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It is the same for the CGA as USMA, USNA, USAFA, etc. You can choose aviation, operations afloat, rescue operations (diving, swimming, etc.), operations ashore, and some specialties such as medecince and law if you are lucky. The only real difference is the assignments. The CG is almost exclusively a maritime force, and over 70% of graduates choose to go to sea for at least their first tour of two years. However, if you choose operations afloat, you can either select exactly which cutter you want to serve aboard, what type of cutter you want to serve aboard, or the location you want your ship to be assigned. Unless you have a really high class rank, your chances of getting on the cutter you want and the location you want are slim. I personally wanted to serve aboard one of the slick new 123' patrol boats, where you can be an XO in as little as 16 months as a LTJG, and then CO as a LT in as little as three years. Or you could be a CO in 18 months-2 years of an 87' patrol boat as a LTJG. Newly commissioned ensigns must serve aboard at least a 210' for their first tour to learn the ropes of coast guard operations, but if you choose a patrol craft assignment, that will typically be honored after you first tour provided you have a good service record. Hope this helps!
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