Thinking of joining [Archive]

yn3dc3mike

November 13th, 2006, 12:39 AM

mkpatrick

November 22nd, 2006, 09:02 PM

Evening all,

Currently serving Coast Guard YN3 (admin type), crosstrained as a Damage Controlman looking at joining the NG when I get my discharge in a few months. I have just over 4 years service, including 1 year of sea service. My discharge will be Honorable with a RE-3 code. (I'm a little on the heavy side, but I'm losing the weight).

I am currently stationed in Seattle, Washington and want to stay in the area. I'm looking at 13B or I may go to Oregon for 19D or 19K. Which brings up my first question. I tried to enlist AD Army before I went into the CG and I was told I was too tall to be a tanker. I'm 6'4" and my recruiter said the max height was 6'2". Is this still in effect? Also, if I remember correctly when I enlisted, the MEPs docs stated I had flat feet which suprised me as I am an avid backpacker and my feet have never given me any problem. Will this stop me? Third, I had PRK eye surgery about 8 months ago. Is that a disqual?

Finally, can anyone give me some ideas on what the MOS's I'm looking at are like. I've talked some with a buddy from HS who was an AD 19K and a guy on my ship is a former 13B, but I wanted to hear some more thoughts if possible.

Sorry for the long post, just trying to get as much info as possible. Thanks.

YN3 Mike Heard, USCGC Mellon (WHEC 717) Seattle, WA

I was in the CG too. Only many years ago. I was an airdale.

Anyway, that is not true about the height. There is a height requirement but they make exceptions. I met a guy that was 6'4" and he was a tanker.

As for flat feet, they wouldn't have let you into the CG if it were a problem. The CG is much harder to get into than the Army. When I came into the Natl Guard, I wasn't required to go through WTC because when I went to basic training, they gave us enough firearms training and I went through CQC training in the CG before I got into my aviation school. I was able to field strip the M-16 blindfolded.

So if you have had CQC and some firearms training, you shouldn't have to go to WTC. It will help to learn the Army rank structure and the infantry hand signals.
Also, the Army is more physical during drill than the CG so get ready to hump rucks and walk long distances. When we went to the field it was all Warrior Task Training. Especially if you are 19Delta.
Get a rifle, join a range and practice shooting. You will be much better for it. Qualifying in the Army is different from the CG. You shoot at pop up targets out to 300 yards. You shoot with your vest, kevlar and the whole shebang on and that makes it harder. The kevlar slides down and gets into my site picture.

RE-3 for weight issues? That ***** dude, they are harsh. One thing I remember about the CG is that there was very little recognition for doing a good job or a stellar job and going into harms way. There was ZERO recognition.

In order to gain rank, you must pass APFT. That is a 2 mile run, pushups and situps.
Which ain't easy for old guys like me.

Anyway, good luck and Semper Paratus!!