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Joining the ARMY?

#101
kalashnikev said:
If your Guard-or-Reserve unit asked you to "memorize 20 FM's" per month... I don't believe you.



Different people have different motivations, as I mentioned previously.

My personal opinion is that if you're going to be in the Army, you want to be in Combat Arms or very-adjacent... or else what's the point?

Same for the Air Force- If you don't fly, why?







This may seem paradoxical... but you can't let yourself get too wrapped up counting sheckles. It's SERVICE.

At the very same time, the Army works on the Pimps and Ho's principle. You will not grow wealthy.

...and nobody likes a clock watchin' ho.
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I thought the same way too- why would I join the military to learn how to do something stupid like... IDK work on computers. I wanted to blow shit up man! I wanted to kill a commie for mommy.


And I did my best to be the best of what I signed up for & I also got it- but here's the truth- once you "check out" there really isn't a market for people that have those type of skills and you have to start over (hello GI Bill).
 
#102
LuckyDuck said:
I thought the same way too- why would I join the military to learn how to do something stupid like... IDK work on computers. I wanted to blow shit up man! I wanted to kill a commie for mommy.


And I did my best to be the best of what I signed up for & I also got it- but here's the truth- once you "check out" there really isn't a market for people that have those type of skills and you have to start over (hello GI Bill).
Click to expand...

I'm not criticizing you but... that shouldn't have been a "here's the truth" kind of event.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill is excellent too- and if we could restrict it to only those who served cashing in, it could be generous beyond belief.

It is now 18 years past the Surge, and a lot of guys who got chewed up and spit out post-Surge don't know that any unused GI Bill benefits are now GONE.

The "Forever GI Bill" only eliminated the 15-year limit for guys who got out after January 1, 2013.
 
#103
I served as an Active Duty Infantryman from 1998 to 2020 (retired June 2020). Prior to that I was a reservist while I was going through college.
Therre are a lot of opportunities for you if you do your research. You can stay in your field and do a lot, which will also benefit you on the outside. As opposed to being and Infantry Officer which doesn't really equate to much outside of sanitation management:eek::LOL:

For expectation management, you really need to do a lot of research about what you are getting into.
There is a wealth of knowledge here and if you are local to some military facilities, you might be able to hit them up. Just be careful because people tend to remember the negative and forget the positive.

The challenges are and can be benefits depending on how you look at them.
I look at Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves as a "new adventure". The constant change provides opportunities and while you might get a shitty boss you know it won't last forever since everyone PCS's every so often (more so for Officers (I moved about every 2 to 3 years and shortest time I lived in one place was a year) and less frequent for Enlisted (3 to 7 years). Lack of stability can be a bit daunting however if you don't like a place you are stationed at you know it won't be forever. The part that sucks is usually by the time you figure everything out it is time to move again. If you join I would say try to learn the area early and take advantage of what it provides for example I got two dogs and a dog sled and dog sledded almost every night after work when I was stationed in Alaska, I fished and hunted in Alaska, I went caving in NW Arkansas and trout fishing, I enjoyed the food and some travel in Italy, Korea and Germany. Your experiences are for the most part what you make of it (excluding some of the crappy bosses or whatever).
The old school mentality of "if the Army wanted you to have a family, it would have issued you one" is mostly non-existent now, however the hours, days, weeks, months away from home if not longer can be hard if your family is not prepared and willing. You need to have an open and honest conversation with your spouse about the family team and what a change to this path might mean.
Things have improved in the Army in some ways but operational tempo still exists and we have people everywhere. Know what you are potentially getting into and make sure she also knows and wants it. It isn't an easy life but it was good to my family. It afforded me the opportunity to serve a country that gave so much to me and it enabled me to keep a roof over my families heads and food on the table.
 
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#104
diverdon said:
Furthermore google "stop loss" and you'll see that the service can keep anyone until they're done with them.
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I wish they would have stop loss'd me!!!!!!!!! That is so lucrative because of Congress! The military has to pay a shitload of money to someone if they try to stop loss them as a result they aren't Stop Lossing people.
 
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#105
kalashnikev said:
I'm not criticizing you but... that shouldn't have been a "here's the truth" kind of event.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill is excellent too- and if we could restrict it to only those who served cashing in, it could be generous beyond belief.

It is now 18 years past the Surge, and a lot of guys who got chewed up and spit out post-Surge don't know that any unused GI Bill benefits are now GONE.

