Hi there,

I just spoke with my recruiter and boy was that anticlimatic.

He basically was telling me how selective the OCS is and how hard it was going to be for me to get in.

Based on my background, I'd say I'm above qualified.

Any thoughts on this?

Would going enlisted and then shifting to OCS be the way to go?

-Robert

Without knowing anything about you or your background, it would be hard to say. What type of degree(s) do you have? What are you bringing to the table?

The Recruiters are the experts on these topics. They are in the know on what the CG is looking for in the OCS process.

A recent local arrival is getting ready to attend the DCO Course for the CG. He's prior AF with an extensive background in intel & linguistics, did time in both sandboxes.

Are you bringing similar talents to the table?

Most folks going to OCS from the enlisted ranks are normally Petty Officers. That will entail a wait until you advance to at least PO3 before applying.

Good luck!

"Based on my background, I'd say I'm above qualified."
How about some info, if you want some advice/opinions.

Hi guys,

I apprecaite the response.

I've posted another link in this forum titled "OCS Career Path Aviation or Boat?"

Without going into EVERY detail about me:

I've got my EMT-B (NREMT) am a member of a nationally recognized Search & Rescue team and also have a college degree (business economics).

I've never had a speeding ticket, arrest or juvenile record.

I volunteer my SAR position currently and devote over 50 hours a month (for the love of helping others).

I'm also an Eagle Scout.

Again, I've got no military background but I'm EXTREMELY hard working, VERY SHARP (I interview very well as I'm able to think on my toes and know how to build rapport with people).

If I can provide any more detail I'd be happy to.

Again I think you for your time.

-Robert

Looks like you keep posting, trying to get answers you want to hear. I agree with others, if you think the competition of joining a fire department is overwhelming, getting in to CG OCS will be like winning a lottery.

Although you have some great things on your resume you are competing for a very selective position. All of the thing you list are commonly found in enlisted 3rd and 2nd class Petty Officers. You need something that none of them already have. A good portion of the enlisteed force have a degree (AA or BA), EMT's are at almost every small boat station in the Guard and the Eagle Scout (as prestigious as it is it doesn't mean anyhting in the guard; one Eagle Scout to another).
I am not a recruit but I recommend enlisting and beefing up your resume.

Thanks all for the feedback.

When it comes to applying for OCS and letters of recommendations, any suggestions?

Do you think a civilian recommendation from a boss would look as good as one from a navy seal or marine recon member?

I think a big part of getting selected comes down to your interview and also how well you've done on your ASVAB.

I'm going to take my ASVAB first and see how I do.

Thanks again

"Recruiter bascially scared me away from OCS"
If you can be this easily dissuaded by a recruiter giving you the straight scoop, maybe you're not cut out for this line of work? There are no gimme's in life and given the current state of the economy the Guard has no problem filling any of it's officer or enlisted positions. Rather than whining about how scarry the recruiter is maybe you should tenaciously persue your goal of getting into the Guard. The best things in life are worth fighting for don't expect that anyone is going to hand you a free lunch on a silver platter.
Best of luck to you!
Cheers!

Thanks for the reply.

And no, I was not "scared"... The title merely represents the fact that they didn't provide much help.

Point well taken!

First step is to get my ASVAB done and see where I stand.

then on to the application process.

In regards to refrences, do military refrences hold a higher value than say a civilian CEO of a company?

I want to make sure my OCS recommendations are coming from the righ source.

Thanks,
Robert

"In regards to refrences, do military refrences hold a higher value than say a civilian CEO of a company?"
Not to be a smart a$$; which do you think would read better to a OCS review board?
Still not a lot of "background" to make you stand out. Anything else?

Is it an Associates or a Bachelor's?
With the background that you posted, you should really look into the enlisted side of the house as well.
Most, if not all officers have a bachelor's degree or higher; more and more enlisted people have bachelor's degrees as well. I know quite a few petty officers who have applied to OCS and have not gotten in because they do not have a degree and when they earn it, they get picked up for it.

Why is it that you want to be an officer so bad???
Have you considered AST.

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

I have a bachelor's in Business Economics.

Looking at it from a "business" standpoint, I want to be an officer because I currently work a civilian job that pays me more money than what I'd get to go in as enlisted.

I do like the idea of becoming an AST. I know I've got to get a 160 on the ASVAB to qualify.

Again, I need to take the ASVAB and see how I do. I was in the top 6% of my EMT class, so to give you an idea on how I'll do on this.

I also just completed my IRIA Level 3 swift-water/flood rescue technician course.

I am going to apply for OCS and if I get in GREAT! If not, I'm still going to end up going the enlisted route.

With my attitude (and especially at boot camp this will come handy) I'll easily demonstrate my leadership abilities and as such, I'll be able to get better assignments due to my performance in all areas.

