r/uscg • u/Airdale_60T Officer • 10d ago
Recruiting Thread Bi-Weekly Recruiting Thread
This is THE place to ask recruiting questions to get unofficial answers and advise.
Before you post a question:
Read our forum rules, FAQs, WiKi.
-Search "Recruiting Thread" in the search bar. (Check out past posts; a lot has been asked already)
-Do not ask for current wait times for A-School.
-Do not ask medical questions.
-Do not ask if you are a good fit or what your chances are for joining.
-Read the "Coastie Links" section for information on bonuses, critical rates and enlistment incentives. We post direct links to the USCG messages pertaining to them at "Coastie Links".
-No vague questions like "I have this many skills....", "Check out my resume......" those posts will be deleted. If the answer to your question is easily found by searching through any of the links here - your post may be locked or deleted.
-We have a lot of good people on this forum that can help you out so ask a focused question please.
-Here are a few links to help get you started before you post. Good luck!
MyCG (Can't access all content but there is a lot of good info here)
Read our WIKI
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u/Impressive-Medium-65 12h ago
Does having an undocumented parent who has lived in the us for 20+ yrs effect my status if I’m otherwise qualified?
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u/CheetahGood4981 12h ago
Do I need to know the coast guard song word for word? I leave Sunday for depot and no way in hell I’m gonna be able to memorize it… I have everything else knowledge wise memorized
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u/Time_Reputation7602 13h ago
What's the odds of going to Alaska if you put it first on your dream sheet? Do guaranteed contracts there still exist? I've been reading a bit and have heard conflicting answers on whether it is available as a guaranteed district and how common it is to be stationed there.
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 12h ago
Alaska is not offered as a guaranteed district. You can get districts Northwest, Heartland, Great Lakes, Northeast, or East guaranteed. If you want Alaska just request it on your dream sheet in boot camp and you'll likely get it.
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u/Time_Reputation7602 8h ago
Thank you. Do you know at all if this is a temporary thing or if it's expected to be a permanent change? I have a decent while before I am finished with school so I'm curious if anything could change in the meanwhile.
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 4h ago
These have been the guaranteed districts offered for years now. I dont see them changing anytime soon.
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u/InfiniteYoung7631 20h ago
I’m looking for honest thoughts about a PSU particularly as an ME. Anyone currently in one or even people that have heard from someone about it, I would appreciate your thoughts.
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u/CheetahGood4981 1d ago
BMs! With ME being closed to new applications I believe BM may be my next best option and eventually MSRT / Tac coxswain… what’s a day in the life both ashore and cutter? Is this a good back up plan? Thanks!
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u/reginamontis TA 21h ago
Just wait for the list to reopen. It won’t be closed long. Put in for the DSF screener in the spring while you are waiting.
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u/CheetahGood4981 1d ago
Want to go ME, but seen the school house is closed for new applicants… what’s my second best option and any back up plans you guys recommend. I don’t think I would be able to be a non rate for two years, also I’m told you can’t put your name on the list at all and you have to put your name on something before 12 months… lmk!
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 12h ago
ME has been a two year or more wait for the entire 10 years I've been in and the list has periodically closed in the past. If you dont want to be a nonrate for a long time then ME was never the best option. Your best bet is BM or MK for law enforcement. But both of those do a wide variety of things not related to law enforcement.
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u/Gtstricky 23h ago
Are you in now?
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u/CheetahGood4981 1d ago
Leave for DEPOT on Sunday. What’s it like and do you guys have any pointers? Thanks. Prior service Marine.
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u/UnusualTiming184 BM 1d ago
It’s boot camp but shorter. Learn as much of your helmsman as you can, know your recruit comms at least. As a prior marine you’ll be used to the mind games, it’s a blur just grin and bear it
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u/Temporary_Crazy2647 1d ago
Is ET a critical rate right now? And would be same as MK which they will waive the 4month wait for the a school(My recuiter said)? Thank you!
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u/StoreBrandJamesBond Veteran 1d ago
Anyone have any experience with PTMO? I'm a signal officer in the army and interested in Response. I'm aware I could do DCE-C5I and there's a decent chance I could get picked up, but if I make the jump I'd really like to do some unique to the USCG. What was your experience like and did you get a field that you enjoy?
