Don't know if you have seen the latest Navy Times, but, there is a good article in it concerning the "Ethos" offering a "much needed identity" for members of the US Coast Guard, according to both ADM Allen & MCPOCG Bowen.
According to the MCPOCG the term "Coastie" puts us in a "breakfast cereal" category. He and ADM Allen much prefer the term Guardian.
While it doesn't really matter a whole lot to me any more, since I am retired, I was wondering how those on active duty felt about it. Was the term "Coastie" that offensive to you? Do you feel better being called a "Guardian'? Do you have any other suggestions? Do you care, one way or another?
As someone pointed out on another site, do we even have the right to pick our own nickname? Did the CNO just decide one day sailors would be nicknamed "squids" or the Marine Commandant thought "leathernecks or jarheads" would be appropriate?
Well I agree it dont matter to me if called coastie or guardian. The hard part is to change the outside world to make the change to call us guardians.I know everyone I run into call me a coastie.
Having grown up as a "Coastie" and retired as one and have no say it what we will be called I guess I can live with it. Guardian to me sounds like an Insurance Company or the name of a prophlactic.
Hell the mission has changed so much why not the name. Doesn't Guardian have a somewhat "Airedale" connotation? I hope Bill Wells doesn't get hold of this.
With all due respect to the Commandant, some things need to be left to the "Coasties" to decide. A nickname tops that list.
"Coastie", "Puddle Jumper", "Hooligan", "Knee Deeps", "Shallow Water Sailor". "Sea Weed Picker", "Guardian"... what's the difference in a nickname? If the Coast Guard feels a nickname is needed to give the service credence, then "Guardian" is probably better than any of the above.
The 1966 movie " The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming"
Gloucester Island, summer cottage, Russian submariners drop in.
Alan Arkin as the Russian Lt to Carl Reiner, in the kitchen.
"Pliz!! , does this-ed izland have installation for US of Army, US of Navy or Coastal Guardians ?? "
Right out of the movies.
----------------- "Including all the other nicknames, I have also been called a "Sea going Bell hop"
Interesting how nicknames re-adapt over the years. That term was used many years ago to identify the "seagoing" Marines, those detachments specially assigned as permanent ships company on the larger capital ships.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mastersmate,
Screw this tradition, too! Heck, we should get rid of all seagoing traditions!
I asked the wife. She says, and I quote, "Oh for Pet's sake!" She says we should be called Coasties. She says it's history... and no, I did not coach her! Good woman... great woman!
I personnally did not think COASTIES have an "identity" problem. I think the upper echelon did and are followers of other services. As for the "Guardian Ethos", isn't that what the Coast Guardsman Creed is all about????? At least that is how I read into it! Anyways, I guess I am "OLD GUARD" now. Will hit that 20yr mark in 8 days!
To follow the theme of "puddle pirates", I have heard Uncle Sam's Confused Group also.
Personally, I did not see what was so bad with being a "sailor" let alone a "coastie". Guardian as a nickname conjures up images of ad execs contracted by the Coast Guard to come up with a better moniker to "connect with the kids".
I will know it has overall approval when CoastieChicks.com changes to GuardianChicks.com.
Well, no doubt, "Coasties" evolved as a time-saving euphemism; a result of of being directly involved daily in tumultuous circumstances ...
The Commandant's a good man, but maybe he's ignoring the fact that we have several names that have positive, dignified connotations ... "The Lifesavers" ... "The Humanitarian Service" ... "The Oldest Sea Service" ... "Smokies of the Sea".
Doesn't matter in the end ... you'll never get the civilians, when the $hit hits the fan, to not say, "Call the Coasties". And as long as that continues to happen, and we hold preeminence in THEIR minds for dedication, professionalism and competence when everyone else is falling apart, it's okay with me.
As for the "Guardian Ethos", isn't that what the Coast Guardsman Creed is all about????? At least that is how I read into it! Anyways, I guess I am "OLD GUARD" now. 
Will hit that 20yr mark in 8 days! 
