hi all, currently Im active duty in the Marine Corps on my second term. After this I would like to join the CG as the IT rate. My current MOS is 0656 which is network tech for the MC. My question is what is the process for switching over when the time comes. Is there anything that I can do to further my chances of the IT rate and rank retention (E5)? I read up a little on gcoastguard.com but only find a little bit about the ORL. Google did not turn up a list just the same information on the site. Also I was wondering what you guys do on a day to day basis. I know in the MC and Navy civilians have taken over the network. Is that true with the CG as well? Also on ship do you have the opportunity to do anything other than just IT? Any information you can give would be appreciated.
Aaron- Don't hold me to this but last I checked the ORL had IT2 & IT3 on it. However, the Rating Force Master Chief will need to make a determination on the package your recruiter eventually submits. Keep in mind that our IT's are also telcom specialists/technicians and perform work similar to a Navy IC in addition to the IT work. And yes - underway you may have opportunities for collateral duties outside your rating in addition to those assigned to all crew members like firefighting/DC, etc. Good Luck!
Thanks for the responds, Im not sure what a Navy IC does or is. When you say telcom does that entale redcom, and switchboard operations as well as IT? In order to improve my chances are there any "desired" certifications such as CCNA/CCDA CCVP CompTIA security ect... Thats good to hear about additional duties I like comm but it can get boring and tedious real quick. What exactly are collateral duties in the CG?
now be sure to ask plenty of questions to your recruiter.. because I have a guy in my shop that came straight over from the army as an E-5 and no A school from the Coast Guard, His MOS in Army was a telephone tech. Ask your recruiter to contact the IT detailer also.
Aaron, CG IT's are responsible for both Telephone and System Administrator work. The "A" school teaches everything from core electronics, to telephony, premise distribution, and system administration.
Depending on the unit, You may receive additional training for systems adminstration which involves Server, workstation, and peripheral installation, maintenance, and repair.
The most popular collateral is law enforcement as a Boarding Team Member, or Boarding Team Officer and collaterals go all the way to the "soda jerk" person who fills up the pop machines (certainly no less important than any other job!)
Many IT's also volunteer to administer small morale computer networks used for gaming and social activities, or education.
Originally posted by IT_Gamer: Aaron, CG IT's are responsible for both Telephone and System Administrator work. The "A" school teaches everything from core electronics, to telephony, premise distribution, and system administration.
Depending on the unit, You may receive additional training for systems adminstration which involves Server, workstation, and peripheral installation, maintenance, and repair.
The most popular collateral is law enforcement as a Boarding Team Member, or Boarding Team Officer and collaterals go all the way to the "soda jerk" person who fills up the pop machines (certainly no less important than any other job!)
Many IT's also volunteer to administer small morale computer networks used for gaming and social activities, or education.
Let us know if you have more questions!
Thanks for the response gamer. Most of that is what I do now except for the telephony part. The only thing I do is cisco call manager. By no means am I an expert I just play around with it and figure out what I can. The rest is what I wish I did now so I think the CG will be right for me. My only regret is not joining sooner. QQ. What are the odds of actually being picked for a security team, or any other collateral duties such as that.
It all depends on the unit you're assigned to... Cutters are always looking for folks who are interested in getting Boarding Team qualled... However there is no opportunity for that if you're at an ESU or an ESD as it's not part of their mission.