The "Forever GI Bill" only eliminated the 15-year limit for guys who got out after January 1, 2013.
Click to expand...
Ya know- you have a valid point too. I won't even argue that one, the world has changed a lot since when I wore a uniform (although it doesn't seem that long ago to me) and it'd only be fair to acknowledge that much. So I'll tip my hat to you on that point- when you're right, well then you're right.

-LD
 
#107
A lot of the guys who got out (not the retirement group) like your first and second term guys never sought out their benefits. Even after explanation of benefits in transition assistance training (some installation programs are better than others and the local one to me wasn't good, Fort Leavenworth has a really good program (I was going to initially retire from Leavenworth but
I extended/rescinded my retirement)).

While in the military on active duty, education assistance was phenomenal! I was able to get my masters which required an Active Duty Service Obligation (ADSO). I was staying in anyways and worked on my masters in the evening after Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth so the ADSO was no big deal. I believe it was 2 years for 1 year of educational assistance at the time.
 
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#109
stefan73 said:
A lot of the guys who got out (not the retirement group) like your first and second term guys never sought out their benefits. Even after explanation of benefits in transition assistance training (some installation programs are better than others and the local one to me wasn't good, Fort Leavenworth has a really good program (I was going to initially retire from Leavenworth but
I extended/rescinded my retirement)).

While in the military on active duty, education assistance was phenomenal! I was able to get my masters which required an Active Duty Service Obligation (ADSO). I was staying in anyways and worked on my masters in the evening after Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth so the ADSO was no big deal. I believe it was 2 years for 1 year of educational assistance at the time.
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Leavenworth is awesome isn’t it?

When were you there?
 
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#111
232593 said:
Leavenworth is awesome isn’t it?

When were you there?
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I was there 2010-2011 (that is where I first met @Short-bus and started shooting with him) for CGSC and then I returned and worked for MCTP from 2014-2017. I enjoyed it there and the plan was to retire there. I had approved retirement and a friend had asked me to stay and work for him (great guy to work for, I really enjoyed working with, for him and honestly I probably wasn't ready to retire at that time). I rescinded my retirement and branch called about two weeks later and I PCS'd to Fort Polk (now Fort Johnson). So, 2019 I submitted my retirement for the second time and went through with it and retired in 2020 during the worst time to look for jobs (covid lockdown). Crazy world
 
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#112
232593 said:
@stefan73 was the “Joint Pub” at the Lewis & Clark center when you were there?
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I don't think so. We had the fast food places downstairs with the book store. I don't remember the pub, I do remember the prison barber shop just up from it and the hunt club down frm the skeet range up on the hill.
They did setup a little place to eat in the old jail next to the arts and crafts center.
I used to help and volunteer to assist with trail maintenance on post.
I still have a few friends that retired up there and are working for MCTP among some other programs.
 
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#113
stefan73 said:
I was there 2010-2011 (that is where I first met @Short-bus and started shooting with him) for CGSC and then I returned and worked for MCTP from 2014-2017. I enjoyed it there and the plan was to retire there. I had approved retirement and a friend had asked me to stay and work for him (great guy to work for, I really enjoyed working with, for him and honestly I probably wasn't ready to retire at that time). I rescinded my retirement and branch called about two weeks later and I PCS'd to Fort Polk (now Fort Johnson). So, 2019 I submitted my retirement for the second time and went through with it and retired in 2020 during the worst time to look for jobs (covid lockdown). Crazy world
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Just curious what Ops Group were you with in MCTP?

Send me a PM if you don’t want to answer in an open forum.
 
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#116
stefan73 said:
I was there 2010-2011 (that is where I first met @Short-bus and started shooting with him) for CGSC and then I returned and worked for MCTP from 2014-2017. I enjoyed it there and the plan was to retire there. I had approved retirement and a friend had asked me to stay and work for him (great guy to work for, I really enjoyed working with, for him and honestly I probably wasn't ready to retire at that time). I rescinded my retirement and branch called about two weeks later and I PCS'd to Fort Polk (now Fort Johnson). So, 2019 I submitted my retirement for the second time and went through with it and retired in 2020 during the worst time to look for jobs (covid lockdown). Crazy world
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Say, did that friend that you mentioned happen to be a Fires guy and former SAMS instructor prior to becoming a COG?
 
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#117
Lightning8 said:
"I have a master’s in computer science, bachelor’s in electronics and communication engineering" = Signal Officer, Cyber, etc.

