I am a E-3 in the Marine Corps with less than 1 1/2 yrs left on my contract. I was looking at joining the Coast Guard after my service with the Corps was complete, and I know I want to go officer. I am 20 years old, and I will be just shy of my associates degree by the time my service ends. I was just wondering what you (the recruiters) would suggest on how I go about picking up a commision. Should I apply for one of the Marine Corps officer programs, go to the maritime academy/merchant marine academy, and try to transfer services from their. Or should I try to enlist in the CG and finish the rest of my college during my 2 year waiting period before applying for PPEP.

Do you know of any service members in the Coast Guard who have done this? Do you know which route they chose to go? I want to become a deck officer. Any help would be much appreciated.

if you are not married you can apply to the Academy while you are still a Marine. If you get accepted the Marines will discharge you to accept the appointment.

http://www.cga.edu/display.aspx?id=2946

You could also apply to the USNA. http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/steps.htm

This message has been edited. Last edited by: FlynnPatrick,

If I am already married would applying to the Merchant Marine Academy also get me discharged to join the Coast Guard?

You should check with the Academies, but I'm pretty sure you can not any of the Academies (and I know for sure Kings Point) if you are married.

If you are interested in Kings Point feel free to email me. I'd be more than happy to help you. I graduated in 2004 and have been in the Coast Guard ever since.

I think you may be eligible for the CSPI program once your contract is up with the marines. But I think you will need at least 60 credits to apply for that