I'm prior Airforce and I'm signing up for the Coast Guard. I want to get an idea of how often HS gets deployed. I know that sometimes a recruiter will say anything to get you in. I was told that deployments happen very seldom and they don't last long at all. Can anyone shed some light on what it's really like for me? And if you do get deployed alot, what are they like? I would like to know so I can know what exactly I'm signing up for. thank you!
Hi, I'm prior Navy and was attached to a ship for almost 4 years. It sucked! It sucked because of my rate, Boiler Technician, which had me standing watch every 6 hours for months at a time in 100-140 degrees heat. As an HS in the CG, you will get at least one 3-year afloat assignment in a 20-year career; it is also possible that lady luck will frown upon you and give you two afloat assignments. On the flip side, I have seen a few HSs NEVER go to sea in a 20-year career (friggin' sandpeeps! ). I don't really begrudge them...life is a card game. They either get lucky or go on to become warrant officers or physicians assistants by their 10-15th year or even sooner. The detailer has what is called a 'matrix' system and uses that to distribute the sea billets in as fair a way as possible, but nothing is guaranteed. In short, I'd say that 65-70% HSs do one sea tour in a 20-year career. The others either get screwed (if one wants to look at it that way) or volunteer for another sea tour. The detailer will gladly accomodate you if that is your desire. You might like it. I volunteered for another sea tour, which would have given me 10 years total sea time, but a medical condition sidelined me (hopefully, only temporarily) and relegated me to instructor duty which suits me. Going to sea is an experience that most HSs like. They are called "Doc" and are responsible for the healthcare of 50 to 150 personnel, depending on what size cutter you get assigned to. I enjoyed my sea tour. Good luck and welcome aboard.
Thank you! I am joining either way. I just wanted to know some more details cause someone was telling me I'd be away from my family the whole time I was in. Got a little nervous. But once again thank you for the info. I figured it was probably more like that.
). I don't really begrudge them...life is a card game. They either get lucky or go on to become warrant officers or physicians assistants by their 10-15th year or even sooner. The detailer has what is called a 'matrix' system and uses that to distribute the sea billets in as fair a way as possible, but nothing is guaranteed. In short, I'd say that 65-70% HSs do one sea tour in a 20-year career. The others either get screwed (if one wants to look at it that way) or volunteer for another sea tour. The detailer will gladly accomodate you if that is your desire. You might like it. I volunteered for another sea tour, which would have given me 10 years total sea time, but a medical condition sidelined me (hopefully, only temporarily) and relegated me to instructor duty which suits me. Going to sea is an experience that most HSs like. They are called "Doc" and are responsible for the healthcare of 50 to 150 personnel, depending on what size cutter you get assigned to. I enjoyed my sea tour. Good luck and welcome aboard.