I did a true dual career - started Active Duty after college then finished career in Army National Guard. 30+ years total. Infantry officer. Note that since the ARNG switched from "Strategic Reserve" to "Operational Reserve", ARNG combat units mobilize and deploy every 3-4 years now even in "peace". My prior ARNG unit has Soldiers in Sinai, Europe, and "Undisclosed" Central Command. So, plan on being gone from home a year at a time every 3 years. Make sure wife and kids (and your boss) is ready for that. If a leader, plan on multiple weekends per month and multiple weeks per year (not just 2 weeks in summer).

If serious, reach out to me and I can answer more questions. With your education and experience, I suggest contacting ARNG (or Air Force NG) recruiters and seek OCS (officer candidate school) opportunity to use your education/career in Signal, Intel, or Cyber.
Click to expand...

OP should talk to L8 one on one. Then have dinner with L8 and his wife and OPS wife to talk about it.

29 is a bit old to start the process unless you were prior enlisted. And you are not. Being an O is a long hard job and you will wear many hats even in an NG unit. I worked with several NG and Reserve O-4/5/6/7s, and we learned, and we had to get them an easy 8-4 job so they could focus on their command responsibilities. They all had PTSD from prior deployments and could not handle any outside stress from their day to day jobs.

I was 7 years out when 9/11 occurred. My GF ( now my wife at the time ) said she'd move on if I went back in.

I you want to serve in some way, another idea is look at being a reserve sheriff's deputy. Much closer to home and much closer to your community.
 
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#121
stefan73 said:
Delta at that time. That was so long ago my info isn't relative anymore.
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MCTP was the best assignment I ever had. Absolutely hated leaving. I knew a few folks in OGD, INTEL CHOT for one.

Did you by chance shoot LR matches when you were with MCTP? Run a 338 LM & a .50 for any of them?

Or did you by chance attend the Cyber Planners Course in 15 or 16?
 
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#125
232593 said:
MCTP was the best assignment I ever had. Absolutely hated leaving. I knew a few folks in OGD, INTEL CHOT for one.

Did you by chance shoot LR matches when you were with MCTP? Run a 338 LM & a .50 for any of them?

Or did you by chance attend the Cyber Planners Course in 15 or 16?
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I shot my Sako TRG-42 .338LP at Spearpoint at their 2,000 yard steel when I was there. I also had a .50 BMG when I was there.
I didn't do a cyber planners course but I did do Space, Threat Tactics, and a few others.
It you did anything with OPS GRP D during that time I was one of the Mission Command OC's.
 
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#126
stefan73 said:
No, he (D COG) was the former Infantry Branch Chief. Great guy.
Are you talking about the MCTP COG?
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No I asked that question before I knew you were in OGD. The guy I was referring too (Fires & former SAMS instructor) was OG-B.

A guy in our ops group had a similar retirement situation as you did in 2017.
 
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#127
stefan73 said:
I shot my Sako TRG-42 .338LP at Spearpoint at their 2,000 yard steel when I was there. I also had a .50 BMG when I was there.
I didn't do a cyber planners course but I did do Space, Threat Tactics, and a few others.
It you did anything with OPS GRP D during that time I was one of the Mission Command OC's.
Click to expand...
338 LM & .50? Then I think we met briefly.

you do space cadre course in late 14?
 
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#128
Sorry,
232593 said:
No I asked that question before I knew you were in OGD. The guy I was referring too (Fires & former SAMS instructor) was OG-B.

A guy in our ops group had a similar retirement situation as you did in 2017.
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Sorry, I'm multi tasking and didn't catch that. I don't know who that is. A bunch of guys I knew at that time were getting hammered by Obummers draw down. It was pretty bad.
 
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#130
How hot is your wife? Jody will sweep through while your in month 2 of basic/ait/bolc/deployment.

It’s not worth it man. You’ll join, say something slightly raunchy, and you’ll get SHARPED.
 
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#132
Smokeshot said:
I work for a state agency building web applications for public services. I am married and we have a toddler. Wife is a stay at home mom and my job pays well.

America has given me everything and I’ve always wanted and still want to join the Army and serve. It sounds selfish but I want to keep my current job to support my family but serve at the same time. I am 29 years old and would like to get some input from the Hide, before I talk to a recruiter. What can or should I do to stay with my family and continue my full time job and serve at the same time?

