quote:

Originally posted by FrozenSailor:
And the majority of EM strikers have come from Polars. Best platform for EM's (IMO)

Would you recommend trying to get a Polar out of A school as well to become a better EM?

EMC Hulen's striker here. Striking EM is definitely a difficult path to take. I was lucky to get into a shop with a wide range of experience who were all behind me 110%. From the Master Chief who kept tabs on me and made sure I was grasping the basic concepts on down to the EM3(now EM2) 8 months out of A-school who put in many hours making sure I had the math part down calculating phase angles etc. Then there is the EOCT, I consider myself a pretty good test taker and I ran into a bit of trouble with it. I'm eagerly awaiting the day I get to save the ship with answers from some of those diabolical questions. The minimum required height of a kickpipe has been permanently etched into my brain.

I almost went ET, I even turned down orders to ET a-school twice(I never got put on admin hold like I requested) so I could get underway with the Polar Sea. Knowing what I know now I made the right decision in going EM. I'm happier being involved with working on different systems in the ships plant whereas ETs seem to do more work on the communications side of things like radio/satellite etc.

The Polar Sea was a lot of fun to work on and theres a lot to be learned. Take into consideration though that theres a lot of uncertainty surrounding what the CG will be doing with the Sea and Star in the upcoming years. Hopefully good things because i'd like to go back when i'm done with my obligation to the Healy.

Anyhow, from the perspective of an EM striker, I would say going to A-school is the more favorable route.

MAE,

I would highly recommend a Polar out of 'A' School. Nearly all systems in the EM Performance Qualifications guide are on those boats, and the sheer amount of equipment guarantees a busy tour, full of troubleshooting and repair. Trial by fire, at times, is a great way to learn your job.


MZTR- Congratulations on your accomplishment in SUCCESSFULLY striking EM!!!!!!! I'm sure you had a great shop to support you and a follow on tour with Healy will definitely aid in your ability as an EM. Good job!!!!!!!


In response to a post by someone earlier about industrial type work....... How many EM's out there work on Industrial equipment at shore units? Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I believe industrial typically involves, motor controllers, HVAC, Hydraulic, etc..... Things typically found on ships....


From my 4 years as an EMA school instructor, I still believe under the right circumstance, striking produces better EM's than 'A' School does. Getting those circumstances is rather difficult though, so for most, 'A' school is the smarter choice.

quote:

From my 4 years as an EMA school instructor, I still believe under the right circumstance, striking produces better EM's than 'A' School does. Getting those circumstances is rather difficult though, so for most, 'A' school is the smarter choice.

It's a heck of a lot harder to groom a striker when we are not making south trips anymore. That I think was the single most beneficial thing, a captive audience.

quote:

Originally posted by Dromon:
If you're going to make a career out of being an EM in the coast guard, go to a cutter. You learn the most about your rate there, and you get sea time. If you're getting out, go to a land station. The cutters aren't going to do you any good unless you plan on being a commercial mariner or work in a ship yard.

But FrozenSailor says working on a cutter is good preparation for becoming an industrial electrician. What am I missing here?

cutters are the way to go. you can learn a whole lot more than you can on land. gryo compass one day, steering the next and troubleshoot a MDE on the next. I am thankful for going to a ship.

quote:

But FrozenSailor says working on a cutter is good preparation for becoming an industrial electrician. What am I missing here?

Again, what I think Scott is getting at is that if you want to learn more about "civilian electrical code" stuff, condiut bending etc, and are not making a career of the Coast Guard, go to a land station, preferably one that maintains housing.

If you are looking for working in a plant type enviroment, a cutter is for you.

Cool, cool ... Thanks again everyone for your posts. I really appreciate the advice.