I want to join the Coast Guard...I am afraid to give up civillian life.

[Ryan Pringnitz]

I am afraid to give up civillian life. I am 20 years old.
I enjoy many civillian things. The freedom of choice of food, watching favorite television shows, listening to music, going to concerts, getting chicks, being a computer nerd, being a car guy, and worst of all... I love smoking pot.
I have given up pot at times in my life, and I realize this is a must for the service. I have heard Cape May is absolute hell. I have heard about "Its just 8 weeks", and it is JUST 8 weeks...
I can finally gain independence from my parents and show them I am something worthwhile. I can even do jobs that I "somewhat" want to do. I want to be a software developer, but the CG or any military service does not offer this really. More of a network engineer, which is somewhat lame work if you ask me.
Do I need to bite the bullet and "just do it"? I will hear from a recruiter this Monday. I need the money, I need to finish college. I need the job.
I am also afraid of losing my friends and family. My dad is 60 years old, my mom is recovering from cancer. I won't see many of these people for a while. I love computers.
How much of this do I give up?
Obviously in boot camp my ass is handed to a CC for 8 weeks of discipline. After this, can I have all these freedoms back?
I am a confused person heading in to their twenties, and I feel this might be right for me.
Someone please contact me on AOL IM and talk with me about this
factory81nu9
I have a million questions.

[Marilyn]

My son joined the Coast Guard at 19 years old. He went to Cape May for training. He said he never once regretted it during basic training and he actually liked it. He liked to party before he joined, but never did any drugs. If you do what is expected of you, then all is well. He is now a 2nd class petty officer after 4 years and an electrician. He just reinlisted and received a $30,000.00 Bonus. The Coast Guard is an elite group, unlike any other branch of the military. You can advance and be recognized for your efforts. His life is set, and before he's 40 he can actually retire with full benefits. Worth giving up weed for, in my opinion.

[Ray Clark]

Ryan,

I have been in the Coast Guard for over 10 years now, half way to retirement if I choose to get out at 20 years. I have done and seen a lot. Boot camp isn't all that bad, sure you get yelled at and you have to play their game, but once you get out you are proud of what you have accomplished. Right now I am stationed in Kodiak, AK. I would never have been at such a beautiful place had it not been for the CG. I will be no Bill Gates when I retire, but the medical benifits, the educational benifits really can't be beat unless you are Bill Gates or work for a big company. Even some of those companies do't have the dental insurance or eye coverage. Being in the CG doesn't mean you have to give up your life, and what you enjoy doing on your off time, you just have to make time for them. I go fishing almost everyday now that the weather is turning nice. Think about it, it aint bad. Here is my work email let me know if you need any help in your decision. [e-mail]. By the way I'M NOT A RECRUITER :o)

[Coast Guard CPO]

Ryan,
I am a Chief Petty Officer in the U. S. Coast Guard with 18 years of experience. I have worked with many young people such as yourself both as a career counselor and a mentor. The U. S. Coast Guard offers many unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and has played a significant role in the lives of many of it's personnel. I personally know a lot of successful Coasties who started off in similar circumstances as yours. Yes, you will have to attend Cape May Recruit Training, yes it is difficult, but after 8 weeks, you will be allowed leave and time with your family, you could be assigned near or far from your family. Your first unit should be nothing more than a training platform, get qualified, get your name on an "A" school list and get promoted. For more specifics (and honesty) feel free to contact me at [e-mail]. I am not a recruiter, but I have many friends who are. Hope to hear from you soon.
Chief Clark

[MK3 AND PROUD OF IT]

Ryan Pringnitz wrote:

I am afraid to give up civillian life. I am 20 years old.
I enjoy many civillian things. The freedom of choice of food, watching favorite television shows, listening to music, going to concerts, getting chicks, being a computer nerd, being a car guy, and worst of all... I love smoking pot.
I have given up pot at times in my life, and I realize this is a must for the service. I have heard Cape May is absolute hell. I have heard about "Its just 8 weeks", and it is JUST 8 weeks...
I can finally gain independence from my parents and show them I am something worthwhile. I can even do jobs that I "somewhat" want to do. I want to be a software developer, but the CG or any military service does not offer this really. More of a network engineer, which is somewhat lame work if you ask me.
Do I need to bite the bullet and "just do it"? I will hear from a recruiter this Monday. I need the money, I need to finish college. I need the job.
I am also afraid of losing my friends and family. My dad is 60 years old, my mom is recovering from cancer. I won't see many of these people for a while. I love computers.
How much of this do I give up?
Obviously in boot camp my ass is handed to a CC for 8 weeks of discipline. After this, can I have all these freedoms back?
I am a confused person heading in to their twenties, and I feel this might be right for me.
Someone please contact me on AOL IM and talk with me about this
factory81nu9
I have a million questions.

