Coast Guard

[Dnarro68]

I am curious about the Coast Guard. I was thinking about going into the Coast Guard and trying to enroll in the Officer Academy/School. I am getting ready to graduate w/ a B.S. in Criminal Justice in a week. I want to get some experience. Wondering opinions of the Coast Guard and Officer's position. Is there a better job out there in the military or is Coast Guard pretty good??? Please fill me in... Thnx

[USCGjoker]

Everyone thinks their service is the best. In the Coast Guard you receive more responsibility at the lower ranks. If you are interested in law enforcement then the Coast Guard is the way to go. You won't be doing regular police work, but we are the only service that actually arrests. Visit www.gocoastguard.com to find a recruiter near you. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

[VargaM]

sorry for going off topic a little but what about enlisted what are your options now as far as LEO type work, how long does it take to get it also what jobs to get to get the best opportunity?
I am 18 out of HS and can start anytime Have a clean record and am healthy except one injury in the last 6 months which has healed, I am currently an Unarmed Security Officer in FL and I have long hours and have been looking at college or military, maybe both.

If you neded more info from me to give better advice pm me

thanks,
Varga

[TPD Cadet]

Hey Vaga, im joining this summer, going to MEPS this weekend (OR next) and start Boot on 06-06-06.

It looks like the best option if you want some pre police, Law enforcement experience.

Still not completely sure what rate im going in as...

[WILawman]

sorry for going off topic a little but what about enlisted what are your options now as far as LEO type work, how long does it take to get it also what jobs to get to get the best opportunity?
I am 18 out of HS and can start anytime Have a clean record and am healthy except one injury in the last 6 months which has healed, I am currently an Unarmed Security Officer in FL and I have long hours and have been looking at college or military, maybe both.

If you neded more info from me to give better advice pm me

As a former coastie for 8 years, you will get a ton of experience quick if you go to the right units. However, during boot camp, when you get your assignments, you are at the mercy of where bodies are needed. I got stuck on a big 270 out of Portsmouth for my first two years. Pretty much received no LE experience.

With that being said, if you get an undesirable location, aka sea duty, when your tour is done you will have a better chance of getting what you want. I picked a small boat station in Maryland. The first week I was there, I was training to be part of the boarding team. Honestly if you want a rate which can go pretty much anywhere and generally does all the law enforcement, it will be BM or MK. Basically a boat driver and an engine mechanic. Sounds weird but coasties are the jack of all trades and the masters of none. :)

USCGjoker, don't kid around, we are the best! :)

[me_again]

Florida will allow military LEOs (MPs, SFs & MAs) "equivalency training" only if they can prove that they have full-time LE experience in the military. Florida makes the distinction between missile duty, aircraft protection, field duty -- and LE duties. If the applicant can prove that they servied in a full-time LE unit, then they only have to attend "equivalency training," which is about two weeks long. "Equivalency training" is a popular way for out-of-state officers to get certification as a LEO in Florida without attending the full six month academy.

However...

It is interesting to note that Florida will not allow Coast Guard members to attend "equivalency training," even if they did full-time LE. :eek:

Click here (http://www.policestandards.org/eot_faq.htm) to read about how to get "equivalency training" in Florida.