So if the wait to get into A school is upwards of 2 years, what do you do until then? Do you just go to a unit and do odd jobs until your number is up?

I would not put it in such negative words, but yes. You will do your job as a Seaman, whatever that may entail. We all had to do it. Back in 1994, I went to school after 18 months of wait(from the time I made E3).

That's what I thought. I'm going in as an E-3 though so would that help. Is it possible to become an E-4 in that time before going to a School?

quote:

Originally posted by aegloff:
That's what I thought. I'm going in as an E-3 though so would that help. Is it possible to become an E-4 in that time before going to a School?

Nope... no one makes E4 until they are rated(graduation from A School or completion of a striker program- Which HS does not have). Sometimes the job is worth the wait. I have been an HS since 1994 and have loved every second of it. It was well worth the wait. I have seen on more than one occasion someone picking a rate with the sole purpose of getting that E4 quickly. They ended up regretting that decision, immensely. Hang in there with the attitude of being the best E3 in the CG until you get into your school of choice.

I'm glad to hear that you enjoy what you do. I haven't been able to speak to anyone who is in the CG let alone who has done HS. What all does an HS do? Are there different types of HS jobs or is an HS just kind of an all around Medic that does everything?

Right, but do you specialize in one of those fields, or do you do all of them. If you specialize, do they just let you know what your job is or do you get to choose?

I'm an independent duty corpsman station onboard a Coast Guard vessel. You can chose were you want to go and the HS assisgment officer will make the final call, and he will base his decision on a lot of factors i.e. Marks, command endorsement etc.

I see, so it's not just some random guess as to what exactly you will be doing, you have some input on it. That's good because I've scheduled MEPS for the 14th of October, let's do this!

Go for it is an awarding job!

Yea, I've been an EMT for 2 years and I love it. I just want to take it to the military world now.

You get out of it, what you put into it. Always remember that.

Yea, now the next step is to pass MEPS...

quote:

Originally posted by aegloff:
Yea, now the next step is to pass MEPS...

One does not "pass" MEPS. One experiences MEPS.

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Go for it is an awarding job!

Uh......so you get awards for doing this job.....

Yea I've heard about the MEPS experience, I'm just nervous that I'll have to take 10 different trips there because they found something that I don't even know about.

Don't sweat it. Just go into it thinking of all the new sights you will be seeing and all the new people you will meet. It's all about attitude! Remember that while in Boot Camp as well my friend.

I came over to the Guard from the Marine Corps Infantry where I was a Sergeant. I left Camp Pendleton on a Friday. Was at MEPS on Sunday and at Cape May on Monday. I lost 2 pay-grades and had to go through Boot Camp all over again. And I didn't get any special treatment.

I spent the next two years on a 210' Cutter (Steadfast) as a deckhand. After that I was whisked away to TRACEN Petaluma for HS "A" School. And do you want to know something? I'd do it all over again. Coming into the Guard was the best thing I could have done.

Just follow these 3 simple pillars and you'll do okay in life:
1) The Golden Rule. Do unto others...
2) The BIG 10. (A.K.A. the 10 Commandments)
3) Believe in Karma.

Follow these 3 simple things and while in boot Camp, keep your chin up, your voice loud an clear and do as you're told w/o question or hesitation and you'll become one of those people that others want to be friends with.

Best of luck to you in whatever you choices may lead you to. You're about to embark on an adventure. Just keep reminding yourself of that.

~Ironback

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this, it has helped me make up my mind and given me plenty of very good information. I am very thankful for all of your help.

Aegloff

quote:

Originally posted by Ex_CG_GM:

quote:

Go for it is an awarding job!

Uh......so you get awards for doing this job.....

Ok some of us can't spell, but we can give a hell of a shot. Get it, shot? I kill myself.