HEY I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL BEFORE I JOINED I THOUGHT BOOT WOULD BE SO BAD BUT I GOT THERE AND IT WAS NO BIG SO IF I, A 17 YEAR OLD GIRL COULD DO IT NO PROBLEM YOU CAN TO BUT IF I GIVE YOU ANY ADVICE REMEMBER IT IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE IS THE MOST INPORTANT

[Ryan C]

20 years old, want to join, completed high school, no diploma,
can I join then work to get high school diploma or a GED.
Please advise.

[Eric H]

Hi,

I am a bigger guy and out of shape but would like to do something that will change my life. I am a hard worker and have a career right now at 22. I own my own house and have bills to pay. I would give that all up if I could start fresh somewhere else. I know the first thing for me would be to get in shape and be able to pass the physical exam. I would like to chat with someone that is in the USCG but is not a recruiter. I can be reached at [e-mail]

Thank you for your time.

[SamanthaA]

Hey. Im 18, and Im thinking about joining the coast guard. I'm stoked about all the benifits that I'm going to get, not to mention it will be the first time far away from my family.(thats a good thing)I'm honestly not scared of anything, I've been on swim team and jr. lifeguards all my life. I have surfed and been a pool life guard. All i want to know is if i take my i-pod and other stuff that they dont want, when i get there will they throw it away. cause if thats the case.... my i-pod can chill at home!

[LCDR RICHARD STOUD]

Mike wrote:

<quoted text> WW2 ended long ago.

Mike, it has nothing to do with WWII. It has everything to do with pride in one's self, one's purpose in life and the rganization you work in to project you purpose. I've been a Coast Guardsman for 22 years and i am proud of what I do every day for my country. The "shallow water sailor" needs better leadership for him to find that pride. I would be happy to do that for him

[David Herron]

I haven't read all the comments yet, but I am sure someone told you that you have an extra "l" in "civilian!"

Ryan Pringnitz wrote:

I am afraid to give up civillian life. I am 20 years old.
I enjoy many civillian things. The freedom of choice of food, watching favorite television shows, listening to music, going to concerts, getting chicks, being a computer nerd, being a car guy, and worst of all... I love smoking pot.
I have given up pot at times in my life, and I realize this is a must for the service. I have heard Cape May is absolute hell. I have heard about "Its just 8 weeks", and it is JUST 8 weeks...
I can finally gain independence from my parents and show them I am something worthwhile. I can even do jobs that I "somewhat" want to do. I want to be a software developer, but the CG or any military service does not offer this really. More of a network engineer, which is somewhat lame work if you ask me.
Do I need to bite the bullet and "just do it"? I will hear from a recruiter this Monday. I need the money, I need to finish college. I need the job.
I am also afraid of losing my friends and family. My dad is 60 years old, my mom is recovering from cancer. I won't see many of these people for a while. I love computers.
How much of this do I give up?
Obviously in boot camp my ass is handed to a CC for 8 weeks of discipline. After this, can I have all these freedoms back?
I am a confused person heading in to their twenties, and I feel this might be right for me.
Someone please contact me on AOL IM and talk with me about this
factory81nu9
I have a million questions.

[James]

IF YOU GOT REAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE USCG, YOU CAN CONTACT ME. I'LL BE GLAD TO ANSWER THEM. I'M NO RECRUITER, AND I CAN JUST TELL YOU STRAIGHT FORWARD LIKE IT IS. HONOR, RESPECT, DEVOTION TO DUTY. [e-mail]

[SSgt Bushey]

Because of current downsizing and my AFSC's (Rating) constraints I may be seperating from the Air Force after 6 years. I would like some feedback on what some good jobs are in the CG. By good jobs I mean jobs with a sense of mission and satisfaction. I am interested in the Gunner's Mate ratiing and I already work in Avionics so I have that option also. Any input on any jobs would appreciated though.

[Rob]

For SSgt Bushey, no need to try the CG. A find service. Try the Air Guard or Air Force Reservse. An Apply for a Technician, AGR or ART Program.

