I am on my first tour as OS on a 378, and will be transfering next summer. Its almost that time for me to submit my e-resume and I have been looking at different jobs i may want to do. I have been thinking about it, and I am not interested in doing the SAR thing at all, what would be a good career job to take? I know SAR is a HUGE part of being a OS but it just doesnt appeal to me that much. What would be a good job for me to take on? I am an ADC, EW sup, and CIC sup. I am interested in Air traffic control. I plan to leave my boat as a OS1, any advice? Thanks in advance...

OS2 B

OS2 B,

I totally understand and can relate. I was in your shoes not so long ago actually. Well, the OS field has a lot of different things you can go into and do. And if you are leaving as an OS1, the jobs and positions will be less, however, the responsibility and accountability will be higher. I say do or choose something that appeals to you and something that seems interesting and fun. I know and do understand that some choose "locations" over the position due to family concerns and whatnot and I totally understand, but here are some options you can do:

If you are interested in Air Traffic Control, I would recommend going to as AIRSTA OR a VTS. Being at a VTS is just like being an Air Traffic Controller except instead of the air and planes, you are dealing with water and ships.
3. Sar Controller (VERY important and stressful job, however, you get to save someone(s) life. Sar Controllers are VERY important, but get over looked a lot for the job they do. Meanwhile some YN2 down the hall that sits on his butt all day and fumbles and messes up paperwork gets SOQ...but that's for another time)
3. And rounding this out is being an EKMS manager or Assistant, or you can put in for other assignments such as "special assignments" like Recruiter, LE, etc.

Hope this helps and good luck to ya. I say since being a good OS is having experience on both the old "radio" and "cic", I would lean toward the AIRSTA doing EKMS work. That way when you make OSC, no matter where you go....you'll know what is going on and will have experiences with both and you'll go farther and be more respected due to your knowledge.

I'm currently at a VTS. Its great for anyone considering ATC, or who wants to work for the CG in the future as a civilian. Here at Sector Seattle, the VTS is half civilian (GS-11's), all of whom are ex or retired CG.
For someone coming off of a 378 the schedule is really great. We have a lot of time off, where we can go to school, get a second job, sit around and play video games, or whatever else floats your boat. If you have any other question feel free to hit me up on the global.
-OS1 Andy Perodeau

Boy I think that is a HUGE stretch saying VTS is anything like ATC. It is 2 dimensional, VERY slow speed, very low pace, mostly advisory in nature. Your ADC gives you much more on that.
I noticed you are not qualified at half of the watches on that 378.
Another note - there are no SAR jobs in the CG. There are OPS and SIT jobs, both include SAR and both include much more.
Think of an area of the country you like and look for a sector job. Feel free to call me at work, I would be happy to chat.

MC,

I have to disagree with one thing. ALL VTS's are not slow speed. VTS NYC is anything but slow.

Anywho, I say if you're single with no kids just at the beginning of your career, stay underway!

MBrown - you went from SNOS to OS1 at the same unit?

Do SAR if you plan on making Chief. Chances are you're going to end up a OPCEN Chief in a SECTOR one day. Also, try and get some EKMS experience. It's fun!

OS1 Ski

You may not may be interested in SAR, but if you plan on staying in for a career (which you were unclear of in your post), you owe it to yourself, and the people you may lead in the future to know ALL aspects of the rate. You never know where you may end up due to needs of the service someday. My advice, get out of your comfort zone, that's the best way to grow as an individual and a professional. Why not learn as much as you can while you have the opportunity?

I'll clarify the career comment by saying you weren't clear in your initial post about "career job" being in the Coast Guard or civilian world.

quote:

Originally posted by JekelKat13:
MC,

I have to disagree with one thing. ALL VTS's are not slow speed. VTS NYC is anything but slow.

Anywho, I say if you're single with no kids just at the beginning of your career, stay underway!

MBrown - you went from SNOS to OS1 at the same unit?

JK: I'll clarify. 15 knots is fast for a large ship. 35 kts is superspeed VTS wise. ATC wise, 150 kts is dead slow.

I forgot to mention another thing above. An apartment near an airport and a $40 scanner from Radio Shack will give you more exposure to ATC than being at an A/S.

You should know that the FAA has a maximum age limit in place for hiring Air Traffic Controllers which is age 30 for those without previous civil or military ATC experience. The FAA will hire a limited amount of persons over age 31 provided they have solit line experience in Air Traffic Control.

