure. The door's always open.
V/R,
GMCS

Congrats on the advancement, Dan!

You deserve it.

Sir,
I greatly appreciate it. I've had a lot of kind words from folks and it's been really nice. It's been a boost for me to work around such great folks who continue to help me/us look good.
Life is good at the Training Center and I think we're putting out some decent folks!
V/R,
GMCS

"Life is good at the Training Center and I think we're putting out some decent folks!"

I too think you and the boys are doing a bang up job. Am sure you will keep the fleet strong with some great GMs to come.

PS - Guess the pict is before the slide off the road eh?

quote:

Originally posted by Teachguns:
Ahhhh, always good to see an old Shipmate!
Great to see you out there, Boats. I hope this finds you well.
You've done well! You should be proud!
And yes, you're dead on point!
Be safe ol' friend.
R/GMCS

Teach, sorry for the long reply, just got back from TAD on an 87, what a blast!! Got to mount the 50's, no live fire though (last time was with you on some 15 years ago, time just flies by to fast!!). I'm sure I'll be out your way in the future, I'll be sure to stop by. Speaking of shooting, I found our old patrol videos that the ET2 made, not sure if you have them or not, but if I can fiqure out how to copy from VHS to DVD I'll mail you a copy if you want.
Take care
/r
Eric

Boats,
I would really dig seeing that old stuff if you find the way.
Again,
good to hear you out there.
Regards,
GMCS

quote:

Boats,
I would really dig seeing that old stuff if you find the way.
Again,
good to hear you out there.
Regards,

There are quite a few companies out there now that convert VHS and even 8mm to DVD. Not knowing exactly where you are all I can suggest is checking your local newspaper or telephone book.