<p>But does it benefit him or make him any more qualified in the USCG to have a 3rd Mates license while serving as a Coast Guard officer?</p>
<p>I doubt it. If it did, the USCGA would require it of all their graduates. And they don't.</p>
<p>And if KP was producing more qualified Coast Guard officers than the USCGA, why would the USCGA continue to exist?</p>
<p>Look, there is no doubt that KP offers a graduate a wide range of choices - active duty in any service, NOAA, or maritime civilian employment. And AFTER his service time is completed, having that license qualifies him for many sea-going jobs. It is a great institution of leadership and education for those wishing to pursue a career as a merchant mariner. And in no way am I implying that fine, even top-notch USCG officers cannot come out of KP - they do and will continue to do so.</p>
<p>But the OP's question is still best answered by USNA69's question - in which career choice is he more interested: a career as a Merchant Mariner or US Coast Guard Officer.</p>
<p>If he answers that question, his best choice of schools should be readily apparent.</p>
<p>And if sea year was that important to the development of a Coast Guard officer, I am sure the CGA would initiate it rather than all the other service specific professional training presently being accomplished.</p>
<p>A cadet at the CGA will become entrenched in CG customs, procedures, and traditions. The CG is a small very tight organization. His company officer will be the CO of his cutter some day. When he reports to flight school, his firstie, an a$$hole now, will be an instructor, who will do everything he can to make him a great pilot. No matter what the problem is, there is an office somewhere with a classmate friend who can handle it. A MMA grad is a transfer student. He will catch up. But why put oneself through it unnecessarily. If one knows their community, again, I cannot comprehend why they would not want to become a part of it as soon as possible. And I think parents who have never served, are being irresponsible insinuating otherwise.</p>
<p>The MMA is the greatest school in the world for those considering the merchant marine. And also probably for those who truly cannot make a decision about careers. However, it is by far and away their best interest to attempt to identify their career choice and to plan accordingly.</p>
<p>I dunno Luigi. I fear you’ll get no argument here. I don’t claim to be some kind of expert on what would be BEST for an individual kid who looks to serve through a service academy. Frankly, I don’t know Jennmom’s kid. His wishes, likes or dislikes. Can only comment on what is good for my kid & KP has been & I never put KP above CGA. That would be kinda sick. We’re just discussing the differences the OP was asking for right? You can give great insight as always for the CG side. I’d say KP is for studying sailing. They are for learning the ins & outs of being Officers. They are for studying what goes on in ports & how NOT to wreck a ship. They find out how to save lives through humanitarian missions. They learn about what makes our world go round in trade & commerce. They get offered the same things a GCA guy would. Flight, cutters, sectors, ect. They learn politics. They do internships with CG, mess with MSC & all the branches. Learning life is good. These kids all learn it pretty darn well too. I love CGA. Always have. Probably because I’ve met some of those kids. They are extraordinary young people learning how to take care of this country. They ALL humble me. Maybe you give your side of things & we can all meld on the important issues. I know my kid would have loved to take some of the classes at CGA. He would have done well I think. </p>
<p>Hey! Guess where he’s going for training the week after graduation…. CGA. Its all good. I like it.</p>
Since I received an unsolicited half page on how I could communicate more effectively, please allow me to state that I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.</p>
<p>Luigi, you are wasting your time. The misinformation which we are passing on to those who are seeking help truly sickens me sometimes. This is one of those times. And nothing has changed. I think this was my initial foray onto the MMA forum. Start with post #17:</p>
<p>Well you could look at one potential side of misinformation, while still unfortunate, as a lesson in asking for and getting advice. Be careful when you ask for it, as there is no guarantee about the quality of information you are receiving. </p>
<p>What was that term they used during the thaw in the cold war…during detente...trust but verify.</p>
<p>I think the OP was asking for pros/cons/options that would help her son. Seems the thread is possibly heading somewhat off-target, as there is no basis for knowing where her son's interests are. Seems everyone has done a pretty thorough job, pointing them in good directions. </p>
<p>I hope Jennsmom will keep us updated on how his search winds up, and what the deciding factors are... Best of luck to you, as your son looks forward and makes this decision.</p>
<p>
[quote]
But would you not agree, that each service's academy is a better place to become one of that service's officers than a different SA?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>You asked this question & I swear I've thought about this in great length. I will respond HONESTLY, the long way around so bare with me. And I will answer in a personal reflection as you've asked for my personal belief. In all my life, (& I mean this with heart & soul) in meeting some of the kids of all the academies, coming from all backgrounds, all wanting to serve our country, in many different ways, I can't see where one path serves all kids in one way. It is HOW they wish to make their way to do this: "To serve." Its such a broad statement. And to wish to serve in any form is more than some folks find themselves capable of & is what humbles me most. I may not be coming across very clear & I seriously don't know how to word it. Its just what seems to suit them. They look comfortable with wearing the uniform & what it stands for. They follow their own paths to reach their goals. I cannot say what or which academy is better. As I've ALWAYS said....It depends on the kid. They seem to make their own way. I recently saw an Army kid at KP, suiting up to go for training on a week-end. I recall thinking at the time, Wow he's focused & ready to go do big things. What did it have to do with sailing as a Merchant Mariner? I can't tell you. But I do know that he was 100% focused on the Army & his goals to be Army. I just found it bizarre to see a kid so locked & loaded on something that made him so complete at that moment. My hat went off to him. Not everything is so black & white to me I guess. </p>
