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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> Coast Guard - To Join or Not to Join
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07/04/2007 10:51:02 PM · #1
Facing the fact that my job sucks and I can't get a job in any other dealership due to my driving record. I can't get a job as a police officer or the Maryland Transit Authority due to my driving record. I really don't want to go back into Quick Service/Fast Food management.

I don't have a car (minus my 1966 Austin Healey which does run and drive I just wont lol.) I live with a dude i used to work with who is like 60+ and if he died I wouldn't have anywhere to go.

As a former restaurant manager I have a strong belief in support staff but as far as the military goes I can't really see myself as a full time soldier or as willingly going into a war zone. Despite the fact that I loved being a boyscout and studied martial arts for 4 years and know my way around firearms, Ive never been able to do a pull up, really not great at running the mile. However Id love to have the time to strengthen myself and be physically fit. While i am not too far out I'm 6 foot and 180 pounds its fat not muscle. I cant bench press much at all and the most I can leg press is 300 pounds for 20 reps.

-----------------------------

What i am looking at is the coast guard. Depending on my ASVAB score id like to train as a Food Service Specialist AKA the Cook lol. Id love to travel and sadly the cooking school is in California... I guess it might be a slight experience never having been that far west I don't really know. Im not exactly up for going to iraq and the coast guard is involved in port security over there however I know i am not going in for port security and my learning curve doesn't exactly match their requirements for such a task, in fact it seems to rule out all the upper secruity and policing work. My secondary interest would be electronics.

I think the only freedom id desire once I am in trained stationed and settled is to be able to carry a dSLR LMAO!

I was wondering if we have anyone on the site that is currently in and or parents of people in and other relatives that can give me opinions information before i go talk to a recruiter.
07/04/2007 10:55:12 PM · #2
Have you considered the Peace Corps? You're the right age and could see an amazing amount of the world while doing good things and photographing it all the way. In a few years your driving record will have cleared and you'll be back Stateside with a story to tell your grandchildren!
07/04/2007 10:58:20 PM · #3
Take your savings and invest it. Coast guard? my cousin just joined. He likes the college lifestyle, the dorm rooms, the off duty partying. He is not going to the Mid East to fight anytime soon. Possibility of being sent to Iraq is low, but possible. Don't worry about strength. They give you injections, at least 4 of them. vaccine's supposedly. My cousin came back after boot camp and looked like he grew a forehead and had a wider jaw. They pulled his back molars out, and his voice changed forever, he speaks deeper now. He told me personally that some of those injections could of been a steroid. Im not sure about that, but it crossed his mind. He needs to get shots annually. Im not that type of person man..go for it if you wish. Benefits could come out of the experience traveling the oceans. Thats a plus for sure.
07/04/2007 11:00:43 PM · #4
Cindi has a good idea. Or why not try to get an assistant type job at a photography studio, or newspaper near some photojournalists?

Try to do what you love for a job--then it's not a job anymore!

Or a job doing photography on a cruise ship. See the world without a gun :)

Message edited by author 2007-07-04 23:02:06.
07/04/2007 11:01:29 PM · #5
Originally posted by RulerZigzag:

Take your savings and invest it. Coast guard? my cousin just joined. He likes the college lifestyle, the dorm rooms, the off duty partying. He is not going to the Mid East to fight anytime soon. Possibility of being sent to Iraq is low, but possible. Don't worry about strength. They give you injections, at least 4 of them. vaccine's supposedly. My cousin came back after boot camp and looked like he grew a forehead and had a wider jaw. They pulled his back molars out, and his voice changed forever, he speaks deeper now. He told me personally that some of those injections could of been a steroid. Im not sure about that, but it crossed his mind. He needs to get shots annually. Im not that type of person man..go for it if you wish. Benefits could come out of the experience traveling the oceans. Thats a plus for sure.


Cindi, Ill look into it, probly not though.

