Wanted some advice from an IT's perspective. Currently, I am waiting on the AMT A-School list waiting for orders to the Airman Program. There is a bunch of rumors floating around that the amount of classes have been reduced and the size of the classes have been cut it half making an already long wait longer. I am really torn on whether I should try sticking it out or switching to the IT Rate.

To give you a little background info I have eight years prior service that consist of four years in the US Air Force and four years in the US Air National Guard both as an Information Manager. I also have a B.B.A. in Management Information Systems. My civilian experience includes working at a help desk, computer systems technician and a programmer.

I know the smart thing to do would be to stick with what I know especially since I have so much prior experience. However, I didn't want to be sitting at a help desk for the next sixteen plus years of my life being an ear for someone to grip out because of their pc related problems. I also liked the fact that a lot of other rates including AMT have collateral duties but from what I hear IT really does not.

Joining the US Coast Guard was a way for me and my family to have a fresh start, a chance to do things over. I can't help to question though whether I am making the best decision. I did enjoy IT some in the civilian sector but there was some economical and employer related issues that probably made the overall experience not so great. I know that ultimately I have to make this decision for myself but I wanted to hear from some of the people already in the IT career field on how they viewed their job.

Thanks,
David C.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DaveC2179,

Check out some of the recent posts about what IT's do on a daily basis. There is a lot more to the IT Rate then the help desk. And in my experience, the majority of the positions on the help desk have been filled by contractors.
You may want to see if it's possible to work with the IT's and AMT's in your area. You may even want to do it on your free time to assist you with your decision. Good luck.

You are correct. Ultimately the decision is yours. My advice to you is to do what you enjoy. I am the assistant school chief for IT school and in my years as an IT, I have worked at an ESU as a technician, IT school as an instructor, and a CAMS as a tech/supervisor. Some ESUs/ESDs have civilian contractors to perform telephone duties, computer duties, or both. Many ESUs/ESDs require you to break-in on the help desk to "learn the ropes". CG techs then move into Tier 2 support. If you transfer to a ship as an IT, then you maintain both the telephone and computer sides, along with the collaterals that go along with being on a ship. Computer technology is changing constantly and requires individuals to adapt at a quick pace. In the end, I have enjoyed being an IT, but have also performed some undesireable tasks. It may sound like the company line, but the job is what you make of it.