Not sure if this will help anything if I join the Army, but I have a master’s in computer science, bachelor’s in electronics and communication engineering. 7.5 years of experience in information technology.

Thanks
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First of all, talk to Officer Recruiting. Don’t just walk in. You have degrees that allow you to become commissioned, IF THEY ARE LOOKING for that slot. Air Guard and Army Guard, will at least allow you to be at home except for commitments (1 weekend/mo, two weeks per year), and for the dreaded “deployment. Still less commitment that Reserve. Reserve seems to get activated a lot, depending on unit profile (SF goes a lot, but they want to, MP’s go a lot, they have to, etc.).
At least with NG, you have a a state mission, (disasters, riots, etc) so deployments can be fairly local. You’ll go to Officer Orientation, instead of Basic, although it includes fitness and shooting, and you may have to DRIVE a long way to drill if the only unit that can use you is in another city of your state (if you are rural, say, and have to go to the Capitol to do your weekend drill due to the level of technology you work in).
I surely would insist on only within your current experience. Don’t do this because you want adrenaline surges and the thrill of toe to toe combat…You have kids now.
You may find a broadening field of jobs in all phases and part of the entire realm of your current work.
AND: There are laws protecting your job at home, should you be activated. Usually an employer is held to that if you came to them, already in the Guard, before starting to work for them, but many employers will guarantee your job for regular drills, and for deployments (which can run a year or even multiples of years)
Finally, I have two grandsons currently serving active duty, one commissioned. It is a family tradition, Since before the Alamo (more on that another time). I don’t see how they can stand the absolute bullshit woke-ism, DEI, crapfest the military has become, but they are doing well and progressing. During my time, there was bullshit, but ALL of us shared in it, and all of us got through it. The current atmosphere, due to weeding out of real men, and gender-norming, trans, and faking passing scores for female Rangers, etc, is total unmitigated Force Depletion.
Talk to plenty of guys who are now serving, in Guard units near you. Not just recruiters, and talk to officers in the same field. You can check out your Linked In contacts, and survey who might be serving, and visit the NG office in your state capital.
Previously mentioned marriage issues are absolutely true. Good service wives are rare, and take a lot hardship, and worry. My wife, my mom, every mil wife I ever met, would testify about how hard it is.
Edited:
PS: Didn’t see you have a screwed up leg. Hard pass. You’ll be dealing with waivers, and bs, if you manage to get in. And it will be a bar to deployment. May DQ you.
Good luck.
 
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#133
Smokeshot said:
I work for a state agency building web applications for public services. I am married and we have a toddler. Wife is a stay at home mom and my job pays well.

America has given me everything and I’ve always wanted and still want to join the Army and serve. It sounds selfish but I want to keep my current job to support my family but serve at the same time. I am 29 years old and would like to get some input from the Hide, before I talk to a recruiter. What can or should I do to stay with my family and continue my full time job and serve at the same time?

Not sure if this will help anything if I join the Army, but I have a master’s in computer science, bachelor’s in electronics and communication engineering. 7.5 years of experience in information technology.

Thanks
Click to expand...

You don't join the army and keep your job. It's one or the other.

First, you'll get divorced. Kids will hate you off and on.

You'll have people far dumber than you giving you orders. You'll either learn to enjoy it or get real good at being miserable.

You sign that contract and you're nothing more than a line item on a sheet. You and your body are now property of Uncle Sam.


You work for a state agency. Consider that your service and don't blow up your life.
 
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#134
chevy_man said:
You don't join the army and keep your job. It's one or the other.

First, you'll get divorced. Kids will hate you off and on.

You'll have people far dumber than you giving you orders. You'll either learn to enjoy it or get real good at being miserable.

You sign that contract and you're nothing more than a line item on a sheet. You and your body are now property of Uncle Sam.


You work for a state agency. Consider that your service and don't blow up your life.
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Relax with them negative waves Moriarty.

22.5 years as an active duty Infantryman and I've been married for 25 (to one woman).

It's not all gloom and doom.

If you go in remember these words "if it's not in paper, it never happened". If a recruiter promises something you need to have it on paper, in your contract. You recruiter might be a good guy but his word means nothing when it comes to HRC, it has to be in writing on your contract.
 
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#135
stefan73 said:
Relax with them negative waves Moriarty.

22.5 years as an active duty Infantryman and I've been married for 25 (to one woman).

It's not all gloom and doom.

