I have been in the coast guard for almost a year now and after being a seaman for a year i really have the want to be an MK. The problem is that i have no experience in this rate but have much desire to learn to be a MK through my coast guard experience. I would like to know from people with experience how badly i would struggle in this rate knowing very little about mechanics. I have heard from shipmates that everything in A-school is spoon fed to you and i will be fine and on the other hand i heard i would struggle alot obtaining everything i need to know. If some of you with experience give me some advice, that would be greatly appriciated.

You choose whatever rate you want and don't base it upon being a Seaman or Fireman. There are many BM's that were FN and many MK's that were SN. I was a SN when I was on a 210 and saw the light. Now I'm an MK1 and loving it. Don't limit your rating options to what the told you to be in bootcamp. Good luck!

Just like MK1 said..A-school is tailored for those who don't know anything about engineering..you probably know more than you think and if that's not enough to help your confidence going to MK school...Imagine what a Boot A-schooler would know..if anythig you have a leg up good luck

147 Where ever you are stationed now there must be MK's at it. On your days off see if you can work with them and check out if you like it.If you do talk with the CO or OIC, put in a chit to switch to the engineering dept. Put in for MK school. I had many a kid come into my engineroom and not know anything. They made some of the best MK's.

147 you can do pretty much any job you want to in the Coast Guard as long as you apply yourself. Don't let your lack of knowledge in mechanics stop you from going MK if that is what you WANT to do! Like "cgjohnboy" I too was a SN on a 210 and submitted a chit that was disapproved by everyone up the chain except the XO. Good luck with your decision!

You can do what ever you want to do regardles of FN or SN. Like everyone else above has stated should be just fine. I would do what I could by hanging around the MK's and try to learn what you can. Hopefully you have a good MK whereever that you are stationed that will take time to help you learn some things engineering! I wish you the best of luck with your engineering endevors. Just remember that our job is a dirty, tiring, and frustrating job, but it is very rewarding when everything is purring like a kitten and running the way it should!