[SULLY]

To Ryan- First of i am Seamen Apprenice Sullivan, age 20, Station Ft. Myers Beach- i have only been in for about 5 months now but i have to say that this has probably been the best decision of my life. I first made the decision to join last August when my father who had been in from age 19 to 45 passed away from cancer. now i while i two was worried about giving up certain civilian freedoms i have found that nothing as far as what i would call "freedom" has been taken away from me. The CG doesn't tturn you into a mindless robot; it enhances your mind. I already have some of the most amazing experiences to share with freinds and family that I could ever dream of. instead of making me me farther apart from my family it has made me closer to them- while geographically yes im farther away, the pride they now have in me has brought us closer together. Not to mention the fact that i now have a HUGE family in blue to live with. As for bootcamp the first 6 weeks are very tough but the next 2 are great i made some good friends there and i learned a lot. without a doubt you CAN do it. Now you said software developer snt offered and i would guess that is true but if you are interested in electronics there are rates that revolve entirely around electronics and im sure that one of these would bring you in a similiar field. anyway thought i would share my fellings on it with you.

-P.S. Trust me, if theres anything i have found its that girls LOVE coasties and best of all so do their parents will think your an angel.
-P.S.S. definetly a big no on the pot smoking- your trying to set an example and your job actually involves the stop of drug smuggling.

[the unloved]

only an idiot does drugs.

[sandra]

I am 30 years old and have wanted to join the coast guard since I was 22. I went to a to take the test and then met my husband now of three years. I do not think I am young enough anymore to join but wish
I can. I do not think he will relocate with me. But this is something I have always wanted to do. Does anyone know if it is still possible or not. I live in Orlando , Fl and hope there is somewhere here for me to join. I do not mind going to boot camp somewhere else as long as I get to come back here afterwards. Any advice .

[DISGRUNTLED]

If you are thinking about joining the Coast Guard, think hard about it. Join a real military service that has some leadership and cares about it's people. The Coast Guard has a real problem with senior leadership, except for the Master Chiefs they are only out for themselves and could care less about anyone else.

[tony]

Ryan,
Life in the Coast Guard is a great experiance, believe me I've been in the Coast Guard 18 of my 24 years of military service. Sure there are things that you have to give up for a specific amoutn of time, but your going to be so busy at learning new things and meeting new friends that the 8 weeks are going to fly by... Once you graduate from boot camp and go to your next unit you'll see the different rates that are available to you or what you qualify for. There will be lots of responsibilities handed to you and some of these will be repetative buts theres a purpose to the madness. You will gain Confidence, Knowledge and a sense of pride. I can't tell you how many Coasties helped and were vital when hurricane Katrina rolled around but there were many. The job or any job for that matter is what you make of it and the Rank is there for the taking with some hard work on your part. Yes, you gotta give up the Pot Smoking thats a no no in the Coast Guard so, if you can't give that up don't even try to come in because eventually you'll be caught then discharged. So why waste anyones time doing it. Eventually you will have lots of responsibity for a person your age wether on a Bouy Tender, Cutter, Aircraft or Station. It sounds that you have something to prove to your friends, parents and yourself. So take the plunge and wear the Blue, If you put in a 100% your going to get so much more back. Don't listen to someone that doesn't like the structure. Yes, boot camp isn't going to be easy and then agian it may be for you. If not have you thought about the Reserves ? That way you can give it a little time to see if this may be something that you may want to do full time.

Good luck and I hope you find what your looking for.

V/r Tony

[jam]

Coastie Wife wrote:

<quoted text>
You're a disgrace to the coast guard! i can't believe how you are such a morale downer! Coastie's work everyday unlike the regular military unless during war. your attitude sucks and if it's so lame get out and let a real man take your position!

Hi! I see that you are a coastie wife. Well, my husband is leaving for boot camp in a couple of months, so I soon will be as well. I was just wonderingt, how is it? How is the lifestyle for the spouse?

[Jon]

I am 24 years old with enough college credits to go in at the rank of E-2 or E-3, haven't quite figured that one out yet. Have 73 college credits (Technical College Certificates) hours plus a HS Diploma. Anyways, not being in the best shape of my life 6'1 240lbs. I guess I should put down the occassional cigarrette and start running, or is it not that bad?

Secondly, after talking to a few recruiters I am confused. I have been told that with "Today's CG" you will actually to be able to pick your career specialty, pending your ASVAB score. Is this statement accurate.

Jon from KY