Hello again gentleman.

I had one post on the subject a few days ago; however, I want to change the context a little bit.

The idea to join a CG came to me when my best friend enlisted, 3 years ago, but unfortunately due to some issues I wasn’t able to go with him. So it took me awhile to make such decision, joining the military is a big step you know. I researched allot and finally decided to enlist as a BM. I am 28, so I may join only under one condition - to enlist in "A" school (guaranteed ‘A’ school, as my recruiter referred to it). Other restrictions are the 6 years contract, but that didn’t bother me at all since if I will join, I’ll stay loyal to the company. So we started qualification processing and in a week or so after that my recruiter called me with bad news that command removed BM from "Guaranteed ‘A’ School" list. This news was kind of like lightning strike. So now my options to join would be only FS, EM or reserve.
I honestly don’t want to make a mistake since I was about to go "career", so what are my options in this case? I really want to be a BM. To enlist as EM and change the rating later? or any other possibility? 28 is already the age when you have no room for some random action though. I didn’t want to lie so hope I explained my situation clearly enough. I am seriously frustrated right now, so any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

I highly recommend you consider enlisting without a guarenteed school. That way, you can determine for yourself what you want to do after you've experienced the Coast Guard as a non-rated seaman.

Another Option would be to join the Reserve, go to BM "A" school. Once completed with boot and A school watch for and try to get "extended Active duty(title 10 orders)" you can usually come by a 2yr stint pretty easy...at the end of those orders you have the option of Enlisting in the regular "Active Duty" side. I got out for 8months (stayed in the reserve) and got back in this way...I also have a buddy who joined the reserve and did the same. Ask your recruiter about it...he/she should give you the low down...

Thank you guys for the input.

Travis: I would consider this as an option; in fact I would do exactly as you said if I could. But unfortunately due to my age (28) I can only join active duty if I enlist in A-School. Only 17-27 can join as non-rated.

Huh, that's a new one for me but then I'm not a recruiter....

Changing rates is an option later on but obviously not ideal. You might want to consider the option proposed by j_duncan; I've seen folks do things like this. In any case, good luck in your decision!

Travis

How hard is it to change rates from EM to BM anyways? Any place I can get some official info on that one? I checked many USCG sites but they dont say anything sane about the matter.

I just really want to join but at the same time I dont want to screw this up in the way that I cant fix.

quote:

How hard is it to change rates from EM to BM anyways? Any place I can get some official info on that one? I checked many USCG sites but they dont say anything sane about the matter.

I just really want to join but at the same time I dont want to screw this up in the way that I cant fix.

If you go to EM A school the Coast Guard(taxpayers) are going to pay for that training. So you will be an EM for at least 4 years. EM is critical right now, BM isn't. If in 4 years that hasn't changed, you most likely will not be able to go BM. It's almost impossible to go from a critical rating to a non-critical one.

Something to think about, if you go EM you will have a good backround for civilian work if you decide to get out after 4 years.

Question: why do you want to go BM so bad? CPO Kalbach

After A school you are required to serve (I believe) at least 2 years in your rating. Once you have satisfied that time period you can request through your chain of command to change ratings.

There are a multitude of things that will need to happen in order for you to change from EM to BM. Approval and release from the EM force manager, possible reduction in rank, command approval, etc. It's not easy, especially now that EM is considered a "critical" rate. It can happen but it won't be an easy road.

I would also recommend going into the reserves. I know quite a few people who have joined the reserves due to their age and did EAD to be able to enlist active duty. Ask your recruiter about that option.

And again thank you for your input guys.

quote:

Originally posted by PO1Kalbach:
Question: why do you want to go BM so bad? CPO Kalbach

Answer: This is the career that almost identical to my "dream job", the thing that I can see myself doing for life and not just another working place. It deals with Law Enfocement operations as well as SAR. I want to feel complete satisfaction at the end of the day as well as to make someone's life safer and easier while doing so. Its something that I valued since I was kid: Get Life - Save Life - Give Life.

