My Sweet Babboo

I realize that this is an Academy board, but I thought I might find some advice from either a parent or current/former Coastie on the recruiting process or careers in the CG.

Son will graduate college in '09 and is seriously considering the Coast Guard. He is interested in environmental response. From what I have read, acceptance to Officer Candidate School is difficult - only about 20% make it each round (I believe apps are read 2x per year), although you can reapply at any time. Because of this, I have read that many apply for OCS and enlist at the same time.

It seems that the recruiting process is a protracted one and that son should probably start with a recruiter this spring after the end of his junior year.

I'm currently following forums at military.com, uscg.org and coastguardocs.org.

All info/links gratefully accepted.

Objee

Applying to OCS is often a long process, so I would recommend your son get in touch with his closest CG Recruiting Office now to start getting his questions answered and learn as much as possible about how to submit a competitive application package.

I would only recommend he enlist if he's genuinely interested in serving in the Coast Guard as an enlisted member for 1-2 years before possibly being selected for OCS.

SteveTheBeav

I was talking to a Coast Guard recruiter and he told me that right now there are far more applicants for the Coast Guard, officer and enlisted, than the Coast Guard needs. He said that he can't get a slot at basic training for anyone he's recruited for at least a year.