Go Coast Guard

[ruaidhri]

I just wrote a short story in the Creativity Forum about one of my experiences in the U. S. Coast Guard. That really got me thinking about the Coast Guard. It’s the military service a lot of people don’t know about. So, I decided to talk a little bit about the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard is the smallest of the Armed Forces in the United States. It is currently under the direction of the Secretary of Homeland Security. Previously, it was under the Transportation Secretary and before that, the Secretary of the Treasury. During WWII it was under the direction of the Navy.

The Coast Guard has many peacekeeping and lifesaving duties that require a well trained, committed and intelligent team. They are present on all navigable waters including our coast lines, our rivers and large lakes. They provide security at our ports and inspect ships and boats of all sizes for safety and compliance with governing laws. They install and maintain aids to navigation to ensure save operation of ships and boats. They interdict and arrest drug runners and people attempting to enter America illegally. They provide search and rescue services at sea under all conditions including the worst of storms. Most recently, they have been in the Gulf States from the very first day helping find and rescue people from the wrath of Katrina and the flood that followed.

Do you want the benefits of having been in the military but don’t want to end up in Iraq or Afghanistan? The Coast Guard is your best bet. While the Coast Guard does have a presence overseas, including Iraq, that’s not their primary mission. Their mission is right here in the United States. That doesn’t mean that duty in the Coast Guard is easy or without peril to your life. Drug runners don’t want to be caught. Potential terrorists do not want to be stopped. And, the seas to do not calm down to make rescues easy. The Coast Guard is tough and so are the Coasties. They have to be to get the job done.

I received my discharge from the Coast Guard in 1966, almost 40 years ago. Today, I’m very proud to have been a member of that fine service. If you are interested in a military career or just joining for the education, training and other benefits consider the Coast Guard as an option. Their website is: www.gocoastguard.com/.

[StormShadow]

Just went to the MEPS in Seattle. Only person going for the Coast Guard was sporting a hammer and sickle tat on his shoulder. That says something about the CG. Next day, Coast Guard didn't bother to come, so their office was dark all day.

[hanacker]

I worked for the coast guard (civil engineering unit) one summer. Seems like a pretty good organization.

[Kass]

You wanna see tats, come see some of my friends who aren't in the Coast Guard. I work with them now and they are a really good organization.

Right now, they're the only ones doing anything right in the aftermath of Katrina. As far as rescue numbers go, they've rescued more people in the last two weeks than they did in roughly the last two years (I say roughly because it might be more now). They were there right off, even though three of their stations were destroyed (two by the hurricane, one by looters).

Vice Admiral Thad Allen was put in charge of the coordinated relief efforts when FEMA head I-lied-on-my-resume Brown was relieved.

[ruaidhri]

StormShadow, interesting comment. You saw a person with a hammer and sickle tattoo applying for the Coast Guard and you believe somehow that says something about the service as a whole. You certainly don’t believe the Coast Guard is populated with Soviet Communists trying to find a place in society, do you? No, of course not. Why then would a person with such a tattoo want to join the military? Maybe, because, despite the symbol on the shoulder, they are a loyal American that wants to serve their country and fellow human beings.

I mentioned the Coast Guard is a small service. When I was a member back in the 1960’s we were told there were more New York City cops than Coasties. A large number of Coasties are also lifers, which doesn’t open too many spots for recruitment. In addition, the Coast Guard has very high physical and mental standards for its recruits. But then, like any service, anyone can apply. I hope they wouldn’t reject any candidates because of a tattoo on their shoulder.

Personally, I would never reject a person because of how they look or a tattoo they might sport. I’ve certainly met a lot of strange looking people in my life and I’ve often found they are the most interesting. What’s important to me is if they are good people. Isn’t that what’s important to you?

As Kass pointed out the Coast Guard was saving lives in the Gulf States from the very beginning. That’s what they do. They save lives often at the severe risk of their own. That, to me, says something about the service.

[Kass]

You can get in to the Coasties with tattoos if:

None of them are considered offensive (KKK, skinhead, racist, Nazi, etc.)
They can be covered by at least short-sleeved uniform clothing.

[ruaidhri]

Yes, I would also be repelled by an offensive tattoo (KKK, Skinhead, racist, Nazi, etc.). Perhaps, the Coast Guard might even consider the hammer and sickle offensive. I don't, but then they might. It certainly wouldn't make it easier for a person to be accepted.

I imagine all the services have similar restrictions regarding tattoos.