Likewise, age 56 is the is the maximum age limit for working in air traffic control due largely to the massive amount of job stress involved. The FAA is extremely strict about this retirement age.

Since the Coast Guard has little or no billets for air traffic controllers (perhaps with the exception of the tower at Elizabeth City - if the billet still exists), one of the best things you can do if you are serious about the ATC field is get some flight training and obtain at least a FAA private pilot licence. Commercial, Multi-Engine and Instrument Rating would made you look even better.

There used to be much more operations job opportunities such as Flight Service Station Specialist (WX Briefer) until most were replaced by automation or remoted by a few super stations.

Good luck in whatever you choose.

RM1 (Ret)

quote:

Originally posted by Mightyz90_93:
Boy I think that is a HUGE stretch saying VTS is anything like ATC. It is 2 dimensional, VERY slow speed, very low pace, mostly advisory in nature. Your ADC gives you much more on that.
I noticed you are not qualified at half of the watches on that 378.
Another note - there are no SAR jobs in the CG. There are OPS and SIT jobs, both include SAR and both include much more.
Think of an area of the country you like and look for a sector job. Feel free to call me at work, I would be happy to chat.

I will agree and and agree to disagree with the ATC comments. ADC certainly does present the nearest simulation to ATC you'll find in the CG. However ADC Control is usually Advisory in nature until agreed otherwise. The ADC does not norally dictate turns, approcah procedures, etc. unless under emergency or simulated emergency conditions. Normally they fly a briefed patrol patern.

VTS controllers must make sure that 2 ships don't occupy the same real estate in the case of some Regulated Naviagtion Areas and also keep the "bubble" to head off possible colisions. My experience is that requires an ATC "like" mentality of seeing not just where things are, but will be in x numer of minutes. I found working in that environment helped me a lot when I returned to fleet ADC duties later in my career.

I don't buy the 2 dimesional argument though. A ship's DRAFT (as the 3'rd dimension) is every bit as important as how it turns or speeds. I'd argue more important.

SB

quote:

Originally posted by Mightyz90_93:
I forgot to mention another thing above. An apartment near an airport and a $40 scanner from Radio Shack will give you more exposure to ATC than being at an A/S.

Hahahahaha. Indeed.

Sean;
How many VTS controled or advised vessels operate outside of the nav channel or are greater draft than the controlling depth? The draft is not a "controlable" feature in real time.
The other point you made is very valuable - I should have made it clear that I was talking about level 1 control.

quote:

Originally posted by Mightyz90_93:
Sean;
How many VTS controled or advised vessels operate outside of the nav channel or are greater draft than the controlling depth? The draft is not a "controlable" feature in real time.
The other point you made is very valuable - I should have made it clear that I was talking about level 1 control.

I will concede to the honorable gentleman from HQ regarding the "controlable" feature of a vessel's draft, In some (very limited I am sure) areas a pilot may "decide" to take a deep draft traffic lane vice another lane of a Trafic Seperation Scheme.

If it confused the issue I apologize, but the point I was trying to convey was that BOTH ADC and VTS can help anyone who in interested in the ATC world of work better develop the concepts of spacial relationships, distance over time, and decisive directions when necessary. Thus my comments of making a "better" ADC on a subsequent tour. OS2J may disagree...but he better not.

OK, damn it that's it! I can put up with you diagreeing with me and offering counter points, but name calling I can not put up with! Who the hell are you to call me a "gentleman"? How dare you!

quote:

Originally posted by JekelKat13:
MC,

I have to disagree with one thing. ALL VTS's are not slow speed. VTS NYC is anything but slow.

Anywho, I say if you're single with no kids just at the beginning of your career, stay underway!

MBrown - you went from SNOS to OS1 at the same unit?

Yes i hope to make OS1 before i leave here, i am taking the OS1 swe in nov,.

quote:

Originally posted by c_gunkel:
I'll clarify the career comment by saying you weren't clear in your initial post about "career job" being in the Coast Guard or civilian world.

I am considering making it a career, I ttok a 378 out of a school just in case I decided to stay because I had been on a 270 as a non rate

IMO SNOS to OS1 at the same unit should not exist!!!

Take an opcen job if you can get it. I was an assistant controller at LANTAREA at GI and D5 and it was one of the best tours I had. All of the tranferable skills you hone there will look great on your resume. There is no greater feeling than having known you've contributed to bringing someone in distress safely home to their loved ones.

How bout some EKMS?