Would anybody happen to know how A school training differs for women? Is there any thing physically that as a girl i should prepare for?

all training is the same for boys and girls. look at the school web site for the training requirements.

lilfish 16 the biggest problem girls face in any spec ops training is pullups. practice them, palms facing away, and practice and get to doing 15 or so. that is one of the biggest problems ive seen with women that go to rescueswimmer school.good luck

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lilfish 16 the biggest problem girls face in any spec ops training is pullups

HA "spec ops" now thats a good one! Might wanna do a little research on that term Disciple -RX

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Would anybody happen to know how A school training differs for women?

A body in the water has no idea wether the AST is a male or a female, therefore both genders need to be able to do the same job physically.

If memory serves me right the hard part for females is the upper body exercises. Work on your push ups, pull ups, as well as general exercises. If you don't swim alot start. Run a mile and a half change out and swim a few laps in a pool. Don't believe me then wait until school. It's not just strength but endurance/stamina you need to build. You'll do a two to three and a half hour work out three times a week at school.
The biggest thing is your heart has to be in it 100%. It wasn't long ago a female AST was the best in her class.

"Would anybody happen to know how A school training differs for women?"
The AST "A" School Staff will instruct you in the same manner that they instruct male AST Airman. Top notch program with true professionals giving the training. Prepare yourself well. Good luck.

I was just really wanting more insight. Obviously there are only ... 6 female ASTs in the history of the CG? What do you believe would help a woman advance her chances in AST besides a lot of upper body workouts & the duration of those workouts? I'm fascinated with Aviation and SAR, but doing AST would be ... well, almost unattainable especially given the attrition rate... let's be honest. However, other women have been successful. How do you determine if you have what it takes besides heart? I'm just curious ... probably won't enlist, but who knows.
Go ahead.... I know it's coming ... lay it on me...

If you're just curious and won't enlist, then don't waste anyones time here. Just rent The Guardian and you will have all the answers.

But then again, since you failed to read the posts above yours which refer to your question, you might not be able to do that either.

First of all, sir, I was just asking a question. I am coming here for more information ... a little more than what The Guardian could provide because YOU are supposed to be a professional at your rate. YOU are supposed to be willing to offer insight. After all, that is the purpose of the website. I hardly think that you are presenting yourself in such light. I asked a question. I was not asking for your smug, arrogant attitude. If you believe that I am incompetent, then keep your mouth shut... don't reply! I am weighing my options on enlistment, yet am waiting until I finish my schooling to decide. I'm sorry if that appears to be an issue for you.

Secondly, I did read the posts. I was asking for FURTHER assistance. Could YOU not read the post I presented the first time? Is it that you feel women lack the skill to be AST? Or is it that my response pertaining to enlistment ticked you off and you felt compelled to attack me? I am asking these questions because I have an interest. Either way, your response was rude and unnecessary. I hardly think you have the right to criticize my intelligence, sir. No worries for you, though, as I am finished.

You'll notice there are plenty of people with opinions outside of the Aviation Ratings that are less than helpful. Unfortunately, it's part of the culture of the "real" Coast Guard to loathe Aviation and the AST rating in particular. SOS, new day.

The best you can do is ignore them and wait for one of the ASTs to chime in. Take a long read through the posts on this AST thread. Most of the good gouge refers to attitude and determination as winning attributes. Don't worry about gender.

If you can, visit a Coast Guard Air Station and their AST Shop.

Good Luck!

Retired AMTCS

You want information, you got it...

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YOU are supposed to be a professional at your rate

Information Tidbit #1: AST is a Rating not a Rate, you'll find that out if and when you join.

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I know it's coming ... lay it on me... After all, that is the purpose of the website.

Information Tidbit #2: Never dare anyone. I beg to differ, it's called Point/Counter Point not the Info Channel.

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probably won't enlist, but who knows.

Information Tidbit #3: You gotta crawl before you can walk. Noone will ever know if you can make it through AST A School until you make it through boot camp and the AST Airman program first.

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How do you determine if you have what it takes besides heart? doing AST would be ... well, almost unattainable No worries for you though as I am finished

Information Tidbit #4: You answered your own question and it doesn't look promising...Never quit before you start!

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Is it that you feel women lack the skill to be AST?

Information Tidbit #5: Do not go down that road it will get you nowhere. Listen to what everyone is saying all little girls and boys are treated the same...like $hit!

First and Former AST Rating Master Chief sends...

I wasn't attempting to pull the "feminist" card, my apologies. Given the rude response BTDT decided to provide me with ... I was simply probing to see what the problem was. That is, by far, the last card I would ever want to pull. Trust me, I realize that it's all about proving yourself. I've been down that road a time or two (just not in the likes of this context). Men and women are treated the same, as they should be. However, I was simply asking for an opinion - an honest one. The rude reply is what sent that remark flying from my mouth.
It may not be an info channel, but once I've had my hands on all the information I can acquire... I hear it's best to ask questions. "I know it's coming... lay it on me..." was simply a note of sarcasm. I know how people can easily misconstrue tones on the internet. Again, my apologies.
I wasn't attempting to quit before I begin. I am simply trying to be realistic and gather information on various paths. As I've stated previously, unless I actually talk to someone in each of these ratings... I've come by most, if not all, of the information available to me.

Any and all questions about the rating can be answered by calling 202 475-5759. Good Luck!

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Originally posted by sardog65:
If memory serves me right the hard part for females is the upper body exercises. Work on your push ups, pull ups, as well as general exercises. If you don't swim alot start. Run a mile and a half change out and swim a few laps in a pool. Don't believe me then wait until school. It's not just strength but endurance/stamina you need to build. You'll do a two to three and a half hour work out three times a week at school.
The biggest thing is your heart has to be in it 100%. It wasn't long ago a female AST was the best in her class.

I knew a female that actually was top of her class but her heart skipped beats when she wasnt working out , when she was it was fine. She would have made it but because of her heart they made her change ratings. She picked FS, she was in the class in front of me in A school. This girl use to run 20 miles every other day!!!!! in FS School!!