If you go in remember these words "if it's not in paper, it never happened". If a recruiter promises something you need to have it on paper, in your contract. You recruiter might be a good guy but his word means nothing when it comes to HRC, it has to be in writing on your contract.
Click to expand...
My recruiter told me that.
 
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#136
chevy_man said:
You don't join the army and keep your job. It's one or the other.

First, you'll get divorced. Kids will hate you off and on.

You'll have people far dumber than you giving you orders. You'll either learn to enjoy it or get real good at being miserable.

You sign that contract and you're nothing more than a line item on a sheet. You and your body are now property of Uncle Sam.


You work for a state agency. Consider that your service and don't blow up your life.
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What the fuck did you do wrong
 
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#137
roostercogburn98 said:
What the fuck did you do wrong
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I didn't.

I have yet to meet a single person in real life that made it out of any service without a divorce.

He's having a midlife crisis, and needs the kick in the ass to keep up his life and not drag his wife and kids through his crisis.


Pre-obummer years I'd say there's something to be learned.
Nowadays it's just not worth it and they've gutted all the essentials.
 
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#138
chevy_man said:
I didn't.

I have yet to meet a single person in real life that made it out of any service without a divorce.

He's having a midlife crisis, and needs the kick in the ass to keep up his life and not drag his wife and kids through his crisis.


Pre-obummer years I'd say there's something to be learned.
Nowadays it's just not worth it and they've gutted all the essentials.
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I mean, I got married shortly after joining the Army.... 2 deployments of the 3 while I was in I was married to her, still am... we have 3 kids. And that was 17 years ago we got married... *shrug*

I will say, the Army & Marines will make your marriage unbreakable, or break it quickly. Also like I said earlier, they pay a price as well, and unless they're on board, joining is a selfish as F thing to do and put them through.
 
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#139
Mean_Man said:
I mean, I got married shortly after joining the Army.... 2 deployments of the 3 while I was in I was married to her, still am... we have 3 kids. And that was 17 years ago we got married... *shrug*

I will say, the Army & Marines will make your marriage unbreakable, or break it quickly. Also like I said earlier, they pay a price as well, and unless they're on board, joining is a selfish as F thing to do and put them through.
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That's a lot different. She met you and knew what she had to deal with too keep you.

Seems absurdly selfish to run away from his 9-5 and bills paid while he helps out. She's going to be a single parent instantly for at least basic. I don't see that going over well. As it shouldn't, because she has every right to tell him to quit being dumb.
 
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#140
chevy_man said:
That's a lot different. She met you and knew what she had to deal with too keep you.

Seems absurdly selfish to run away from his 9-5 and bills paid while he helps out. She's going to be a single parent instantly for at least basic. I don't see that going over well. As it shouldn't, because she has every right to tell him to quit being dumb.
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....Which is why I said unless they're all on board with it, it's very selfish.
 
#141
Mean_Man said:
....Which is why I said unless they're all on board with it, it's very selfish.
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My wife knows that I’ve always wanted to serve but I only got my i-551 (10 year green card recently). I’ve become a grumpy/negative person because of the last four years and mind has still not healed from all the bullshit. She brought up the idea of me serving part-time and that re ignited that fire inside me and now I’m even eligible to enlist in any branch.

When she found out about me going away for training, it kinda hit her that she needs to learn more about this. She’s a great Christian woman and she’d die before doing something stupid while I’m gone. I know she will support me but I will continue to discuss this with her. If she’s not okay, then I’ll continue the civilian life.

If my wife is 100% onboard … I’m gonna give my everything to become a Marine reservist. If I get dropped for whatever reason, Air Force national guard it is. I know many of you have told me not to serve but never felt so strongly about anything. I don’t want to look back in 10 years and hate myself for not even trying.
 
#143
I have nightmares every once in awhile
that Congress passes some loop hole law and I'm called back to active duty.... So glad that mso was filled and the nightmares of pinesole soaked barracks and daily reindeer games returning are a figment of my dreams lol

Good luck op can't dock a man for following his heart but damn I can't even fathom going in enlisted with your education
 
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#144
Smokeshot said:
My wife knows that I’ve always wanted to serve but I only got my i-551 (10 year green card recently). I’ve become a grumpy/negative person because of the last four years and mind has still not healed from all the bullshit. She brought up the idea of me serving part-time and that re ignited that fire inside me and now I’m even eligible to enlist in any branch.

