First let me start by saying I understand that rate is paygrade (E-3, E-4, E-5) and that a rating is the job (YN, MK, BM). Second, I understand everyones eagerness to say look it up becuase as a good coastie you don't have to know everything, but you have to know how to look it up. All that I have been able to find in the personnel manual was in 5.C.29 and 5.C.30 These both basically say it's possible and if you do it you will graduate as an E-4.
Third, I am not changing rate because I am lazy or because I do not want to be on a ship. Nor do I want pity for my poor personal career choice, I would just like help if there is anyone out there that is able and willing to offer it. The true reason I want to change rating is becuase I like to help people. Once I retire from the Coast Guard, I would like to be a teacher for that reason, it's my personality type. I went MK because I found it challenging, because as a FA I had a sexist MK2 and I felt like I had something to prove, and because even thought I knew I couldn't be a MK for 20 years, I was ignorrant and thought I wanted to get out at the end of my enlistment.

With this being said, here is the situation: I know I must wait for my 2 year obligated service (that ends 30JUN08) from "A" school. I do not know if there is a form or format to request a change in rating. I know it must go through both the MK and YN rating force managers. May I put this in before my oblig. service and not act on it until my time is up? Another thing, I have heard "rumors" that I suspect are just that, rumors, about lateralling over to YN... from what I have heard I would have to strike YN, pass the YN3 test, pass the YN2 test, and compete in the SWE. From what I am also hearing, there is no striker program. Also, someone told me that there is an on the job training that can be done that is separate from the online striking program. Basically, I will strike and lose a stripe, go to school and lose a stripe, I will sacrafice if I have to because I have no future in the Coast Guard as a MK and would love to fix my mistake in hastily picking a rating. I have spoken to my command but they have also heard a gazillion different things. I feel like I cannot find anyone that KNOWS how to do this, but only people who think that maybe this is how it goes. I have patience and I'm willing to do whatever it takes. So thank you VERY much for taking the time to read this long schpeal and for any help or information you may have.

Very Respectfully,
MK2

MK2--
You've done the 1st part - researching the process.

You appear to have missed 5.C.11.d. of the PERSMAN. Your request is submitted through your chain of command to (CGPC-epm-1).

'Tis true that there appears to be no format given, but I suggest you look at the Reserve Policy Manual, Chapter 7.C.9. for a format - while this is Reserve-specific, it should help you with putting together your request.

Yes, you would lose a stripe in the process, until you advanced back to PO2.

Can't speak to no striker program for YN, but the PERSMAN doesn't list it as a rating that requires "A" school attendance - check with the YN Force Manager.

MK2

I concur with the above. I have a few canned copies of the request Memo that you would type up and route through your COC to epm-1 for final approval. Look me up in Global and email me there. I will send you all the examples I have to help you out. I just got one approved for one of my guys a few months ago and he will be heading to BM school soon to change his rating.

As for the YN school vs. strike vs. online program....nekron99 said it best. Contact the YN Rating Force Manager for guidance. That is what they are there for. I sent a few emails to the BM RFM concerning the lateral change in rating that I just got approved. If it wasn't for these emails, I would have been lost!

Good luck...

MK2,
Hang in there...I cahnged ratings from ET to HS. I wouldn't worry too much about losing a strip, I did and it was worth it in the long run. org ftg looks like he has what you need, feel free to give me a call as well.
HSC

Cheif was wondering if i could contact you also and get you to send that memo to me also. It sounds like you have alot of insight on this matter and would love to know what you know. Thank you in advance.

Another MK2 tring to change rate

Gears,
Not sure which one of us you were talking to, but feel free to email or call me if you have any questions. I changed rate back in '99, so org ftg might have more up to date stuff.
HSC Fly

MK2,

It really depends on where your stationed at on weather to take the online program or not. You will have to be able to find a unit that would be willing to sponsor you as a striker which means there has to be at least a YN1 there to sign your pracs. HOw it works is you have assignments online that you must submitt to your school teacher but all your YN3 pracs must be signed off by someone who is helping you with the course. I know currently the online program is on hold i think they are updating it. Not sure when it will be back online. I think you can be on the A school list while you are still waiting out your 2 years ob serve (not 100% sure) So you should check into that that way maybe you could time it where you go to school as soon as you can.

Good Luck
If you have any other questions Look me up in Global I would be happy to help!

YN2 Kehoe

Hello MK Girl,

Just wanted to let you know that YN is a rate that you CAN strike. Although, currently there is an online "striker" program, your instructor is the YN1 or the other YN's in the office that you work with. However, only the YN1 (or above) can sign off your pracs. When you are striking, the instructors in Petaluma, really play no role in your advancing to YN3 or not. The YN1 will sign off all your pracs when you have proven that you can complete the job and then you will still have to take the YN3 EOCT which does come from Petaluma and Mr. Klimovich (I believe) will grade the test and email you the results, normally within 24 hours. If you really want to be a YN, than YES go for it. I was a striker and I highly recommend that route.

As for your obligated service...you can request anything from EPM, if they deny it until next year, than there is your answer, but you can request it and it wouldn't surprise me if they approved it. Obligated service is just that, time you owe the service...don't really see much of a big deal if you are serving it as a YN or an MK....unless you got a bonus, there shouldn't be an issue.

Hope this helps and if you have anymore questions, you can find me in global

Take Care and good luck!!

YN1