Sure. Learn the rate / job, get all your practical factors signed off, take the EM3 Test and pass it, go on the EM3 advancement list and make it when your name comes up. I didn't strike myself. I personally would go to school as you will learn alot more of the basics. Not sure how fast the EM3 list is going either. I think you can actually go to "A" school and become an EM3 quicker than actually striking. By going to school you can also focus strickly on school instead of having to worry about everything else going on at your unit. My 2 Cents EM1
Scotty is right. A school is WAY faster. Although, two of the best EM's I know struck EM. On the other hand, less than 20 people have struck EM (successfully) in the last decade........ It requires far more than just doing pracs. A great, knowledgeable supervisor, time, a great knowledgeable supervisor, some more time and patience to try and understand the theory of electricity and things involved.
Put yer name on the list for A school. I promise you the fastest learning curve next to boot camp in your first three weeks here. And a very rewarding career
Cool ... I've been trying to dig up some more info on this rating, but the EM board is pretty slim.
Anyone out there willing to throw in their two cents on what they like most/least about it, suggested cutters and locations, what a typical day afloat is like, etc.?
The EM rating is good for anybody who likes to work and likes to be underway.
As for assignments, I'll tell you like I tell everybody else. 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. That is, unless of course you have a hard on for being underway.
If you got stationed at a group or somewhere non-ship support, you could essentially work on your journeymans and actually work on things you would do on the outside.
If you're aiming industrial, you'll find more experience on a ship, as you'll have the opportunity to work on motors, motor controls, plc's, auxiliary controls, etc. that you would encounter in an industrial setting. Working afloat will give you more experience as an electrician, hands down. Working ashore typically allows you more time to focus on an apprenticeship or degree and can also allow you to work for a civilian master electrician in some settings which will also aid in gaining your license.
My opinion? Got to a ship and you'll learn far more about being an electrician (and you'll get to travel.) Going to land just has more free time.
Either way, you're on the right track by starting to plan ahead now.
Mae323, Any experience you get is going to be valuable. As far as the transition will go, it depends on what you want to do. If you are wanting to do more residential and commercial new construction like wiring houses and such...you really dont need much experience, just go to your local union hall and apply as that is where you will make the most money in that area. This is what I did for 4 years before the CG and there is not much money in working for a private contractor. On the other hand if you are wanting to work for a big company like GE or something doing maintenance on plant machines and things, you will need the experience that only you can get on a ship, motors, controllers, pumps and all that good stuff. That is where you are gonna make your money at. Good luck. Josh
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I appreciate it, something else ... I know they're two distinct rates, but did any of you ever consider being an ET (or an AET for that matter) instead of an EM? If so, what influenced your decision?
i was drunk when i filled out my "a" school request chit. i thought i was going MK. when i found out the mistake is was too lazy to correct it. so here i am as an EM.
I know this is late answer to your question but Dromon was correct on his assessment I'm at a sector unit and all I do is industrial type work. If you plan on not making the service your career then go to a shore unit, sign up for USMAP's and complete your certification through the department of labor. I have 7000 hours and I need 8000 to complete the cert. then I could take the journeymans exam in January 09.
On the other hand, less than 20 people have struck EM (successfully) in the last decade
Scott where did you get that number at? I am curious. Currently here on the Sea we helped one guy make EM (he is now on the Healy) and we as a shop are working on #2. Too early to tell if she will cut the mustard.
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I appreciate it, something else ... I know they're two distinct rates, but did any of you ever consider being an ET (or an AET for that matter) instead of an EM? If so, what influenced your decision?
I thought about it but at the time the added scrutiny of getting a secret clearance might not have been the best idea. I am 100% satisfied with my choice, and believe that my job has been more personally, and professionally rewarding than it would have been as an ET. Thats all subjective though and I can't back that up with evidence.
Never thought about ET....... Mark, The number came up in Yorktown discussion a couple years ago when there was talk of doing away with the striker program. I was one of very few who was all for it. It requires a dedicated shop AND striker to get to EM3 AND ensure they know the book side as well as the job. the majority of strikers I have met are AJ EM's and can work circles around any A school graduate. And the majority of EM strikers have come from Polars. Best platform for EM's (IMO)
Thanks to everyone who has posted on this thread. I've found it all to be very helpful.
FrozenSailor,
I'm a little confused about your last post. You were all for doing away with the striker program, but the majority of strikers you know can work circles around any A school graduate?
Mark is right, I am for striking, but was definitely the minority. It requires a near alignment of the stars to give a striker the same amount of information the A school does and also requires a much greater amount of dedication to get there compared to A school. EMA is 19 weeks, longest school in Yorktown. The first four weeks is (by most students opinions) the most information they've recieved during four weeks of any class they've ever took. EMA was proposed as a 23 week course, but CGHQ said do it in 19, so here we are.
Either way, striking is great, permitted conditions are great to do it, which is rare.
