<p>Hey guys,
So I know I don't need to make a decesion about what I do after I graduate from KP (assuming I'm accepted) yet, but lately I've just been constantly debating between my 2 main options, which are to either go into the Coast Guard to become a Boarding Team Officer or go into the Navy with hopes of becoming a SEAL. I know KP has a SEAL program to some extent that the author of Lone Survivor went through, but my biggest problem with that is if I enlist in the Navy, I need to become a SEAL, I really don't want to be stuck out in the middle of the Indian Ocean for 6 months looking at a computer screen. Which is nice about the Coast Guard, even if I don't become a BTO I'm still an XO on a coastal cutter as a Deck Officer. But I've always dreamed of becoming a SEAL ever since childhood. Again, I know that none of this matters now but I was just wondering if anyone had any opinions or insight on the topics, because the less I try to think about it the more it comes up. I tried just putting it out of my mind today, and the Military Channel had a special on SEAL training. Thanks a lot!
Sincerely,
-Neil</p>
<p>As you note you really don’t need to think about this yet but every youn g person (at least more and more) seem to. That said, I graduated from USMMA over 25 years ago and I’m not sure I know what I want to be when I grow up yet.</p>
<p>First let me say that if you are absolutely set on becoming a Navy SEAL or a USCG Officer then the Naval Academy or the Coast Gaurd Academy are likely better options for you than USMMA.</p>
<p>That said if you are undecided then the USMMA does give you an option which has paths that could lead to either. It also provides you with a path and training that lead to fufillment of it’s primary mission, preparing you for a career in the Maritime Industry. As such you probobly do need or at least want to think about that point. Should you recieve an appointment and and accept it to the USMMA, the vast majority of your time and training will be directed at exposing you to and teaching you how to be a leader in the commercial maritime industry. If the sea and ships (Commercial, Naval or otherwise) do not interest you much than you might not enjoy a lot of your time at Kings Point. I’m not saying you said anything like that at all. In fact it seems to me like you are exploring the potential options ahead of you, I’m just saying that is something to consider.</p>
<p>It also sounds like you might want to gather some more detailed data as to each of the three options you are looking/talking about here:
- Attending USMMA
- Enlisting in the Navy and trying to become a SEAL
- Going Into The US Coast Guard (assume this would be either via USCGA or USMMA).</p>
<p>As far as going to the USMMA and your options and opportunities following graduation over the past 10 years the number of members of the graduating class who have directly gone to Active Duty Military on graduation day has varied between 19 and 33%. </p>
<p>That means of course the majority (67 - 81%) have pursued maritime careers (i.e qualifying employment) immediately upon graduation. The variety of employment opportunites that fit that status is quite broad and if you’d like more information please PM me. As for those that have gone active duty they have gone into every branch of the Military: Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Army. There are success stories for people who have pursued all these various options.</p>
<p>The thing to remember and consider in my book, is don’t worry about these things (what choices to make) at this point. Just work to make sure you have good options and choices available. Then if you pick the USMMA go in with an open mind. The curricula ensures that over the four years while you are there you are exposed to what life will likely be like should you choose one of your preferred post-graduation “options & opportunities”. That said based on past history, that usually means that option will involve the Sea and Ships.</p>
<p>Neil,</p>
<p>Focus on getting good grades in high school and boosting your academic and physical standing. Your options post academy, be it USMMA, USNA, or USCGA can wait for now. As far as SEAL or USCG boarding officer a little clarification is required…</p>
<p>A Naval Special Warfare Officer - SEAL, is an officer designator and a full time job. You will be a SEAL 24/7 until you get out.</p>
<p>A boarding officer in the Coast Guard is a collateral duty for officers assigned to a cutter. Any officer on a cutter can serve as a boarding officer. For that matter, any Surface Warfare Officer on a Navy Ship can be a boarding officer. This is not a full time job but additional training you get before you can board ships.</p>
<p>The difference between the two areas you are focused on are night and day. One (SEAL) is a full time special warfare officer. The other (Boarding Officer) is an assignment anyone assigned to sea duty in the Navy or Coast Guard can perform.</p>
<p>What you should be asking is which service you want to serve in… If you can’t make up your mind, KP may be a good fit as you can join either.</p>
<p>R/ USMMECOM</p>
<p>[url=<a href=“http://www.cafepress.com/USMMAonline]KPStore[/url”>KPStore - The Un-official Outfitter of USMMA]KPStore[/url</a>]</p>
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<p>However, the Navy “boarding officer” has no statutory power of arrest, as the USCG is the only military branch excluded from Posse Comitatus.</p>
<p>Perhaps the OP is confusing the Coast Guard’s Deployable Operations Groups (DOG) or the Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) with “boarding officer.”</p>
<p>USMMECOM…good points!! Oliver</p>
<p>Don’t let these people get you down that KP is a maritime school…why would you want to go if you want to be a SEAL, blah blah blah. I’ve been stationed in San Diego now for a little over a year and have run into a hand full of KP grads who are SEALs now. Just cause it’s a maritime academy doesn’t mean you can’t do other things. </p>
<p>Also, just on a side note the difference between a surface warfare “based” boarding officer and a SEAL is huge. Look into that.</p>
<p>@daveygravy3:</p>
<p>Yes, why not seek to start a career of discpline and service by paying no attention the traditions or primary purpose of an institutions mission. It’s probably the absolute best way to go become a SEAL. I know USMMA does generally send one member of the graduating Class on to become a sepcial warefare officer but I mean after all the USMMA’s Mission is stated as:</p>
<p>“To educate and graduate Merchant Marine officers and leaders of honor and integrity who serve the maritime industry and Armed Forces and continue to develop and support the economic, defense and homeland security interest of the United States.”</p>
<p>So four years there ought to be the absolute best way to become fully prepared to go do that.</p>
<p>jasperdog - Jeez man, so hardheaded. Are you a KP grad? I remember the mission of the academy changing multiple times while I was there. </p>
<p>Y’know it’s funny. I’m currently stationed on a destroyer as an engineering division officer but I stand bridge watches. (I was an engineer at KP and have my 3 A/E license) I can do navigation, moboards, use the ARPA, know my Rules of the Road…I’m practically a dualie now! KP didn’t prepare me specifically to be a deckie, but that’s what I’m doing now! The lessons I learned at KP taught me so much more than just engine vs. deck and they are an invaluable lessons as I go forth in my Navy career. Soon I’ll be headed to grad school courtesy of the US gov’t (again) and then will be working in gov’t shipyards as a naval engineer. Those same lessons helped me earn my SWO pin and become a qualified Officer of the Deck (the Navy’s equivalent to a 3rd mate). Hard work, determination, study habits, etc. and those are all lessons I’m sure a young ensign looking to become a SEAL could use. </p>
<p>It’s not about where you end up but how you got there, and in this case the lessons learned on your journey through KP will no doubt help one become a SEAL, a SWO, an Army pilot, a Ranger, a Marine, etc. Don’t be so thickheaded on this one.</p>
<p>npc2511, follow your dream. </p>
<p>If your dream is to become a SEAL, then shoot for Annapolis as your primary route to that goal. There are many other ways to serve that will make you happy if you don’t make it into the SEALs, but focus on your goal and do everything you can to succeed. If you end up being a Coast Guard officer who then ends up in the Dept of Homeland Security doing maritime security and being a counterpiracy expert, so be it. But shoot for your dream and discipline yourself to do what it takes to succeed, until you make it or don’t.</p>
<p>That’s what naval officers do.</p>