When she found out about me going away for training, it kinda hit her that she needs to learn more about this. She’s a great Christian woman and she’d die before doing something stupid while I’m gone. I know she will support me but I will continue to discuss this with her. If she’s not okay, then I’ll continue the civilian life.

If my wife is 100% onboard … I’m gonna give my everything to become a Marine reservist. If I get dropped for whatever reason, Air Force national guard it is. I know many of you have told me not to serve but never felt so strongly about anything. I don’t want to look back in 10 years and hate myself for not even trying.
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Marine reservist? Not with that fuckin knee, you’re not. And they have a high profile for deployment.
 
#146
Smokeshot said:
I’d still like to try and if they drop me, then I’ll try the Air guard. And I’m okay with the deployment part.
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Well you were given every opportunity.
1738514930292.gif
 
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#147
We all make bad decisions in life, young man. Thankfully, I was never stupid enough to join the Army or the Marines 😁 I have no idea where you reside, but.....The Coast Guard is hurting for good Officers. Always has. With your credentials and education, they may be more lenient than DOD branches and could get you in sooner.

If all you're wanting to do is serve in the military(branch irrelevent), while complementing your side hussle for additional income......Go look at the Coast Guard. I did it for 13 years until I got a medical board retirement. I saw and did A LOT of cool, high speed stuff!! Bonus too....Our deployments, if you're onboard a cutter, are A LOT shorter than any Marine, Navy, Army or Air Force deployment. You're gone doing the mission.....But, not for 10-12 months. You might be underway for 3 to 4 months before return to home port on the largest cutter class. Maybe 6-8 months for the 2 big Ice Breakers. I've done 8 week deployments on the smaller cutter classes. 2 month turn around in the south pacific with stops in Mexico & Costa Rica for tacos and surf stops. Win-Win in my book.

Betcha didn't think to consider any of that, huh? ;)
 
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#148
ColinW said:
We all make bad decisions in life, young man. Thankfully, I was never stupid enough to join the Army or the Marines 😁 I have no idea where you reside, but.....The Coast Guard is hurting for good Officers. Always has. With your credentials and education, they may be more lenient than DOD branches and could get you in sooner.

If all you're wanting to do is serve in the military(branch irrelevent), while complementing your side hussle for additional income......Go look at the Coast Guard. I did it for 13 years until I got a medical board retirement. I saw and did A LOT of cool, high speed stuff!! Bonus too....Our deployments, if you're onboard a cutter, are A LOT shorter than any Marine, Navy, Army or Air Force deployment. You're gone doing the mission.....But, not for 10-12 months. You might be underway for 3 to 4 months before return to home port on the largest cutter class. Maybe 6-8 months for the 2 big Ice Breakers. I've done several 8 week deployments on the smaller cutter classes. 2 month turn around! Easy-peasy!

Betcha didn't think to consider any of that, huh? ;)
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Central Illinois, sir. And you’re right, didn’t look into the USCG reserve at all.
 
#149
Smokeshot said:
Central Illinois, sir. And you’re right, didn’t look into the USCG reserve at all.
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No one ever does because they were never taught(or simply didn't know) that the Coast Guard IS in fact a military branch. :sneaky: 🤙

You get paid to live by the beach. I'd rather get paid to live by the beach than reside in central Illinois, respectfully.
 
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#150
ColinW said:
We all make bad decisions in life, young man. Thankfully, I was never stupid enough to join the Army or the Marines 😁 I have no idea where you reside, but.....The Coast Guard is hurting for good Officers. Always has. With your credentials and education, they may be more lenient than DOD branches and could get you in sooner.

If all you're wanting to do is serve in the military(branch irrelevent), while complementing your side hussle for additional income......Go look at the Coast Guard. I did it for 13 years until I got a medical board retirement. I saw and did A LOT of cool, high speed stuff!! Bonus too....Our deployments, if you're onboard a cutter, are A LOT shorter than any Marine, Navy, Army or Air Force deployment. You're gone doing the mission.....But, not for 10-12 months. You might be underway for 3 to 4 months before return to home port on the largest cutter class. Maybe 6-8 months for the 2 big Ice Breakers. I've done 8 week deployments on the smaller cutter classes. 2 month turn around in the south pacific with stops in Mexico & Costa Rica for tacos and surf stops. Win-Win in my book.

Betcha didn't think to consider any of that, huh? ;)
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Coast guard is without a doubt the HARDEST branch to get into as enlisted, and a magnitude higher for officers. Many are transfers from other branches.
 
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