As for you.... Savings? I have none. In fact If I don't start makign more money I wont even own anything. I pay half the average rent for the area, no utilities and eat food scraps and have no money left over. Reality is even making 3 dollars more then the minimum wage you cant get an apartment or have a car and still eat. lol.
07/04/2007 11:02:38 PM · #6
Never Again Volunteer Yourself! The military might be right for some people, but its never right in the middle of war. Like Idnic said, your driving record will clear up in no time, and there's always better options. And even retail Quick Service/Fast Food is better than military food management. Trust me, after getting out of the navy, there wasn't anything I thought as too petty or too dirty of a job since at least when I clocked out, I was free. Sign up, and you're life is only yours on leave, and even then, its only on loan.
07/04/2007 11:03:47 PM · #7
Originally posted by wsl:

Never Again Volunteer Yourself! The military might be right for some people, but its never right in the middle of war. Like Idnic said, your driving record will clear up in no time, and there's always better options. And even retail Quick Service/Fast Food is better than military food management. Trust me, after getting out of the navy, there wasn't anything I thought as too petty or too dirty of a job since at least when I clocked out, I was free. Sign up, and you're life is only yours on leave, and even then, its only on loan.


Navy tried to recruit me once, at the time i was making way too much money, had too many possessions, friends and business to go in. Now adays i wish i had that money lol.

I dunno its alot of commitment with the benefit of lesser freedoms. 10% of the year is vacation time. Sad part is I see my military friends more then I see the rest of my friends. Only because their stationed here.

At this point I have almost nothing, back to wearing clothes I graduated high school in and using a 3 year old computer. I eat off 6 dollars a day and filter my own water.

Message edited by author 2007-07-04 23:06:00.
07/04/2007 11:08:51 PM · #8
Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

My secondary interest would be electronics.



Have you ever considered the Navy? I worked with a number of guys who went to the Navy Electronics school. They were top notch, number one! Don't know if the school still exists but if you qualify via testing I'd recommend it just from the quality and character of the folks I've seen it produce. Oh... either way.... do you swim? LOL As far a fighting, unless you're a Navy corpsman you're probably not going into harms way. My old man was Navy and he always recommended it. Said you always had your roof, bed, and kitchen with you! Good luck whatever you do.
07/04/2007 11:09:16 PM · #9
Originally posted by fir3bird:

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

My secondary interest would be electronics.



Have you ever considered the Navy?


See above post lol, as for the rest Coast Guard personal, some of them are in constant harms way but not off fighting some war. Just keeping drugs and immigrants out. Swim I used to, question is Can I swim 100 meters and then wade int he water for 5 Minutes.

Message edited by author 2007-07-04 23:10:43.
07/04/2007 11:10:17 PM · #10
My brother is retiring this September after 20+ years in the Coast Guard. He loved it and it totally changed his life for the better. When he joined he was a podunk bum like me. Now he has a wonderful life with a great family. The experience he got in the CG is landing him a job with a very large executive aircraft manufacturer - he's set for life. Oh, and he's been very happy all the while! Me, I'm not in a podunk town anymore but I'm still a bum...
07/04/2007 11:12:41 PM · #11
Originally posted by Blackbox:

My brother is retiring this September after 20+ years in the Coast Guard. He loved it and it totally changed his life for the better. When he joined he was a podunk bum like me. Now he has a wonderful life with a great family. The experience he got in the CG is landing him a job with a very large executive aircraft manufacturer - he's set for life. Oh, and he's been very happy all the while! Me, I'm not in a podunk town anymore but I'm still a bum...


Thanks what i like to hear, sorta lol. Yeah Im just unhappy since I switched industries and going back could mean homelessness, Im completly unstable as far as home and finances.

I cant get anywhere, cant see people, cant shoot anything. I work sleep and barley eat.
07/04/2007 11:19:42 PM · #12
As said the military is not for everyone and although I've almost separated twice (once was REAL close) I can honestly saw I'm glad I stayed. As a matter of fact I'm getting scared of returning to the real world in 23 months when I retire. Navy life has had it's moments when you just wanted to kick someone's dumb a$$ but in the long run it has been a blessing. I joined one year after high school when my brother (already enlisted) talked me into it. I haven't seen very cool places (well Guanatanamo Bay Cuba was cool) like some sailors and other service members have but most of that was my choice. Being in the Coast Guard is going to keep you away from the war for the most part, it's not like the coasties go around kicking in doors with the ground pounders. If you go food service you also will be safer (unless you are a sucky cook, then look out lol), again you aren't running out kicking in doors in Iraq but you aren't always in the kitchen either. The Navy CSs (culinary specialist) I know do everything from run the barracks to work in the galley.