I know you don't know me, but I do. Any time I'm put in a team environment (SAR, Sports, etc...) I quickly demonstrate my ability to work as a team, know my role and help others.

Sorry for standing on the soap box!

I appreciate the feedback, I just want to finish this damn ASVAB prep book!

Note to prospective Coasties following along at home: beating your chest about your awesomeness is a real turn-off to people who can help you. Humility is an important part of earning respect.

I totally agree LBCeater...

Robert, from personal experience, I will tell you that your professional qualifications in the civilian world will mean little to nothing in the Coast Guard. Your best bet it to basically forget everything you have learned and start over. Keep your good work ethic and your positive attitude though.
As far as your attitude, I suggest you leave it at the airport before you board the bus to Cape May; bootcamp is not about showing off, it's about showing that you can follow someone else's direction and be part of the team...

Don't just go officer because of the pay, and because it's more "prestigious".

It's funny you'd assumethat I'm beating my chest.

And checking my attitude at the door, the point I'm getting across is that I know how to work in a team environment.

Obviously that doesn't get translated will via text on a screen.

-Robert

And regarding humility... I'm giving background on my qualifications.

Not touting my "awesomeness".

-Robert

Robert,

Good luck competing against many others that feel that are as good as you think you are. Nothing wrong w/ that. But if you really want to know and show that you are above "average", you need to compete. The recruiter is just doing his job by providing you w/ a realistic view of the competitiveness of the system. Having been through OCS myself as a prior enlisted, many years ago (1990-91) I will tell you that it was not a walk in the park. I can't imagine now...and that's how it should be. I will also tell you that after also having been part of 3 OCS selection boards, your qualifications are not "above average". I have seen Ivy League graduates apply, state university 3.8+ GPA graduates apply (e.g. UVA), and many with engineering degrees. Last but not least, look at your references. It certainly helps when you have a former or current Coastie (preferably officer) recommend you.

Good Luck!

Get qualified, submit your package and enlist while waiting. If you want to be an officer having some enlisted time will only make you a better officer. Become part of the Coast Guard Family and you won't regret it.

An AFQT of 65 or better will qualify you for AST, not sure what you meant by needing a 160 on the ASVAB

quote:

Originally posted by 7609332:
I have a bachelor's in Business Economics.

Looking at it from a "business" standpoint, I want to be an officer because I currently work a civilian job that pays me more money than what I'd get to go in as enlisted.

I do like the idea of becoming an AST. I know I've got to get a 160 on the ASVAB to qualify.

Again, I need to take the ASVAB and see how I do. I was in the top 6% of my EMT class, so to give you an idea on how I'll do on this.

I also just completed my IRIA Level 3 swift-water/flood rescue technician course.

I am going to apply for OCS and if I get in GREAT! If not, I'm still going to end up going the enlisted route.

With my attitude (and especially at boot camp this will come handy) I'll easily demonstrate my leadership abilities and as such, I'll be able to get better assignments due to my performance in all areas.

I know you don't know me, but I do. Any time I'm put in a team environment (SAR, Sports, etc...) I quickly demonstrate my ability to work as a team, know my role and help others.

Sorry for standing on the soap box!

I appreciate the feedback, I just want to finish this damn ASVAB prep book!

I am going to have to try and be critical and constructive at the same time.

First,as someone stated, it must be hard to hear anyone over the sound of your own awesomeness. Do you really think that doing well on an EMT test will correlate to the ASVAB at all? I wouldn't care if you were an EMT and swift water trained either as I fly around with one in the back everyday and he jumps out of the helicopter into the middle of the ocean too. You won't be using those skills as an officer anyway. How do you know you will "easily demonstrate" your leadership ablilities in OCS? Do you know who you will be classmates with? They will be trying to "easily demonstrate" their leadership abilities as well. Finally, I cannot believe that you would actually write that you will get better assignments due to your "performance in all areas." You have NO idea what you are talking about. Do you really think a bunch of Coast Guard officers will so impressed with an overzealous officer candidate that they will fall all over themselves trying to give you a better assignment. As an officer who has sat on many OCS inteview panels, if you came in saying those same things, I would not think you were confident, I would think you were a tool.

Now the constructive part. Don't enlist simply because you think it will help you become an officer. Do it because you want to enlist and want to go that career path. There is not guarantee that you will become an officer after you enlist and if you didn't want to be enlisted in the first place, you will hate it even more when you have to finish out your commitment. Being a college graduate is enough to apply. If the Coast Guard wanted you to have prior experience, they would only allow enlisted members to apply. Apply for OCS if that is what you want an in the interviews, be confident but not overconfident. If you don't apply for OCS you can't get accepted.

I do wish you good luck.