<p>So... I guess I will answer the question as "I dunno". I don't have all the answers to people's choices in life. All I know is that these kids are above me. Its just one opinion. Its actually just my opinion. Not some fact that all should consider of any great importance.</p>
<p>A friend of mine's son goes to the Coast Guard Academy. He's in his second year. When I spoke to my friend at the end of the first year, he said that his son was having difficulty making friends. </p>
<p>Coast Guard a few years ago was the hardest school (not academy) to get into in the United States. Hence, the students there were the brainiest--highest GPA, etc., because they could take the best of the best. My friend thought that his son was having trouble making friends due to that. I don't know if that is the case, just another thought.</p>
<p>Is anyone posting here a current student or a recent graduate?</p>
<p>It seems to me there are many parents and graduates (that have not been a part of an academy for 30 - 40 years). This mean the posters are professionals in varying fields of business, government, elementary and high school education etc. These post are our opinions, we are not making or changing any policies. We are only giving suggestions, the readers need to take that information and discern it for themselves. It is a waste of time to try to force your opinion on others. Sometimes we just need to agree to disagree and let the reader make their own decision based on their personal circumstance. </p>
<p>I wish there was an icon face for rolling eyes!</p>
<p>And why would their opinions be so valuable? Have they spent half their working careers observing new officers from ALL acquisition sources, including the CGA and MMA, enter the active duty arena? Observing the strength and weaknesses of each? Do they know what is really required to succeed on active duty? I have and I do. Therefore, I think my opinion "bares" (sic) merit.</p>
<p>Going back & re-reading Jennsmom’s #1 post & #3 post, I believe she was asking for a comparison of sorts between the two academies. Frankly, I see so much that is similar between the two. Lots of pros & no cons depending on what the young person’s goals & dreams are, so I’m not much help in that aspect. I think if we all put our heads together with what each of us knows, we could come up with an interesting side by side list that could be used as food for thought for those looking at both small academies. I’ll start the list with the few humble things I know & maybe folks can add to it? Feel free to make corrections as it goes along. </p>
<p>[bold]CGA[bold]
Every Coast Guard cadet completes core studies in sciences and liberal arts, then specializes in one of 13 programs of study plus the 2nd class summer training. Internship requirements. (Begging for more info here on where the Cadets travel while training. They’ve been to some exciting places I know! Saw the photos & heard the great stories!)</p>
<p>Graduates Coast Guard Officers with extremely bright futures having a five year service obligation. (Need more input from someone with more knowledge. Example: Can they commission directly to Intel like they can at KP? What are some of the other opportunities?)</p>
<p>No congressional nomination requirement for admission. </p>
<p>Cadets get a stipend.</p>
<p>[bold]KP[bold]
KP Midshipmen have core studies then selects their major course of study from among seven programs plus the license programs & a year at sea working on both commercial & military vessels traveling to approximately 16 to 20 countries. Internship requirements.</p>
<p>Graduates have opportunities of bright futures as well but as reservists & active duty Officers of every branch of service including NOAA. Reservists owe 8 years of service obligation while active duty must serve 5. All must maintaining their licensing. </p>
<p>Congressional nomination required for admission.</p>
<p>Midshipmen do not get a stipend but they do receive pay while at sea.</p>
<p>I'm sorry but I find it amusing that the original poster has not said a word since the initial post, but, the arguments go on; and I also once again find it amusing that 69 seem to think that he's the only person with any knowledge and therefore his opinions are more valid than anyone else.....amazing to me...but again, that's just MY opinion.</p>
<p>'
[quote]
I also once again find it amusing that 69 seem to think that he's the only person with any knowledge and therefore his opinions are more valid than anyone else....
<p>On post #35 I asked how a present midshipman would be an asset to the discussion? I then stated my credentials. In no way, shape, or form, did I compare them to anyone else on the forum. Therefore, any assumption on your part that I am comparing myself to anyone, which I was not, is totally false. Actually, however, maybe everyone should state their qualifications as to why they feel qualified to comment on the discussion.</p>
<p>As far as the original question being answered, it depends totally on service interests which was answered in the first couple of threads. The remaining 38 posts really have nothing to do with it at all. Tell me what the son's service interests are and I will add to your list. Until then, it is totally immaterial and irrelevant.</p>