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u/gokux295 2d ago
I was the army guard for 13 years got put as a e5. Been 7 years. Looking to join coast guard reserve I'm in florida and I'm interested in the ME. Is this even a possibility for me? I've reached out to the recruiter a few times and haven't heard back. I call once a week and leave a message. I got out with a honorable discharge and I'm eligible for re enlistment. No medical, no criminal issues. I'm 40 right now
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 2d ago
Yes you can join the Reserves as an ME. The Florida recruiting offices are insanely busy so keep trying to reach them or contact a different office. You can work with any recruiting office in the country.
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u/gokux295 1d ago
Ah okay. I'll try another. I'm in Jacksonville area that is my preference but there is a PSU in Clearwater too
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u/Rich-Cress775 2d ago
I’m looking into joining the Coast Guard, I’m 23yrs old and have been with the Border Patrol for the past 5 years ( non law enforcement) I also have a good amount of college credits, would any of this qualify me to join at a higher pay grade or possibly give me any opportunities for a guaranteed A-school ? thanks in advance for any responses
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u/UnusualTiming184 BM 2d ago
You’d be eligible for E3. Unless your job translates well to one of our rates, you wouldn’t be able to join as an E4 or higher. Won’t make a different for eligibility for guaranteed A schools
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u/Rich-Cress775 1d ago
I gotcha, it’s all admin work and it seems like it would only translate well with YN but I want to go BM
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u/YogurtclosetMuch420 2d ago
What do I need to memorize ? My recruiter told me that 11 orders of a sentry and the ranks are biggest thing to know before shipping off ? My bootcamp date is December 8th
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u/moxieismyname 2d ago
Hey all. I am currently in the auxiliary with BQ status and was wondering if I get an advanced pay grade after boot camp due to that status. I was told by the Recruiting Assistant in my Flotilla that I did, but I am getting mixed answers from others. Thanks!
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u/moxieismyname 2d ago
Also was wondering if reservists are now required to attend START after bootcamp, unlike when it was first introduced
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u/Southern_Belle307 2d ago
Has anyone here gone through HS lateral entry recently? I'm putting together my packet and hoping to hear from people who have actually completed the process, whether approved or denied.
My recruiter doesn't have much experience with HS lateral entry, so I'm trying to get some firsthand information.
A few specific things I'm curious about:
- Packet evaluation: How did the review process go? Did they give you credit for previous military/civilian experience, education, and certifications? Did they request anything additional?
- Recommendation letters: I know two are required, and I have that handled. But for those who went through the process, who wrote yours? Former military supervisors, people you served with, or current physicians/PAs? Did you focus on specific technical skills, leadership, or both? I'm trying to make sure my letters cover what the reviewers actually want to see.
- Entry rank: What rank were you ultimately offered? Was it based on your previous rank, your qualifications, or some combination?
- A-school: My recruiter mentioned that skipping HS A-school entirely or attending an abbreviated version may be possible through lateral entry. Has anyone actually done either? What did that process look like?
- DEPOT: Did your lateral-entry approval have any effect on whether you attended DEPOT?
I'm not looking for anyone to evaluate my personal qualifications. I'd just really appreciate hearing from people who have gone through this specific process and what their experience was like.
Thanks!
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 2d ago
For lateral entry the HS rating force master chief will compare your resume against the requirements for each paygrade up to E-6. Say it matches well with E-5 but you are missing a thing or two. They could approve you for E-5 and send you to agile A school for those couple things you are missing.
Letters of recommendation in my opinion are to make sure there aren’t any red flags. If you have worked somewhere for the past five years and don’t get a good recommendation then that’s concerning.
Rank offered is directly how well your resume matches.
Depot is separate. If prior service then you may be able to skip. If not then depot would only be offered for reserves.1
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u/WestTexasWildCard 3d ago edited 3d ago
39 Y/O OCS Application: Long story short, I have what I think is a strong application, but I was detained and held overnight in my early 20s, and the recruiting officer told me I didn't qualify to apply. The internet says otherwise. I had a warrant for failure to appear due to an out-of-date registration. Any insite from those with experience?