You have to look at the benefits, the military now has a program similar to a 401K, you have free school (up to a certain limit per year), plus you GI Bill to use (usually after you get out). There are special programs galore to either get promoted faster, get cool duty (White house/embassador/etc) or even become an officer (again not for everyone).

I think at your age and situation you are in the PERFECT place to join a service, whether it be Navy or Coast Guard. Oh btw did you know about the National Call to Service option? In some situations you can serve on active duty for as little as two years then six years in the reserves. The extra benefits are different and sometimes limited but might be just what you are looking for.

Good luck man...heck if nothing else become a combat photographer. You ALWAYS get to carry a DSLR. :D
07/04/2007 11:27:49 PM · #13
Originally posted by sabphoto:

I joined one year after high school when my brother (already enlisted) talked me into it.

Honestly Had I thought about it when the Navy called and I had not had so much relying on me to be there I probably would have joined the coast guard. I much like the idea of having done it already and been 3/4 of the way through the minimum already!

Originally posted by sabphoto:

If you go food service you also will be safer (unless you are a sucky cook, then look out lol)

ROFLMAO

Originally posted by sabphoto:

Oh btw did you know about the National Call to Service option?

Did not know very cool to know though!

Originally posted by sabphoto:

heck if nothing else become a combat photographer. You ALWAYS get to carry a DSLR. :D

OMFG ROFLMF******AO

Message edited by author 2007-07-04 23:27:57.
07/04/2007 11:47:58 PM · #14
Let me start off by saying that the guy who suggested they give you steroid shots for strength is way off base and doesn't know anything about what he is talking about. You should not listen to that or anything else he ever says about the military because he's talking out of his ass.

I've been on active duty in the Marines for almost 14 years now and really enjoy it. I know several Coasties; and they are all top-quality, talented people. Listening to what they do for a living, I think I would have absolutely loved the Coast Guard if I had joined that instead. On one deployment they are down by Mexico or South America stopping drug smugglers; the next deployment they are stopping illegal Russian fishing in Alaskan waters; on the way home they save a sinking ship etc... It's an awesome job.

I would NOT go for food service specialist unless you actually don't want to enjoy what you're doing. I mean, why join the Coast Guard to be a fry cook? Learn how to drive the ship! Do something nautical. Learn a skill that will make you employable when you get out. Cook? You'll end up at Wendy's when you get out.

You know, in the Marine Corps, we have "Combat Camera" -- photographers. The Navy does, too. I would think that the Coast Guard has that too -- though it may be a VERY small career field and hard to get into.

You definitely need to work on your fitness -- even though it's the Coast Guard and not the Marines or the Army. Boot camp will require a certain amount of fitness from you. You don't want to get off to a bad start. Once you're done with bootcamp, it generally won't be so important, though.

I'm also a little concerned about your attitude and reasons for joining. The Coast Guard, like the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, needs good people who are motivated to be there. And, although, in the Coast Guard you will be unlikely to fight in Iraq, you may be deployed to the Persian Gulf or Indian Ocean to participate in Maritime Interdiction Operations (boarding ships suspected of carrying contraband or terrorists). That job certainly has risk, but the Coast Guard always wins. You don't sound motivated. But it is natural to be a little uncertain about signing a contract you can't get out of -- especially one that demands so much of you.

As for Idnic's Peace Corps idea, I don't know your record, but you don't sound like a candidate for the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps needs people who already possess a skill that the Peace Corps needs. If you've got one, great! They could use you. They don't just hire people because they are idealistic and want to see or save the world. Helping people requires skills. As for the age issue -- they actually prefer older folks because they tend to have invaluable skills and life experience and because, in many of the countries you would go to, age equals wisdom and earns respect. In many of these places, even if you're right, they won't listen to you if you're too young.

The key to your success or failure will be your attitude and motivation. If you think it sounds fun, you'll have a great time and excel. If you're just joining to put food in your mouth, you might also have a great time and excel IF you adopt the right attitude. If you go in thinking that this is a burden that you don't really want to do and you keep up that kind of thinking, then you will fail miserably.

Good luck with your decision!

