<p>Ok Boss, I'm sure you haven't had the oppurtunity to field many questions so I'm going to ask a bunch! I'm fairly interested in the Coast Guard (deciding between there and West Point), but I don't know much about it! What is a day like at the Coast Guard Academy? Do they do lots of training and stuff like that? Is it rough because the classes are so small (in your sons opinion)? What about afterwards, what are the opportunities there? I am really interested in doing Law Enforcement or Search and Rescue. I was wondering if the officers tend to do more desk jobs, because I have no interest in that. I'm not sure how much you know Boss, but anything would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.</p>
<p>Thank you soccer you're right I don't get a lot of questions here due to the other sites I've mentioned before.
A typical day(and all this is based on things I've been told by my son and others) begins about 0530 with wakeup, shower, etc. Then breakfast formation, breakfast, military training. Classes begin about 0900 and go to 1200; lunch formation and then lunch. 1300-1600 more classes; then sports period(mandatory) from 1600-1800. Followed by dinner and then homework from 1900-2200(and later of course). So it's a full day. The small classes are an advantage I think. You get very personal attention and it's more of a family-type atmosphere. They are really concerned with your success and your future.
The sports program is very good at the Division III level. The soccer team is fairly new but is getting better each year.
I believe you are female and I can tell you the percentage of women at CGA is the highest of the academies, about 27%. Women can do ANY job in the service from commanding a cutter to Commandant. The next Commandant of Cadets will be a woman, the first. As far as career opportunities, the Coast Guard is the only service with law enforcement responsibilities and of course search and rescue is one of their trademarks. Officers are hands on; there are desk jobs but that is a small percentage of the overall force.
The Coast Guard Academy also has the highest retention rate of officers(grads) who reup after their mandatory service is finished. 85% of the grads get a masters degree paid for by the CG.
I read your earlier post about being disenchanted during your visit to West Point. Have you "beansprouted" yet? That is what they call the candidates that come to CGA for an overnight visit.
My son has a lot of friends among the women at the academy. The camaraderie is fantastic and the women are treated with respect.
If you have any other questions fire away! Good luck on whatever you decide.</p>
<p>"I am really interested in doing Law Enforcement or Search and Rescue."</p>
<p>Soccer! You just answered the question. Since thats what you want to do, CG is THE place. Its the main reason the academy was founded. You really really need to do a visit to understand the realm of opportunities you'll have there. If you go, I think you'll make a decision quickly. It is a beautiful place too. My son said so! LOL</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply Boss and JM! I've got another question...(be careful with me or I'll ask you a million questions quite literally ;) ), do you know if the Coasties can chose where to post when they leave the CGA or how any of that works out?</p>
<p>Soccer ask away!</p>
<p>As far as picking your first post, here's how it works:virtually all graduates are assigned to a cutter for their initial two-year tour. Based on your overall rank(which figures in gpa, military, and physical fitness components) you can request a particular geographic location at which your cutter is stationed. For example Hawaii and San Diego go very high. But there are lots of interesting locations such as Alaska, Florida, Washington State, etc. A small number of graduates may be assigned to shore duty for their initial tour depending on the needs of the service. Following the initial two-year tour a number of graduates are given their first command, usually of an 87-foot patrol boat! Others go to graduate school(courtesy of the Coast Guard), some are assigned to intelligence or other shore units, while some come back to the Academy for various assignments.</p>
<p>from what I hear from current cadets, more and more people are getting shore duty. I'm not sure if this makes the cutters higher or lower demand. Also, I think like 30 people (after their 2-years out) applied for 87-footers and like 20 got them.</p>
<p>The Ensign assignments from 2005 break down like this:
Out of 205 graduates:</p>
<p>163 went to cutters (79.5%)
30 went to some type of ashore sector office (14.6%)
5 went to Marine Safety Offices (2.4%)
7 went directly to flight school (3.4%)</p>
<p>Definitely different from OCS, where it's odd to see more than 20% go to sea first tour. </p>
<p>My firstie last year went to Sector New England and couldn't have been happier with his billet. I think it shoots you in the foot if you want a twenty year career, but there are always people that want to five and dive.</p>
<p>Except for the few people selected as a PCO/PXO or for flight school after their first tour pretty much everyone will be going ashore. I think XO of a 110'
is probably the best second tour assignment I want to shoot for. (Keeps you out to sea longer.)</p>
<p>Cadet Tino is a great addition to these boards. I have read his posts on the CGA site and he offers great insight from the cadet perspective. Welcome aboard!</p>
<p>Thank you for the kind words maam. I just try and do for the incoming prospective cadets what was done for me before I got in. I know I was full of questions and used every tool I had to learn more about the academy. Im just trying to follow in the example of one of the finest cadets here, 1/c Welsh. And Id say your posts are generally even more helpful than mine most of the time. The spies of the Parent's Association are everywhere...=)</p>
<p>Im kind of surprised Ive not seen these boards before; especially given how much time I spent looking up information as a prospective cadet those years ago I certainly like the instant posting system vs. the moderated style at the official boards. I really think it slows down response time and stifles discussion. Plus I think part of the problem with the other board is their semi-official nature. Prospectives wont ask what they think is a stupid question because they dont want a school official to look down on their post even if the question is justified. Not that the Academy does, but scary things can go through you mind when youre waiting on that letter... </p>
<p>I'll still be more active on the other board, but I'll try and pop in from time to time to give a cadet prospective on questions. Hopefully I can help any future 4/c. Later days!</p>
<p>Errr...that would be sir...ha ha no problem(Bossf51)</p>
<p>Ha ha now Taffy can get his revenge.</p>
<p><em>smacks forehead</em></p>
<p>Boy, do I feel sheepish.</p>
<p>That's ok you're a good kid just keep an eye out for a certain 4/c from CT who will remain anonymous.
