<p>Hello, I have found this message board while helping my older daughter begin her college search. My older daughter is not interested in the service; however, my younger daughter who is going into 7th grade, has always been interested in pursuing a military/law enforcement career and loves the Coast Guard.</p>
<p>She has expressed an interest in joining either the Sea Cadets or Young Marines. We live in a very rural area. The nearest Young Marine unit is 60 miles away. I have talked with them and they seem to have a very nice program set up for the kids. The nearest Sea Cadet unit is 100 miles away and I have been unable to reach them as of yet to discuss the program, despite sending emails and a letter.</p>
<p>I was wondering if my daughter decided to continue on this path throughout high school and try to get a service academy appointment (CGA in particular) which of these programs would be better - or does it even matter? Personally, I think the Sea Cadet program has a lot to offer, but the fact I can't get in touch with them is frustrating. The Young Marine program seems nice, and they are accepting new applications through this month. If I don't get her application in, then she would have to wait until January for the next induction. Also, they do a things in our county (ie. parades, color guard) as well as the next county over where they are located, so it would be more convenient. </p>
<p>Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>In my opinion, coming from a Civil Air Patrol (United States Air Force Auxiliary) background and having been offered appointments from both West Point and Annapolis, it really doesn't matter. I believe all the Service Academies know of each military oriented JROTC-esque programs out there. What matters is that one excels in that program.</p>
<p>With that said, ask your daughter what she would be more interested in: as a Navy Sea Cadet or as a Marine Corps Young Marine. Since you mentioned that your daughter is interested in the Coast Guard, maybe the Sea Cadets are her cup of tea. But yes, 100 miles away is a long distance to travel...</p>
<p>I think that all of the academies look for any type of leadership experience. Is there an active Girl Scout organization in your area? Even leadership opportunities thru school will be valuable. I know as parents we are willing to "go the distance" for our kids, but it may not really be necessary to drive so far.</p>
<p>I agree with Searay -- it isn't just being "in" one of these programs, but how your D excels. And 60 miles is a long way for a weekly (and maybe more!) drive just to participate in a specific program that won't be looked at any differently than boy scouts, girl scouts, 4-H, FFA, etc. </p>
<p>The Girl Scout "Gold Award" is the equivilant of Eagle Scout and looked on by the academies as a great achievement and example of commitment. Leadership in 4-H and the other youth programs is also looked at in a similar manner. Your D has plenty of time to join and work toward those top awards by the time she's ready to apply. I assume you've gone to the USCGA website and looked at the admissions page. If not, there's lots of information there for planning. For example, on the USAFA website it even has suggestions for kids at the junior high level. If you check the admissions websites for any of the academies, look for a "class profile" which will show you the direction your daughter needs to go! And, as Spectrz says above, "what matters is that one excels...." Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions everyone. There are no Girl Scout troops in our area, beyond the junior level, either. Like I said, we live in the boonies - her school is 25 miles away, lol. We are used to driving long distances to do things. :) She will probably go with the Young Marine program since it is closer, has the advantage of being near a major mall I can spend time at, and is one weekend a month, rather than weekly.</p>