USMMA path to USCG

ttownduo
Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:04:46 +0000

My son has received his appointment to USMMA & he’s ecstatic! So am I! He is however still waiting to hear from USCGA. He is leaning strongly toward a career in the Coast Guard but hasn’t ruled out NOAA and is still reading into civilian jobs like Military Sealift Command.

Now, I know if he wants Coast Guard & he gets accepted at USCGA - that’s where he should go. But since he’s not completely convinced yet, he’s thinking he should accept his appointment to KP regardless of whether or not he gets into CGA. It’s ultimately his decision but I’m trying to provide whatever advice I can - so finally, , , here’s my question;

If he goes to KP, graduates and gets commissioned as an Ensign in the CG, what would typically be his first assignment (billet)? I don’t want to burst his emotional bubble but I’m afraid if he’s not coming out of CGA he’ll be relegated to an icebreaker or bouy tender - or worse yet - he’ll be plunked into a landlocked staff position. Of course, everything is dependent on the CG’s needs at the time - but histroically what are the first billet assignments for KP’ers? The obvious follow-up is - if he doesn’t get what he considers a desirable first billet, what chance does he have of getting what he really wants as a second or third billet?

Thanks for any insight you can give us.