While on here why don't you tell the board about last couple days at the Academy...i.e. 101st night and 100th day etc. The "old folks" like to hear about these traditions. Just keep it PG...ha ha</p>
<p>Hundredth day was definitely an interesting experience. It actually got moved back a week to 93rd day due to the morale party during the Super bowl. They did that last year too, but due to the accreditation visit for the management major. </p>
<p>My room is right next to the Guidons room, so I got a front row seat for 101st night. Lots of yelling, push-ups, rowers, Coast Guard trivia, and running around. Each company went on a trek to each of the eight companies, who each made them do something a little different.</p>
<p>The morning started off early with a 0300 spirit mission that left some music playing over the 1MC. The 4/c came out looking spiffy with their 2/c collar devices; the 2/c came out with slightly more interesting attire. I honestly think 100th day is more fun for the 2/c. The 4/c may get carry-on, but the seconds get to spoof the fourths and relive their glory days as swabs. After breakfast orderlies were run by the seconds, with hilarious results. Throughout the day youd see the 2/c buses doing formation moves like to the rear or Counter-march or flanking movements; showing off basically. Mealtimes were another fun time. After sports period and dinner there were morale events like dodge ball, skits, or just 2/c 4/c meetings hosted by the individual companies. It was definitely an interesting day.</p>
<p>Whats this!?!?!? How very cool to have a real live cadet here!! An 0300 spirit mission would have peturbed me a bit but I LOVE the rest of your description of the event. You speak in code for some of us. LOL When you say 4/c may get carry-on, can you explain, or perhaps Boss can? Why did so few go to Marine Safety Offices? Is it due to being selective? Can you guys explain what it entails?</p>
<p>Please come back when you are able Cadet T. Would love to hear more about a day in the life kinda thing ~ in addition to it really helping the kids out there looking at CGA. They are out there.</p>
<p>JM's interest is peeked...ha ha</p>
<p>Anyway going forward I will defer to CT on most cadet-related issues but I can tell you "carry-on" is a privilege sometimes granted to fourth-class cadets in which they don't have to brace up, square corners etc.</p>
<p>The point of 100th day is 2/c and 4c switch roles...it's a funny deal from what I can deduce.</p>
<p>Bossf51 has it right on the money. When 4/c are in the halls (P-ways) or in the wardroom they're supposed to be at the position of attention: Eyes locked foreword, back braced straight, walking in the middle of the hall and squaring their corners. When in the wardroom they're only allowed to speak with the upper-class and must square their meals. Squaring is difficult to describe without showing, but instead of traveling straight to the mouth it goes up vertically to mouth level, then horizontally in, then horizontally out, and vertically down to the plate. All this with the eyes looking ahead and not doing more than a glance down at the plate. </p>
<p>Carry-on eliminates all those restrictions. They can talk and lounge around in the halls like upper-class, lean back in their chairs, eat soup a little more carefully, and have more general freedom. 100th day also allows them to watch DVDs or play video games legally, since they're entitled to all the 2/c privileges. It also allows the 4/c to "turn the tables" on the 2/c since they have to return to a day of bussing to classes, bracing up at meals, taking out the trash, and doing clock orderlies. Full-carryon is only granted near the very end of the semester when they're almost 3/c, but carry-on in the wardroom is usually given a couple of weeks after their Indoc boards (Military tests) are completed which should be around the middle/end of March.</p>
<p>I'm a 3/c, so I was more of an outside observer to the process; but it was certainly entertaining from my point of view.</p>
<p>As for the MSOs, I don't think it's a matter of selectivity. One of the benefits of sending nearly everyone afloat is the interaction you get with senior officers. I think that mentor aspect is important; you can't learn everything about being an officer by being at the Academy. You learn how to be an officer by the example of the others on your cutter. That's one of the reasons Ensigns are generally sent to larger cutters with several "O"s on board. </p>
<p>Sectors and MSOs are the stereotypical "desk jobs" of the Coast Guard. Marine Safety Offices are about prevention; vessel inspections, permitting, policy review, granting licenses, and other activities designed to stop accidents before they happen. It's certainly an important job, and every officer will have to do tours either at sectors, MSOs, or Headquarters sometime in their career. However, doing it your first tour limits your direct operational experience and can effect you billets in the future.</p>
<p>WOW! I have only half an idea of what you just said so well, Cadet Tino! Boss, can you translate? I think it sounds like fun - after the 4c have been miserable. When do your 4/c get decent privileges - is that the purpose of 100 day?</p>
