I went to the USCG orientation a few days ago in Baltimore, MD and was told they are only allowed to accept up to 45 people A YEAR at that recruiting station. This is something I really want to be a part of and will do whatever it takes to make it in. However I feel this is somewhat of a larger challenge then some of these recent High School Grads. (I am 21) I took the practice ASVAB a while back and only got a 40 simply because all the areas I was tested in I either never learned, forgotten or simply not a strong point for me. This is especially true with math. I’m passed normal for height/weight and wrist measurements and am working on my endurance with swimming and running in addition of the normal muscular workouts. I’m meeting the test requirements.
I want to know what I can do to better work on the ASVAB and also anything else I can do to set my self above the rest in at least one area?
Also, does the fact that I was diagnosed with ADD when I was 16 make me less of a qualified candidate? If so, should I get reevaluated to have the removed from my present condition?
Does my surgery for a hernia 5 years ago also make ms less likely to be recruited even though my doctor says I’m fine?
If you go to the recruiting forum, there is an active duty recruiter who moderates that forum. Not sure how helpfull many of the answers you get here will be.
Definitely get in touch with your local recruiter in Baltimore. Ask them how you can become a better applicant. There are books to help you study for the ASVAB, and that might be a great place to start. I wouldn't sorry about the fact that you are older than the high school grads because the bottom line is that it's not the first 45 through the door, but the best qualified 45 through the door. You can make yourself more qualified and thus, more appealing for the position. If it's something you really want, it is there for the taking, you just have to put in the effort. Best of luck to you.
Kevin Couture, SK1
p.s. I agree with the above post, you should be asking this in the Recruiting Forum.
Originally posted by USCGK9: If the recruiter in Baltimore doesn't have any openings, go to a different recruiter.
This is very good advice. One Recruiter may have a really great pool to choose from... Baltimore might have the cream of the crop - check out places like El Paso, Minot or Billings. There are still places that have never heard of the Coast Guard... or Baltimore for that matter.