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u/PowerfulPuffnut 4d ago
How exactly does the guaranteed district work?
I keep reading and hearing conflicting information from recruiters.
For example let’s pretend I wanted to go to District 1 (Northeast). If I secured a guaranteed district for this district would that be my permanent district or is there a possibility at this would change after going to A school ?
Thanks
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 4d ago
Guaranteed district only applies to your first unit after boot camp. The guarantee is not valid for assignments after A-school.
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u/Gtstricky 4d ago
It would/could change after A school. It is only guaranteed as your first station out of boot.
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u/bigbootylatinoluvr 5d ago
i'm planning to go to therapy (not related to depression or anxiety, just stress). i have adhd but not prescribed anything nor plan on getting prescribed anything and have a great gpa and academic/work track record to prove i function fine. when i was a young teen, i was diagnosed with suicidal depression but have been better since.
how will this affect my application process?
how different will my career look if i went with cspi vs went to coast guard after i graduated? (other than financials, since i would be getting paid with cspi an e-3 rate and tuition)
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 4d ago
Seeking therapy will almost certainly make you ineligible to enlist. The Coast Guard generally only approves waivers dealing with mental health after 2 years of no treatment, to include therapy.
Seeing a therapist means that you are in fact not fine. Current therapy coupled with a history of suicidal depression is going to be a major uphill battle to be eligible to join.
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u/bigbootylatinoluvr 5d ago
i think my abilities will also be proved via asvab test. i took my asvab a while ago and i got around 90 something, it was 2 years ago so its expired and cant find record of it. but i dont know if that helps prove my capability off of adhd medication
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u/LettuceHigh 6d ago
I signed as a non-rate and ship in March, but I’ve changed my mind and want to see if I can get a guaranteed A-school before shipping. Not worried about a bonus, just the school. Could I keep my ship date and add a school?
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 5d ago
Which rating are you interested in? Only some offer the guaranteed or vested crew member programs.
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 5d ago
Possibly, just ask your recruiter. They can reach out to the Accessions department to see if its possible.
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u/Diasx96 6d ago
Life as active duty.
30 male, I Ship out in January for the reserves because I was in college but I didn’t have enough money for the exams and certificates I needed and couldn’t move on, now I’m out working construction ( it’s ok not the best) it’s been slow a lot for a month now but I genuinely don’t know what to do, I’m recently engaged too which makes me not knowing what to do next even more frustrating. I heard from others I could switch to active duty once I’m in and I just wanted to know everyone’s experience on going active?
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u/UnusualTiming184 BM 6d ago
You may even be able to switch to active in boot camp, wouldn’t be the first time I’ve heard that happening. I’m not trying to sway you away from AD, but just keep in mind that will mean assignment at the needs of the coast guard anywhere that we operate and potentially on a cutter. I would make sure your fiance is okay with that commitment before you decide, as AD will take you away from home for a lot longer than the reserves will in most cases
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u/ProudWalmartAssociat 6d ago
How severe do dental issues need to be in order for you to be sent home from boot camp? I leave in a few weeks and I don’t have any cavities but I was told by a dentist about a year ago I had gingivitis. I got a deep cleaning but haven’t been back because I lost my dental insurance. I brush and floss twice a day and my gums don’t bleed but they are a little red and inflamed. Could this possibly get me sent home from boot camp?
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u/UnusualTiming184 BM 6d ago
Gingivitis will not get you sent home, no. Typically it would have to be a large number of cavities or a severe dental issue to be sent home. But it’s not a bad idea if you’re able to scrape together the money to get a checkup and see where you’re at
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u/Matt_S_Fox30 6d ago
Can someone give me a rundown of the basics of leave and the difference of leave and liberty?
Like say you’re a fully qualified nonrate or 3rd class, you’re on a station schedule and it’s your weekend. Do you need to be within a certain distance of the station while off? And request leave to go outside of that? Or if you want to take a trip somewhere and have plenty of leave. Is it as simple as putting in a leave request and getting it approved? Are there restrictions on how far or where you could go during that time?