Regarding the Reserve, I've never considered that because it seem to me like having a partime job. But I will deffinately ask a recruiter about EAD, even thought I have no idea what it is or what "10 orders" are.

Recruiting Manual:

Table 2-1 Basic Age Criteria for Enlistment

At Least 18 But Less Than 28

"MAY Apply"

18 - 30

"May Apply"

if that person has prior military service; enlist as E-3, or has an electronic mail waiver obtained from CGRC

18 - 32

"May Apply if E-3 with Guaranteed Class "A" School

Maybe the "Recruiter" will initiate an E-mail Age Waiver to the Recruiter in Charge and forward it up to Recruiting Command.

(RIC) Recruiter-in-Charge may reject an applicant, even if eligible for a wavier, if he or she detirmines that the applicant does not meet Coast Guard or Reserves criteria for appointment or enlistment.

As a recruiter, we need to make sure "you" are "Fully Qualified" before sending up an age waiver.

Get the ASVAB, Physical, and paperwork complete ASAP.

Enlist as an E-3 on a 6 year enlistment. Go in with "NO GUARANTEES" ANNEX C & H or take an "A" School.

* Only recruiters may initiate a request for waivers.

Talk with the recruiter.

luke

quote:

But I will deffinately ask a recruiter about EAD, even thought I have no idea what it is or what "10 orders" are.

All a recruiter can tell you is that EAD, ADSW and Title 10 active duty orders are "sometimes" available. There also has to be a Reserve need in your area. Every job in the Coast Guard has the satisfaction that in some way they helped contribute to the Coast Guard missions. If it wasn't for EM's the cutters couldn't get underway to do the mission. CPO Kalbach

Thanks for the details Cgluke.

To PO1 Kalbach: Of corse every CG job has a sence of satisfaction, as well as understanding that you are a part of something more important than "you". I perfectly understand that EM as well as any other rate are vital to CG operations, simple example of team work - one cannot operate without the other. However, my point was regarding how I see myself contributing to those operations. Even though I have aptitude towards electronic devices (since I was kid), I build the Computers as a hobby , I still want to be a part of LE or SaR and thats where all this becoms a problem.

EM's still do LE and SAR. I've seen EM Boarding Officers. That is a stereotype that Engineers don't do LE. Heck, you could still get coxswain qualified at some units. Don't limit yourself. Just like Chief Kalbach said, the training you get for the civilian side is great.

EMs do SaR and LE? How about training? As far as I understand working with engine and boarding the ship with gun requires different kind of training. Is it not?

quote:

EMs do SaR and LE? How about training? As far as I understand working with engine and boarding the ship with gun requires different kind of training. Is it not?

If you do your main Coast Guard job well, you can do anything. I'm a Food Service Specialist and I've been a Boarding Team Member, got all the required training to do that, but I did my job as a cook first and I did it well.

A BM that does not do their job well, won't be a Boarding Team member or even a Boarding Officer. LE, SAR, enviromental protection, Homeland Securiry are all Colateral Duties. A BM does far more than just the missions. CPO Kalbach

Few more things gentleman, if you dont mind.

1. How often is "critical rates" list being updated?

2. And is there any place I can find it to check whats "critical" and whats not?

I came across of some PDF a few weeks ago, the one with how many people are in line and stuff. At least this info will give me some idea on what to do; wait or go EM.

Thanks again, you guys are great.

quote:

1. How often is "critical rates" list being updated?

2. And is there any place I can find it to check whats "critical" and whats not?

Typically once a year. Your recruiter will have the most up to date list. CPO Kalbach

Thanks again to everyone partisipating, I trully apreciate your guys input. The only one thing I might ask, is if someone can ellaborate on the Cgluke's post with "manual" cut. I am not sure I understand what this info mean. What conditions should I meet to even ask my recruiter for this "Age Waver" ?

Coast Guard Recruiter's use the Coast Guard Recruiting Manual COMDTINST M1100.2D

Talk with the recruiter. "Is there anything we can do to process my application for active duty at my age?"

If they want to further the recruiting process with you, they may or may not.