I've been giving thought to joining up with the Coast Guard for their flight program to build flight hours, pay for myself, pay for college.  I was wondering if anyone here has had any personal experience with them ??? , if so, please state your opinion of it....

The reason why I want to go to CG instead of AF..is that
A. I like living in the USA, I dont want to be shipped
somewhere, possibly a place where Americans are not welcome
B.  I don't like the idea of a job when its ok to be shot at
C.  I have issues with the idea of killing people

(I know, CG doesn't get all the cool toys)

Uh, WWII Coasties kilt a few (U-boats). Nam too.

Uh, Coasties were in country in Nam

Uh, Coasties have been sent all over the world.

Uh, when the USA needs the coast guarded or blockcaded in another country and the Navy is stretched thin, major conflict, who do you think does it?

They just stay off of the real blue water. And haven't gotten too involved in the Middle East the last few times it flared up.

join the Airforce as an air traffic controller, they have an apprentiship program, as i was told when enquiring, your likely to end up staying in the US with that job and almost definatly never have to shoot anyone, or be shot at.
But the coast guard is a good choice if thats what you go for, i was speaking to a guy on a flight from memphis to detroit on time who worked for the CG and he said he wouldnt change his job for anything.

if you don't want all the cool toys...join the USCG. it's a good alternative if you really want to fly...and of course, it's always better to save people than to kill them (if that would ever happen of course...i mean the killing). 

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I have to resent this comment. Usually if someone needs to be rescued then it won't be from sitting in a storm. Few people are stupid enough to go out in a storm and those who are caught in them usually cannot avoid it. I mean, if you have just spent four weeks sailing over the atlantic then there would have been no evidence of a storm when you set out and it could simply catch you up. If someone needs to be rescued from the sea then there will be some other reason. Say a boat has run onto a rock, someone's been swept off a peir or someone has been injured on their boat.


And Meinas, at least in the Coast Guard you will be provided with body armour if you are in danger of being fired upon.

I knew there would be times CG personel would be shot at, slight possibility that they would be needed in dire circumstances during war... (these are very minimal compared to other military branche) .....if they can't promise me a position as a pilot, then I would say no thanks, I think I'll have a good shot though, I would enter using the Blue 21 program, after I graduate from Embry Riddle Univ. go for the CG.

If I were you, get use to shooting and get used to being shot at.

I have clearly read and signed a contract with the USAF. Somewhere in the contract, it says something like this:

"I understand that it is my responsibility to use a fire arm with live rounds when needed."

So, once you see the contract, read it and read it carefully. Remember, you're dealing with Uncle Sam once you sign any of their papers.

I'm practicing my shots by shooting crows with my B-B rifle. I don't like crows. Those black-birds are not letting my dog's food alone.

I don't like shooting pigeons because they're not all that bad. And I clearly don't like shooting woodpeckers because I think they look cool. And I'm not willing to shoot at a bird that's smaller than my hand [too hard to hit anyways].

BTW, check to see what kind of help the CG provides for college. Also, check to see if they have their own college [the USAF does]. If they do, go for it. You'll save a lot of many.

I'm already signed up for the USAF for "Full-Active" duty. Uncle Sam provides ful coverage for the first 2 years of any of his military colleges.

Besides, the government does encourage its recruites to study. However, it's the recruite's right to chose so, if he desires.

And remember, your mommy will no longer be around with you to say "Ok son. Time to go to work and school."

*Adam Sandler impression from the movie Waterboy*

"I love my Mama!!!"

LOL

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How often you get shot at, depends on the kind of job you have in the USAF. I'm a Flight Engineer on MH-53 Pave Low's, and I've been shot at (and hit.....in my kevlar helmet) enough. However, most of the AF are what I refer to as REMF's, Rear Echelon Mother Fu**ers. There are a few other jobs out there that bring you a bit closer to the action as well, such as Combat Controller or Pararescueman. The fighter geeks have it easy, and the transport fag's even easier.

BTW, the recruiters WILL lie to you.