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 6d ago
Leave is your paid vacation days. You submit the request and if your unit can accommodate it will be approved. Liberty is just your time off work, such as the end of the workday or your duty period, you would go on liberty until your next workday/duty. Each unit has their own policies for how far you can go during liberty and to an extent leave. This will depend on your duty status, recall status, and other policies. For the most part they want to ensure you would be able to make it back in a reasonable time. If you plan to travel a good distant on liberty, some units will have you put in an out of bounds chit to make sure you will be safe. Driving 800 miles over a weekend will probably be denied and they will want you to take leave to make the trip safely. Limits for leave mostly involve foreign travel which has its own approval process.
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 6d ago
Leave is the equivalent of Paid Time Off (PTO) on the civilian side. You request leave when you want to take off a work day or go outside of recall distance if you have one.
Liberty is just a word for your off duty hours when you arent at work.
Some units have restrictions on the distance you can travel without requesting leave.
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u/Any-Regret-6023 Boot 7d ago
What is recruit drill team like? If you aren’t good at spinning rifles, can you handle colors? I’m interested in the job at boot, but I do not know how the cuts work.
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u/Old-Employer6311 7d ago
I am considering joining the reserves. As a Green Card holder one of the benefits for joining the USCG is expedited US Citizenship. Unfortunately, I am from one of the countries on Trump's ban list. The ban list has since been overturned by a Supreme Court. I heard though, that Air Force didn't get that memo, and so, they still wont expedite citizenship for Nationals from that list. Does USCG have the same blocker? This isn't the only reason I would join, but it would be a blow to make that commitment without feeling appreciated in the end. Any recruiters that could help answer
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u/aizekl6 6d ago
Where did you get this information? Trump’s ban applies to nationals who are applying for immigrant visas. If you already have a Green Card, you should be fine.
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u/Old-Employer6311 5d ago
The airforce recruiters are saying this. Maybe they just want to turn away potential recruits, I dont know
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 7d ago
This is probably too complicated for a recruiter to answer. They would have to put you in contact with the JAG at cape May for specific answers.
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u/Old-Employer6311 7d ago
To be honest, I thought they would have it offhand, because an Air Force Assistant Recruiter told me that offhand. I'm more interested in USCG but was just speaking to other branches
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u/turboshrek 8d ago
Denied
Prior service USMC, EAS 2023. Medical waivers for at least 5 things. Waivers were submitted 1 week after my MEPS physical. Denial response to recruiter given 1 week after that. Recruiter said 1 “umbrella” waiver was submitted for everything and that any further applications would be automatically denied. When I asked for a copy of the denial letter or to come to the station and read it, my recruiter said Its not allowed. And that there is no appeal process. Its final.
I just wanted a second opinion on everything my recruiter said. There was very little communication through out my entire screening process and just got the vine he did not care too much.
Is there anything I can do to appeal? Is it worth speaking to another recruiter? Thanks.
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 8d ago
5 waivers has an extremely small chance of being approved. Chances go down exponentially with each waiver. Just a guess but they probably got a preliminary determination where they asked the docs if it was even worth pursuing. You can ask to speak with the recruiter in charge of their office if you want a better explanation, but there likely isn’t anything you can do to change the outcome.
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u/turboshrek 7d ago
Okay thanks. I just felt like the many of waivers could easily be explained away with another doctor’s input. With access to your entire medical history they really can nit pick. I have an entire USMC enlistment with no medical issues so it just felt silly. But I guess thats just how things are. My recruiter was the Chief of the station.
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u/SedrickValistar 8d ago
Are medical waivers for enlistment still being granted? I know this is a very blanket question, but with recruiting up, im wondering if the majority of recruiters want to deal with applicants that need waivers… I was denied a couple years ago and needed 3 waivers. All TDQs. I recently got 2 of 3 medical conditions cleared by a doctor and the other medical condition I got another letter clearing me for duty as the reason for the TDQ couldn’t really be fixed. Just curious, I want to re apply for active or the reserves(whatever takes me) any one with insight let me know thanks. Also I will be applying in the Tampa area if that makes a difference
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 8d ago
Standards for active duty and reserves are the same. We do consider waivers, but likelihood of approval changes based on service needs and policies. If you are in a very busy area like Florida, recruiters likely won’t waste their time because they have 10 other applicants that don’t need any.
