So Im wondering which one is "Better". Im still in the recruiting process and am weighing out my options. Ive taken the ASVAB and got a 95 so their pretty much open from what I understand. Ok anyway, im looking for a rate where i can have fun on the job, actually enjoy my time there, and at the same time feel decently challenged. Ive taken 2 semesters of accounting and business classes at a University, and am only 1 class away from finishing a math minor to my uncompleted bachelors lol, so im leaning more towards SK. Also, Is it me or would my training as an SK have more applications in the civilian job market than a YN? PS, I have a wife and a child that I would like to see and enjoy some time with once in a while lol, so if that has any bearing on your suggestions, please consider it. Thanks guys.
Do what you think is right for you. If you are leaning towards SK than thats probably your choice. SK and YN's are both good rates. You will have time with your family with both rates.
^^^ C'mon now you know that SK's are much cooler than YN's lol, just playing. You should marinate those two choices in your head when you sleep because those are both great rates if I didn't go SK I was going to go YN, either way you will meet good people who will guide you to the path of success. As an SK though you can possibly end up at a unit where you might be doing a YN's job as a collateral anyway like a MEPS or an independent duty station where you will be processing orders and travel claims as well as your regular SK duties. You have a wife and kid so going SK or YN means that most of your career will possibly be spent on land, and word from the scuttlebutt is they are trying to do away with YN's and SK's on certain cutters to make more room and billets for more essential persennel(SN,FN,BM,MK) and things like that, but don't take my word for it though as I mentioned it is just scuttlebutt(rumor). Also from my own experience I was going to strike DC and then decided to strike SK best business move ever if there was some things in life I wish I could take back going SK wouldn't be considered one of them. If you complete your degree in business/accounting when your CG time is up you can possibly come back as a civilian and work in comptroller with me!
On the civilian side, SK is the better rate towards getting a job with good pay. Should you go SK try and get involved with contracting and all the schools you can attend aolng those lines. Right now, becomming a Contracting Officer with your degree would net you a GS-11 to 12 as a civilian.
Actually, if you have contracting experience and a degree, you qualify for a GS-13/14 position. Currently, you are only required to have relevant experience and 24 Hrs of college level buisness classes to qualify for a GS-13 position. Additionally, you can receive credit for the classes through CON courses. If you want to discuss further off-line, then please do not hesitate to contact me @ darrell.pridgen@uscg.mil...
If you are still in the recruiting process, I would not suggest deciding what you want to do right now. Get on a boat and see all the rates in action. Your mind may change. I had absolutely no desire to go SK when I joined up, but after my first boat, I realized that my talents were best put to use in managing finances and property. I would hate for you to choose now and regret your decision later.
I want you to know that the accounting/business you've taken on the outside probably won't apply to being an SK. We have our own whacky system of doing things here, and is very generic (as far as accounting). The things you do already know (if any of them apply) you will learn through a CG school anyway. That's just the accounting side of things. We do many other things as well.
Actually, if you have contracting experience and a degree, you qualify for a GS-13/14 position. Currently, you are only required to have relevant experience and 24 Hrs of college level buisness classes to qualify for a GS-13 position
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A college degree is required for GS-13 positions covered under FAC-C (most civilian agencies). A college degree is required for all grades of 1102 series positions covered under DAWIA (all DOD and some civilian agencies). Theoretically, you only need the degree for DAWIA jobs GS-13 and above, but the reality is you need a degree for any grade. In addition, FAC-C or DAWIA Level III certification (which also requires a degree) is required for all GS-13 and some GS-12 series 1102 positions.
My advice for anyone considering a career as a civil service contracts specialist is 1) get a degree, you would not believe how important it is; B) take the FAI and DAU courses and get FAC-C certification before getting out; and III) realize that most positions and especially higher level positions are in the DC area.