Message edited by author 2007-07-05 10:03:48.
07/04/2007 11:49:09 PM · #15
Ok you heard from what we in the Navy called a "lifer" - sabphoto no offense - and you have heard from a lot of non military that have friends in the military and you have heard from wsl who did a standard enlistment and didn't seem to like it too much.

Like you I was broke and destitute before I joined. I couldn't afford to pay for college and I got a ticket for driving without insurance. A friend talked me into joining the Navy.

I was in the USN for four and half years as a Gas Turbine Mechanic. I hated it. Yeah you see the world but as a "pit snipe" the 120 degree engine rooms, 22 hour work days, 20 cents an hour paychecks, and seven supervisors that have complete and utter control over your every waking moment sucked to say the least. I was in trouble much of the time I was in.

That being said, I am glad I joined and served my time. Since getting out I have been a Utility Operator for a major electric company, a power plant manager, and now I work the Fortune 500 #2 rated company. I never expected to use the skills I received in the Navy when I got out. I was going to law school at Gonzaga U. in Spokane but couldn't afford even with the M.G.I.B. Now that I have been in the Utilities field for the past seven years I can honestly save that I really enjoy it and without the Navy I wouldn't be here.

The Navy or Coastguard might not be right for everyone. You will hate it for at least a period of time while you are in. You are 21 which is about three years older than the average age of people that join and you are 6' tall which makes for a lot of bending over while ducking through narrow P-Ways but all in all it would probably do you good to join. If you join during wartime you automatically get a Joint Expeditionary Medal which guarantees you veterans benefits. By the way, you probably have a better chance of wining the lottery than getting combat photographer - only because those jobs are filled by such a relative small of amount of people they normally don't go to new enlistees - but give it a shot if you decide to enlist. Don't let the recruiter BS you either. They are worse than new car salesmen. The Navy Electronic School is top notch - you want to ask for the rate called ET or try for Nuke. They are required to enlist for six years but the bonuses are incredible. Anyway hope this helps. If you need any more info feel free to drop me an email.

OmanOtter had some really good points as well and the whole steroid thing is way off base. Zero tolerance on any drugs.

Message edited by author 2007-07-04 23:56:26.
07/04/2007 11:50:56 PM · #16
I'd like be a combat photographer. Well, a photojournalist for a big paper or magazine would be better, but I'm thinking about enlisting to start my career out. I think it would be a great experience (great doesn't mean a leisurely vacation to me, it's time I get introduced to the 'real world'.) I have no problem going into a war, if I die there then it was my time to go. My parents don't really like the idea, though, mainly because they want me to finish getting a degree in something I really don't like at all anymore (IT)

I don't really have any suggestions for you, other than try to figure out how you can start doing what you really love. I can't seem to find a job around here other than entry level fast food stuff, which I'll just have to do soon. My parents loaned me the money to get a 1D and I have a line on doing some freelance stuff for the paper, so I'm hoping I can pay it off and get some experience too.
07/04/2007 11:52:08 PM · #17
To OmanOtter Still reading what your writing... but

Wendy's wont employ me lol. After Leaving Dunkin Brands as a Training Consultant and McDonalds as a Swing Manager, Arby's as an Assitant and going into the automotive industry.

I took Wendy's as a part time job. I walked out of a training store as a cashier when there were no other employee's left to run the store except the store manager. Wendy's will no longer employ me However theres not a single person working for that store except the store manager that disagree's to what i did.

I would most likely end up with a short order cook to start in a local spot. Id hope to go for management though. As i said electronics would be a secondary interest. I dunno though thats why i ask.

back to reading your post.

Message edited by author 2007-07-04 23:52:34.
07/04/2007 11:57:08 PM · #18
Here you go, try this out.

FREEDOMROCKS.com
07/05/2007 12:06:17 AM · #19
Originally posted by RulerZigzag:

Here you go, try this out.

