Im sorry if I took your post the wrong way, but are you saying that the Coast Guard is not worth it and is good if all else fails? Please expand upon this.

In my eyes, we are all brothers and sisters. I sail the high seas and you patrol Iraq or Afganistan or maybe just the streets of your hometown. I dont want to get into which is more dangerous or more worthy.

Just so you are aware, the CG is in Iraq and its not just on ships, and we are the primary LE force for any and all waterways there and here. Also, the CG is the ONLY LE branch of the military in the United States unless Martial Law is declared. Hence the whole under the Department of Homeland Security deal and why Navy Ships carry CG LE Detachments and fly the CG Ensign when they do a boarding

At any rate, if I took your post the wrong way, I apologize and thank you for your service.

BTW, its not all about the bonus, even though I got $12,000 to sign up in 2001 and $45,000 to re-enlist for 4 more.

 

I'll clarify. First off, I have a brother in the navy (E-5), a brother in the AF (E-6) and we bust on each other all the time. Both of them have gone to iraq, and have admitted that us army guys def work for our money. I mean, we can get into comparing basic trainings, marksmanship, etc, but we each have a different goal in mind. Land, air, sea, etc. We fight on the same team but for a different call. However, this person said his son was interested in law enforcement, and im my opinion, you will gete better training fro mthe Army, tactically than the coastguard, as of right now. The army as a whole no longer trains for force on force army vs. army, but for urban combat, which is exactly what our nations law enforcement does, urban operations. I also believe the army gives the most in bonuses, education, and gaining rank is quickest in the army. However from my stand point, to gain the most sufficient skills our goverment is looking for to protect our streets, I believe the marines or army will offer that. Discipline, and lets be honest, navy, cg, af, lacks it. Tatical situational awarness. How many times have you been to the field to do a weapons training exercise, or to larn survival, etc? And how many times? How many weapons have you trained on? I've trained on over 15. How many times have you learned a closed ambush, or far ambush reaction? Things you will encounter, but properly trainned to more of a standard and more often i nthe marines and army. I mean lets face it, there is a reason for stereo types in whifch the af and navy have, and the jokes. And no, it doesnt set the pace for ever sailor, or airman, etc. But, Its my opinion ytou will gain more skills realted to law enforcement, way beyond the realm of

 

OMG....you couldnt be more wrong on many levels.

If you enjoy freezing your nuts off...Go Army! I'll stay in my home and let BAH pay the mortgage.
How many police forces use the 50cal, grenade launcer saw etc? Go Army!
Sign on bonus? Nobody else wants to join...issue the bribes! Go Army!
BTW USCG does have re-enlistment bonuses FWIW
Urban warfare is NOT police work! Go Army!

I salute all members of the armed forces, but your post is wrong.

 

learning how to control a suspect. And lets be honest, How many times do you have to do PT? I do it 6 times a week, mandatory, and we can go ahead and compare PT test. Maintaining a higher standard, to maintain a better body. So when you gotta catch the guy, break his fkin legs, and drag him back to your patrol car, you can make it possible.

I'm not better than anyone, in any branch, however I feel for what this situation calls for I am superior in tactical training.

Front leaning rest? Or front leaning rest position, either way, I'll push more than you. haha j/k

Whatever he chooses will be fine, just my out look.

 

Freezing your nuts teaches you how to endure (and this is only one thing, not all). How to be disciplined enough to do things despite how harsh the measures. Something you will never know,andif you do, feel free to prove me wrong.

You go ahead and hide in your home, lets us real soldiers keep fighting your battles. Now you see why we don't like your type, always wanting to do least work possible. Bravo, I applaud you. I have a family, I get BAH. I still have values. DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY.

Bonuses sure helped me, you keep on paying your truck payment, or house, or whatever, mine is payed for. So if you dont want it, dont take it.

You call it bribes, you are damn right. But, it isnt as if they make you hold your hand up and swear to uphold this countries greatness, you do it all voluntarily.

URBAN WARFARE isnt police work. What about all those cops who got shot when that bank in cali got robbed because they didnt know proper tactics. Please tell me that when you go to the acadamy you are taught to use an m4 or m16. There are times, like what i refered to above when they had to use those weapons, and properly trained can take out any criminal.

And I'm sorry you think I'm ****ky one day, in the field, or the street, it will save your life. Be glad you have hooah mother fkers like me who want to not cower in my home letting my BAH pay the bills.

 

Guys, thanks for all the replies. We have discussed all of the branches of the service with him. My dad and his dad were in the Air Force. His older cousin is an Army recruiter (E5) and my cousin Mike is in the Navy (8 years now).

We live in northwest Pennsylvania and have a CG station in Erie, PA which is about 1 1/2 hours from our house. Sounds like it's time for a road trip. Hell, I'm just happy he is interested in something other than an X-Box and the tv. I was just reading an article where the CG station in Erie rescued a woman off of the ice of Lake Erie in March of this year. CG folks got my respect.

Thanks again for the insight from the guys that are in the CG. It's cool to see the "spirited conversation" between the service members.

TC

 

I can see your point in most of what you said, however, I believe you could have chosen your words a little better in your first post.
I realize we in the military are allowed the ball busting that we do on eachother, I just think saying that the CG is fine is all else fails is completley wrong.
BTW, if im correct, doesn't the CG have a higher ASVAB score pre-requisite than the Army? Could be wrong, but then that would mean my Army recruiter friend I just called would have just lied to me. Just food for thought......

At any rate, what you are talking about is specialized LE tactics, not neccesarily the enforcement of Laws and Treaties. So unless he were to lead a SWAT team or something of that nature, these tactics would be of little use to him as most Police, CBP, ICE, any other LE agency dont routinely practice specialized LE tactics that you described.

