I am leaving for boot on Aug. 5 if my house sells in time but, I was wondering how previous training classes would help and/or hurt me.
Here is a litte background info: I am currently a Firefighter/Paramedic and have certifications from FEMA,TEEX,and the National Fire Acadamy in NIMS, The Incident Command System as well as several Pro-board certificates in Haz-Mat Opperations for exaple. Would I be able to utilize any of these skills in the USCG, of course depending on the job I choose. Several of my certificates are from orginazations backed from The Department of Homeland Security and I was curious how my previous experiences would compare and if these certificates would benifit me. I fully expect to recieve all the training I need from the USCG to do any job that they would have me preform. I just enjoy some of the specific jobs like being a paramedic and the Haz-Mat stuff and would like to be able to continue them if possible. I have read where the USCG has EMT-B's but don't see anything about paramedics nor have I been able to narrow a rate down that I would like, there are several that really interest me. I will figure that out in my time as a non-rate.
Any thoughts are truley appreciated and I am looking forward to serving my part in the United States Coast Guard, -Josh
Those are all some great qualifications. Congratulations on your decision to join the Coast Guard. As far as your training in ICS and HAZMAT, that could come in really handy if you chose the rating of Marine Science Technician. When I was at the Marine Safety Office (they're now called Sectors) we were constantly training and running drills using ICS. As far as your fire fighting training, you could put that to use as a Damage Controlman. DC's do too many jobs to list here, but the short list would be fire fighting, construction, plumbing, carpentry, and of course, controlling damage on ships. Paramedic training is handy no matter what career path you choose, but there is always Health Service Technician, which is our version of a medic. I support your idea to take your time and do your time as a non-rate. You can always put that former training to use towards a related career path in the Coast Guard, but you never know if there is something out there that you would love to do even more. Best of luck to you no matter what you choose.
I am leaving for boot on Aug. 5 if my house sells in time but, I was wondering how previous training classes would help and/or hurt me.
Here is a litte background info: I am currently a Firefighter/Paramedic and have certifications from FEMA,TEEX,and the National Fire Acadamy in NIMS, The Incident Command System as well as several Pro-board certificates in Haz-Mat Opperations for exaple. Would I be able to utilize any of these skills in the USCG, of course depending on the job I choose. Several of my certificates are from orginazations backed from The Department of Homeland Security and I was curious how my previous experiences would compare and if these certificates would benifit me. I fully expect to recieve all the training I need from the USCG to do any job that they would have me preform. I just enjoy some of the specific jobs like being a paramedic and the Haz-Mat stuff and would like to be able to continue them if possible. I have read where the USCG has EMT-B's but don't see anything about paramedics nor have I been able to narrow a rate down that I would like, there are several that really interest me. I will figure that out in my time as a non-rate.
None of that training is going to hurt you. It may be very valuable at some of the units you will be stationed at. Learn the Coast Guard way and see if you can't integrate that training you've got to further your Coast Guard career. Good luck. CPO Kalbach
