Hi there,

I'm currently looking to make a career switch into the Coast Guard. I've got my EMT-B (NREMT) am a member of a nationally recognized Search & Rescue team and also have a college degree. I've never had a speeding ticket, arrest, juvenile record. As an Eagle Scout I've got letters of recognition from directors of DOD, FBI, Fire & Police.

I'd love to enlist and become an AST as I'd be able to apply my skills in medicine and SAR directly with missions.

However, I'd also like to take advantage of my college degree and go to OCS.

As an AST is an enlisted position, I'd no longer be able to go that route.

If I graduated from OCS and went the Aviation route, I'd at least get to FLY on SAR missions! I've never thought about flying! I didn't really get much help from the Coast Guard recruiter I spoke with.

At the same time, I was visiting an 87' Cutter and chatted it up with an E-3. I felt right at home on the ship too (I was in ROTC in high school). Again, I was attracted to the hands on enlisted positions on the ship. Don't get me wrong, I'd love a position as an officer on a ship, but my personality is just drawn to action I suppose.

Also, are there are programs within the Coast Guard to put you through paramedic school (EMT-P)? I'd like to get my medic license in civilian life, but my time-line of joining the service would not afford me that opportunity.

I guess I'm wondering what career path (Captain of Boat/Officer of boat) or (Aviation) feedback or advice you could give me?

Thanks



Thanks a lot,
Robert

quote:

Again, I was attracted to the hands on enlisted positions on the ship. Don't get me wrong, I'd love a position as an officer on a ship, but my personality is just drawn to action I suppose.

Sounds to me like your best option would be to start as an enlisted, gain some experience and knowledge of what really appeals to you and proceed from that point.

You can still fly in the enlisted corps as Aircrew. You cannot select to fly once completing OCS, but must apply and compete for it.