We, the CG, are more specialized in the enforcement of laws and treaties, which, if I am correct, is what 90% of LE personnel do. That is our job.
Training wise, Im sure that you are more well versed in weapons and clearing rooms, but can you tell me what the crime would be for a person carrying 4 ounces of marijuana on their person would be? How about what the definition of assault is? Know what force mejure is and means? Dont cheat and look them up.

BTW, if you are curious, I am qualified and authorized to carry the .40, M16 and Shotgun. Not as cool as the big guns you guys play with but then again, if I wanna go real big, Ill transfer back to a 378 and push the fire button on a MK76 3.76mm gun.

Im off to bed, I have PT at 0600

 

My father is retired cpt from department of homeland security, my mother sgt correctional officer, now parole officer. Can I give you the exact definition without looking it up, no. Will the acadamy teach me things like that yes. You are right, better ways to say.

 

This is why I HATE comparing branches, cause one always thinks they are better than the other.

I personally have my pride and think that that CG is the BEST.... for me that is. What is good for me probably isnt good for everyone else. Obviously your pride lies in the Army.

We can go on and on about who is defending what and how they are doing it, but no one can argue that all branches are represented in the Sandbox. If you dont believe me, google DC3 Bruckenthall (I think that is spelled right).

Your son should go to the station and see what its like. If you get the chance, I would have him tour a cutter too. Shore duty and Sea duty are two different worlds.

Now if you want to get into a discussion about what the branches do without arguing who works harder and that crap, Im more than willing. Im gonna bet the money in my pocket (about 36 and some change) that everyone only knows the tip of what the CG does.

 

Since nobody answered this question...Boatswain Mate (actually pronounced Bosun Mate).

My husband just retired from the CG after 24 years. Overall it wasn't a bad 24 years. All branches of the service have their good points and bad points. One of the things I think I liked best about the CG was the fact that they have numerous stations in small towns. I am a small town girl and I hated living in the city. We did end up in a few cities but for the most part were able to stay away from that. I hope your son enjoys it, good opportunities and lots of lasting friendships!

Puddle Pirates...Shallow Water Sailors...heard 'em all!

 

Thanks Rose. I think we are going to take a ride up to the Erie Station. He's going to be a junior this year so he has plenty of time to change his mind hehehe.

05FX4SCW - Thanks for the insight. It's always nice to hear about something from someone with experience. That's why this forum is such a great place to ask questions.

We are going to continue to research the subject, obtain some literature and try to visit the station in Erie. It is a small station such as the one's Rose mentioned so I think that will be a good place to start if he continues to be serious about it.

Thanks again folks.

 

All of my friends that signed up for the army thinking it was cool are now scared ****less knowing that their life is about to be throwed away because now they are being shipped out to iraq in the next couple of weeks. All of them. They thought it was cool serving your country and stuff, but at this point in time, it was a bad decision.

 

Agreed. all of them have a different point to its existence. However, the discussion was what should he join to pursue a career in law enforcement. This is exactly why I joined, because I wanted to be a federal agent myself. I did alot of research, talking, tests. And yes, you can shoot back with, well whats right for you isn't for me, and that is fine. My opinion, as I've said it was from the beginning, is that the Army or Marines would put you in the mind set and get the right tactical training you needed. I myself have thought about the CG, But the training from a tactical stand point lacks. But, whatevers clever Trevor. If you like the CG and what it offers, join. Good luck. As long as you don't drive a chevy, thats all that matters to me.

 

Do you understand that the USCG is a Federal Law Enforcement Agency?

Do you understand that qualified members of the Coast Guard are Federal Law Enforcement Officers?

Any Military service would give an edge when applying for a Police career and each service is very commendable. Plus most departments give veterans points. But the CG wins hands down when looking for pre-Police experience.

You can shoot a grenade launcher, PT all day, break someone’s legs then drag them to a police car while thumping your chest. Try using that line during a Police interview, let me know how far ya get with that.

 

I'm in the USAF & have been for the last 15.5 years. I love my job & truly believe I have the single best job an enlisted guy can have in the entire USAF. I have no problem recommending the USAF to anyone as long as they become Flyers. I worked a ground maintenance job for 9 years & hated it. Now that I am allowed the priveledge of flying, I look forward to going to work everyday.

As far as the Coast Guard, I seriously considered joining. If you think about it, they are the only branch of service that does their job day in & day out. 24/7/365, the CG is on the job. I was primarily interested in their helocopter career field until I realized helo's don't fly, they are just so ugly the earth repels them. The CG mission rarely changes unlike the rest of the military. If LE is what your step son is interested in, the CG is the place to go. If LE is what he wants, under no circumstances let your step son join the Army or Marines. Yes he could do some type of LE in both but remember, in the Army, you're a soldier first & in the Marines, every man is a rifleman. He may get to do LE but is he really concerned with enforcing laws in a middle east filth hole? The USAF has LE but it's too much of a joke to even bother considering. We have AFOSI, the AF equivalent of the FBI, but you have to be an E-5 to apply so he would have to do something else for the first years until he made SSgt.

The USCG used to be under the control of the US Department of Transportation during times of peace & administered by the US Navy during war. They have since been transferred to the control of Dept of Homeland Security. They are responsible for far, far more than the average person realizes. I don't know if it's still true but at one time, the NYPD had more people than the entire USCG. Their Basic Training is in CG Station Cape May, NJ. The average cutter has about 15 people on it. The are CG stations all over the US including HI & AK. As far as availability of assignments in the US, the USCG has the rest of the military beat by a mile. Obviously if one desired an overseas tour the USCG is not the place to go. Look on their website for more info: www.uscg.mil

KC-10 FE out...