<p>CadetTino-it is really great to have you on the site! its great to be able to hear from a cadet perspective as well as a parents. I am trying to decide between USMA and CG, so if you have any words of wisdom feel free to share! I am out to get as much information as I possibly can, and anything you have to say would be greatly appreciated. I was looking at the Coast Guard Academy website today, and just out of curiosity, how many uniforms do you guys have? It looks like a ton on there, and I"ve been told not all of them are up there! Also, whats a typical day like for you?</p>
<p>Soccer1458: Its great to hear from prospective cadets; I try and volunteer as much as I can to inform people about the academy. </p>
<p>Choosing between USMA and CGA is difficult. I have nothing but respect for my brothers and sister over there, and it truly is a great school. Its all a question of what fits you the best, where youre most likely to succeed, and how you can serve you country the best. I can make some comparisons for and against each school. Though the school is certainly top caliber, overall academically were tougher. Ive heard that from exchange cadets (both ours and theirs.) Their beast year is very tough militarily, more restrictions are placed on you there than as a 4/c here. Overall Id say Army has a much higher prestige level; both in the service and afterward. However, the Coast Guard has better quality and job satisfaction. We have the highest officer retention of any service after the five year commitment is over. In addition, we have the highest proportion of prior service members who were dissatisfied with their first branch but wanted to stay in the Coast Guard. They have a much bigger budget, we have a more responsive command staff and a willingness to listen to ideas presented by cadets. In the end the best advice I can give is to visit both the campuses. Talk with cadets. Spend the night. Try and envision yourself at each academy; and each career field later. Then make your decision. You cant really go wrong either way.</p>
<p>We do seem to have a lot of uniforms, but really we only wear 4 on a regular basis. Tropical Blue Long (Service Dress Blue in Cold weather) is the main uniform for classes. Its the blue button up shirt with ribbons and nametags. In winter Service Dress is the same as trops except with long sleeves, a tie, and usually a jacket. The other main workday uniform is the Operational Dress Uniform (ODU), a working uniform made out of the same material and style as BDUs but dark blue, not cammo. The last thing youll be wearing all the time is gym gear/study hour gear which is a set of gym shorts, academy T-shirt, and an embroidered Academy windbreaker/running suit. The other uniforms are pretty much only for formals, parades, graduation, or special events.</p>
<p>As for a normal day; heres the schedule for tomorrow. Its a little odd because its a Wednesday so Ill explain each point.</p>
<p>Tuesday, 14 Feb 2006
UOD: ODU's w/ class ballcaps [Uniform of the Day-Operational Dress Uniform, usually prescribed on Tuesdays and Thursdays because thats when most labs are held.]
Duty Section: Alpha [Alpha company cadets stand watches in the library, watch office, and Leamy. Tomorrow it will be Bravos job and so on.]
0600: Reveille [Wake up time]
0620: Morning Formation [Accountability, make sure everyone is up and in the right uniform]
0625: Breakfast [Mandatory corps. wide meal in the wardroom.]
0700: 1/c Standards of Conduct Leamy [Training time before class, this details what each class will be doing and where]
2/c PCQ 3 [Personal Competency Quiz, an online test of coast guard material]
3/c Drug and Alcohol Awareness - Dimick
4/c EXAM [Study time for the history exam scheduled today]
0800-1205 - Morning Classes
1220: Afternoon Formation [Accountability]
1225: Lunch [Mandatory]
1300-1550: Afternoon Classes
1600-1800: Sports Period [A time to practice with your team or work out on your own. Its coachs time; no teacher can schedule a meeting then nor is there usually a military obligation then. Its workout time]
1700-1900: Buffet Dinner [Optional, not assigned time or seating. A really good selection usually.]
1900 - Begin Closed Door Study Hour [The deans time, quiet about the deck for study period. You can close your door at this point and go to sleep, at all other times during the day you must be awake and your door must be open at ninety degrees unless youre changing clothes.]
1930- Restricted Cadet Formation [For cadets found guilty of conduct offenses, a punishment formation where their uniforms are inspected. Held every three hours on the weekend. When youre restricted, you cant leave the base; even on weekends.]
2200: Taps [Suggested bedtime, though not enforced. Most cadets, especially those without time management skills are up later going work they put off during study hour.]</p>
<p>Excellent job by CT. Question:what are you going to be doing training-wise this summer? I know you will be entering your 2/c year so you will likely be a cadre. I think I read something on another site you posted but let the board know what is coming up for you.</p>