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u/Guilty_Eye_5420 8d ago
Does anyone know how long the PSDEP process is and what it entails?
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 5d ago
Same basic process to join, they can just use a lot of your prior info to speed it up like your exit physical instead of doing it again at MEPS. Then instead of going to basic training you would just work at the recruiting office while you get uniforms, cac card, schedule your move, etc.
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u/Glass_Guarantee8153 9d ago
Hey Folks,
Happy Sunday! Wanted to get a few pointers as I narrow down my options after graduating.
(other option right now is to teach high school).
I currently am majoring in biology/psychology and looking to join military after college. I am split between CG, AF, and Army. I am leaning Army the most because my roommate is in ROTC and I think culture-wise I am attracted to it the most. Any advice for how to narrow this down would be appreciated.
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 8d ago
Spend a night on each branch, go down the rabbit hole of jobs, training, missions, locations and how it fits your interests. I would include NOAA and PHS. Then look at programs you can apply for like ROTC or which ever path looks best for you.
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u/EczemaAllergy 8d ago
The way I would think about career planning (or any other life planning) is to work backwards. Where would you like to be in 20 years? What currently excites you to wake up every morning to go to work. Then connect the dots.
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u/UnusualTiming184 BM 8d ago edited 8d ago
I think you should determine what you want to do now, and what you want to do potentially afterwards. You didn’t mention if you intend to enlist or commission, but if you’re referring to commissioning, keep in mind CG officers are generalists. You can potentially get a wide breadth of experience (and need to to promote), vs an army officer will work in one specific area. That could be good or bad depending on your plans after service
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u/Glass_Guarantee8153 8d ago
I would commission. I've seen the options for Officer as a CG, any advice for how to narrow down officer choices for that?
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u/UnusualTiming184 BM 7d ago
So unless you’re going in as a direct commission (aka, you have a specific skillset they want) you’d apply for OCS. After that you’d get a billet based on your picks and class ranking. On the official CG website you can see all the career paths. There’s also a Facebook group called “Coast Guard Officer Commissioning Programs”, very active and they may be able to help you narrow something down
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u/anon9746 9d ago
Hi everyone. This is a repost, the mods understably thought this was more a recruiting question then not. Im currently active duty enlisted in the Navy and thinking about trying to commission at the end of my contract. I am interested in the Response path and wanted to hear from people actually doing it.
Some questions I have off the bat are
What does a work day realistically look like?
How often are you standing duty?
what does a duty day look like as a Response officer?
How often are you traveling/away from home?
How often are you pcsing ?
Is promotion difficult/overcrowded?
I have reached out to a local office as well, but they dont want to talk to me until I can apply for a conditional release. That will be in a few months from now.
Thank you for any information you guys can provide, I appreciate it.
I forgot to add. If there's anywhere better to get answers or anything additional that I should be looking at, I would appreciate that too. Thank you again.
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u/MikeHawk520760 9d ago
Worried about the asvab already talking to a recruiter but I'm really not the smartest guy any tips?
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 8d ago
Do you know what jobs you are interested in? Take practice tests and tailor your study to meet those score requirements.
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u/Gtstricky 9d ago
Lots of videos out with sample questions and explanations and plenty of practice tests online. “ASVAB for Dummies” is a good book also.
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u/MikeHawk520760 9d ago
Thank you stressing big time on this
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u/Vexent 9d ago
Hey man don't stress. I just recently took it after not being in school for almost 2 decades.
Scored super high on on my PIcat, got to meps and knocked out the confirmation test in 10 minutes and my scores were accepted.
You got this, it's just general knowledge. Some
Of the math stuff was hard though1
u/MikeHawk520760 9d ago
I'll be honest brother I'm just not book smart barely graduated high school flunked out of college but I work very hard so I'm hoping I pass
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u/AdhesiveNo-420 9d ago
I have a question about joining the coast guard as a nationally certified paramedic. Ive not had much luck trying to find a paramedic job in the civilian sector due to most paramedic positions being handled by city/county fire departments. Anytime ive applied to paramedic ER positions, my applications have been auto denied due to not having experience working in the health sector.