FREEDOMROCKS.com


Don't fall for this kind of crap. I'm looking at their presentation now. It looks like a scam to me. This is the same guy who just told you that the Coast Guard gives you steroids. The guy is highly suspect.
07/05/2007 12:07:28 AM · #20
yeah the combat camera was more of a joke, especially for a newbie, but there is always JO (journalist). I should have really got off my butt and went to that school, I've always been told I have a voice for radio (and a face to match truefully) but they do more than just that. There are many many options in each service and while one may seem great in one area they may suck in another, hard to get everything you want. It's kind of like buying a camera or computer, go with what gives you the best options and will be of the best use to you and work to make the best out of it.
----
steriod believer...maybe that person came back different cause his balls finally dropped and he became a man. Annual injections are most likly flu or others depending on his job such as HIV anti-virus and are NOT steriods...unless he was using them himself in which case he will soon be caught and discharged.

----
tmhalling...I'm pretty sure you are mistakin about the GWOTEM (see here). you don't get it just for enlisting, you might be thinking of the National Defense Medal. I work at PSD and put awards in people records and the expeditionary has a much different criteria then that. The GWOT Service medal is given after 30 days with a deployable unit.
07/05/2007 12:11:10 AM · #21
Originally posted by sabphoto:

tmhalling...I'm pretty sure you are mistakin about the GWOTEM (see here). you don't get it just for enlisting, you might be thinking of the National Defense Medal. I work at PSD and put awards in people records and the expeditionary has a much different criteria then that. The GWOT Service medal is given after 30 days with a deployable unit.


I stand corrected. I was always in the Gulf war zone/deployable unit with the 5th fleet - so I forgot about the 30 day in a war zone requirement.

Message edited by author 2007-07-05 00:14:24.
07/05/2007 12:12:00 AM · #22
As a former Navy man, let me say that there is a rating in the Navy called Photographer's Mate. If you put your knowledge to work and study for advancement, you can go up through the ranks until you are a
Chief Petty Officer directing the photographic activities of the newer men. In the Navy, you really do get to see the world, and think of the possibilities for you to take great photographs from around the world(and the DPC challenges you could ribbon in). Additionally, the people in the Navy eat better than any of the other services and there is another rating as NAVY cook. The advancement is the same as for Photographer's Mate. One word of warning though if you choose this route is to make sure you stick to one of these two rates. Some in the Navy may offer you deals to change to another rate. Good luck! Keep us posted on what you decide, especially me if you choose the route that I suggested.
07/05/2007 12:15:24 AM · #23
Originally posted by dfstevenson:

As a former Navy man, let me say that there is a rating in the Navy called Photographer's Mate. If you put your knowledge to work and study for advancement, you can go up through the ranks until you are a
Chief Petty Officer directing the photographic activities of the newer men. In the Navy, you really do get to see the world, and think of the possibilities for you to take great photographs from around the world(and the DPC challenges you could ribbon in). Additionally, the people in the Navy eat better than any of the other services and there is another rating as NAVY cook. The advancement is the same as for Photographer's Mate. One word of warning though if you choose this route is to make sure you stick to one of these two rates. Some in the Navy may offer you deals to change to another rate. Good luck! Keep us posted on what you decide, especially me if you choose the route that I suggested.


Thanks again im loving the responses coming in even at this late of the night (early and mid day for some). I have a few things to square away if i were to go and will probably end up getting a storage place for my stuff.

I however never finished moving to baltimore. The only things I possess that I did not buy after moving is what fit in my pickup truck (including my bed). Im finally after 8 months going back to the eastern shore to retrieve what i wish to keep of my lifes collection.

I am glad that i am free of all commitments to people and business. It has allowed me to move around alot... but for the past 5 months i havce been limited to mass transit my house and work!
07/05/2007 12:24:02 AM · #24
Originally posted by dfstevenson:

Additionally, the people in the Navy eat better than any of the other services .


And we in the Marine Corps love to point out that they have the bellies to show for it as well! ;-)

To tell the truth, though, I was on ship for 7 months and didn't think the food was good at all.

Message edited by author 2007-07-05 00:25:15.
07/05/2007 12:28:23 AM · #25
Originally posted by OmanOtter:

Originally posted by dfstevenson:

Additionally, the people in the Navy eat better than any of the other services .


And we in the Marine Corps love to point out that they have the bellies to show for it as well! ;-)

To tell the truth, though, I was on ship for 7 months and didn't think the food was good at all.


Because I wasn't cooking, that and it was missing my Burger King Style Special Mayonnaise. BTW i sent u a pm.
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