My youngest is 19 and really confused about what he wants to do with his life . He goes from being a roadie for a rock band to wanting to be a Herpetologist (reptile specialist ). He toured this summer with a band doing tech work ,which paid nothing ,but was great fun.. In January he moved to Indiana, rented an apartment with a friend on the naive idea that jobs are a dime a dozen .Now he has bills and no real job. He started two weeks ago working in a resturant ,but is coming to the reality it's not going to be enough to meet his bills. So today he calls and wants to know what I think of him joining the Coast Guard . I havn't a clue !!!!! Any input would be appreciated . Do they serve only mainland US ? My Dad was in the Military , Marine Corps ,and my brother served in Marines and then Air Force. But I think Coast Guard is alot different than these , Can anyone tell me for sure ? thanks
My son is thinking of joining the Coast Guard , any information.....
by troubled mind 6 Replies latest jw experiences
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troubled mind
Looking for anyone's input thanks
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Brother Apostate
From: http://www.uscg.mil/top/about/
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a military branch of the United States involved in maritime law, mariner assistance, and search and rescue, among other duties of coast guards elsewhere. One of the seven uniformed services of the United States, and the smallest armed service of the United States, its stated mission is to protect the public, the environment, and the United States economic and security interests in any maritime region in which those interests may be at risk, including international waters and America's coasts, ports, and inland waterways.
USCG has a broad and important role in homeland security, law enforcement, search and rescue, marine environmental pollution response, and the maintenance of river, intracoastal and offshore aids to navigation (ATON). It also lays claim to being the United States' oldest continuous seagoing service. The United States Coast Guard has about 40,150 men and women on active duty.
The Coast Guard's motto is Semper Paratus, meaning "Always Ready".
The Coast Guard's roots lie in the Revenue Cutter Service, which was founded on August 4, 1790 as part of the Department of the Treasury. An act of the U.S. Congress created the Coast Guard in 1915, with the merger of the Revenue Cutter Service and the United States Lifesaving Service. The United States Lighthouse Service was merged into the Coast Guard in 1939. The legal basis for the Coast Guard is Title 14 of the United States Code, which states: "The Coast Guard as established January 28, 1915, shall be a military service and a branch of the armed forces of the United States at all times." Upon the declaration of war or when the President directs, the Coast Guard operates under the authority of the Department of the Navy. The Coast Guard later moved to the Department of Transportation in 1967, and on February 25, 2003 it became part of the Department of Homeland Security.
As members of a military service, Coast Guardsmen on active and reserve service are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and receive the same pay and allowances as members of the same pay grades in the other four armed services.
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Kudra
First and foremost, he should follow his heart- do exactly what he LOVES to do.
But, my bro in law is a Coastie and he serves on Lake Tahoe!
Other Coast Guard folks call it "Station Vacation"... if he likes beautiful scenery and want to keep out of terrible danger, I'd suggest going there.
In the coast Guard, it seems that they develop a feeling of self reliance and also learn to take care of their fellow citizens without the nasty environment that seems to accompany other branches of the armed services. I have had friends in the navy and army and there is STILL a lot of sexism etc there that I would never want to be exposed to.
So maybe if you are worried about him but still want to see him reach out for some sort of service I'd give my consent to join the CG.
I wish all the best for you guys- I can't imagine what it would be like to raise a son and see him finally leave. -Must be tough!
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Fangorn
The Coast Guard is a good organization, they do a lot of real fine things when it comes to rescue work, drug interdiction, coastal safey and environmental protection. They do work overseas in places where their particular skill sets are needed, like Iraqi coastal waters and where they need to do cargo inspections on shipments coming into the US. It is an armed service, they do kill people and sometimes they get killed. I believe one important Coast Guard saying is "We have to go out, we don't have to come back." For some palatable fiction that might give you some more information you might watch a fairly recent movie called The Guardian or an old comedy called Onionhead which comes from a book by Weldon Hill which is not nearly so funny but probably contains a lot more information.
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LeslieV
My Uncle was in the Coast Guard and he loved every minute of it. If you have to join the military I would say it is the best branch for your son's safety. As was already mentioned their job is to guard US, and US territories water ways. They do great stuff in boat safety, drug busts, disaster preparedness etc. I hope he does what he wants to do, and enjoys the decision that he makes. Good Luck
Leslie
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outoftheorg?
Of all the military options, I would prefer the Cost Guard.
Only one thing would stand in my way.
I get severely sea sick on ocean fishing boats.
Is there a way to over come this?
The Doctors prescription didn't.
Outoftheorg