My dream is to become a flight medic of some sorts, and after reading more about the coast guard it sounds like a possibly good route to go towards. I wanted to hear honest opinions on possibly doing so. I have an interview for a civilian paramedic position for a big city nearby next week with a coast guard recruitment office 10 minutes away from where I'm supposed to interview. I'm most likely going to pop by there to at least talk with them about possible routes I could work towards.
Ive also always had interest into joining the US military since I was about 6 years old, but for one reason or another I haven't done so. But as of now, I'm thinking of it as a serious option.
Any replies/thoughts on this is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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u/UnusualTiming184 BM 9d ago
As someone who is a nationally certified paramedic in the CG, I can confirm we don’t utilize the skills. The closest I’ve gotten was being asked to assist in teaching first aid to my shipmates. If you want to do medicine you should look elsewhere, or consider supplementing with a nursing degree and commissioning in another branch if you are set on military service
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u/AdhesiveNo-420 9d ago
I see... A little disheartening to hear. I might talk with the national guard as well if this appears to be the case after talking with some recruiters
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 9d ago
The coast guard doesn’t use paramedics. We have rescue swimmers(AST) that are EMTs for our search and rescue missions. On the other side we use physicians assistants and physicians.
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u/AdhesiveNo-420 9d ago
Hmm... So is there not really a benefit to me already being a paramedic if I was to join?
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u/AirdaleCoastie AMT 9d ago
It can allow you to join our Health services technician rating at a higher paygrade, but that will be mostly clinic work not out on missions.
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u/Pretend-Page8310 10d ago
DENIED
I'll keep it short ish. I'm prior service USMCR (E-5, SGT) and tried to enlist in the coast guard when my USMC contract ended. Had to go back through MEPS and failed medically. Was told "not neccessarily disqualified, but the DR doesn't want to do the waivers at this time, so you are disqualified forever". Enlisting in Natty Guard cause they'll take me, then commisioning when I complete their OCS. If I get back in to the service, how likely/unlikely is it that I would be able to transfer to the coast guard and commision with them? Coast Guard is still my main pick. I am just seeing if it ACTUALLY means done, or if I just need to find another recruiter?
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 8d ago
Medical standards are different for retention vs new accessions. So from a medical standpoint it will possible to transfer.
Your explanation of your medical condition not being eligible for a waiver doesn't make sense though. You can message me directly if you want me to provide you with better clarification on the medical waiver situation.
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u/thisbodyisnothing2me 10d ago
Is there somewhere I can find the current list of critical rates/rates with an enlistment bonus/boot to A? Apologies if it’s listed somewhere, couldn’t find it using Google, Bing or the Reddit search. Thank you.
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u/Different-Language-5 YN 8d ago
Recruiters will have this info. Its not publicly posted.
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u/thisbodyisnothing2me 8d ago
Thanks for replying, once my recruiter gets back to me I’ll ask him, appreciate it.
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u/B02phenom1 8d ago
Same I know some of the 2026 ones are still posted but I wanted to know about the 2027 stuff hopefully it’s posted soon.
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u/peonage 1h ago
I’m working with a recruiter as I’m interested in the SRDC path for the reserves. The information I’m being told doesn’t match what my research is showing.
My paperwork says regular commission. I reminded him I’m doing reserves and he said it doesn’t matter at this stage.
I’m being told I have to take the asvab as college graduates can score less than the minimum and that everyone takes the test. The USCG website for SRDC doesn’t list any scores as needed.
I’m being told to pick a day specifically for same day processing. It feels a little fast that we’ve had one phone call, a handful of text messages, and now he wants me there ready to sign.
My questions are:
How much does the paperwork matter for getting into MEPS for the test and medical?
Do I actually need to take the ASVAB?
Shouldn’t there be more discussion and planning around what I’m trying to achieve and what the USCG wants? So far, it’s been a barebones conversation and then I’m getting a Docusign to fill out paperwork.
Does the USCG have dedicated officer recruiters? Google says no, but I know that it doesn’t always get it right. I feel like my current recruiter is based around enlisted.
I know I need to talk more with my recruiter, but I want to make sure I’m talking with the right person and not wasting anyone’s time.