For future reference EM deals with power to and threw equipment. We tend to be the first to repair equipment. It does not surprise me you don’t know what we do. A good EM goes unnoticed. But if you are interested in EM then yes expect to repair a-lot of lighting as it fails the most. Other repairs would be generators, motors, communication lines for engines, sensors, scullery equipment, navigation equipment, pretty much anything that takes power. The rule of thumb is its electrical until proven otherwise. That being said EM tends to be a good rate if you like problem solving and working solo
Would it be possible to chat with an EM? Just through email is fine. I am a licensed journeyman electrician and am considering joining the USCG and have a few questions.
I can speak to Aviation in the CG. I am an AET and have completed multiple maintenance(MX) evolutions that fall under the realm of an AMT and have seen opposite. Not only do we perform routine and non routine MX which includes troubleshooting, we are also operators on our respective platforms(rotor and fixed). We maintain the aircraft we fly on which is a unique part of aviation compared to other services. As an AET/AMT/AST you also are able to train members with MX and operations, manage MX, manage personnel, submit changes to policies and practices, and deploy through out the country and the world. Sometimes we work 4 hour days and sometimes we work 11 hour days. I could go on and on. I have been in CG Aviation for 13 years and there is still always something new.
My son just got his wings AET I’m very proud of him and taking him up in helicopters at the fair when he was young really paid off. I always tell him that I used to take you with me to work, now it’s your turn. He just says sorry I can’t. I would if I could. Proud CG Dad.
@ohgeesj, I know this is an old comment, but to answer your question, calibration for aviation is done by external third-party private civilian companies.
I was an MST and what I have to say about being an MST is that it really helped me after I got out. The skills you learned as far as Regulator are really looked at in the civilian world.
I’m a marine right now and have been considering going mst in the coast guard, aside from it helping your transition did you enjoy the job? How was day to day?
@@evanroberts4496 depends on the department you in. MSTe have many hats but our common denominator was that of regulatory. We are basically regulators. Inspections, Port state control, pollution prevention, container inspectors, facility inspectors. I never saw a Marine move over to the Coast Guard though. You must have good Asbav scores.
@@EaglesnestRobotics I work on amphibious combat vehicles, so I work with pollution in the water and on land all the time, pollution prevention is somewhat a part of my everyday life. I just love environmental protection and I feel that could be a cool job to get into. I got an 86 on the asvab, not the highest but def shouldn’t be in this mos.
I was an MST in the 70s, we did more science technician work. Weather forecasting and observations and water sampling and analysis. After I got out became a water quality researcher after getting my masters degree.
I was an EM2 in the coast guard. I loved my job. I worked on everything electrical on small boats and on larger cutters. Much more than just changing light bulbs. This rate helps a lot in the civilian world. I would definitely rate it up in the “A” category.
im an OS3 in the uscg. bro the coast guard NEEDS PEOPLE!!! Yes basic is hard but its do-able. I joined at 17 and im 19 now. HMU if you are interested man@@jdonrl6791
Now mk can either be S or F rank depending on the unit. You go somewhere you can really shine like a small boat station you can easily be both boarding officer and coxwain on top of managing maintenance. However if you're an mk3 in a gang on a 270 you'll learn A LOT but also be busting but all day every day! Plus there's some great random opportunities as an mk; U.K. royal navy exchange, fema, etc.
Lightbulbs, lighting, lighthouses…. Lol! EM is awesome rating. My advice, document your hours - though Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) then when you get out you will or are eligible to take the General Journeyman’s Test. There is a ton of work with great pay for Electricians.
Im not a BM but I have worked with LOTS of them. My first unit was an 87' and the entire crew was enlisted. We had a Senior chief BM as the OIC (Officer in Charge), then a BMC as XPO (Executive Petty Officer), OPS (Operations Petty Officer) was a BM1, 1LT BM2/BM1 (advanced while there also 1LT is in charge of the deck side maintenance), Then you had the deck force which consisted of either 2 SN's SN and BM3 or 2 BM3's, then we had an MKC as EPO (Engineering Petty Officer), MK2 as AEPO (Assistant Engineering Petty Officer), Then you had the engineers which consisted of 2 Fns FN and MK3 or 2 MK3s... Then there is 1 CS as FSO.. Only has a max crew of 12, we had 11. Just like another comment here, if you go BM be ready to take command positions. There are a lot of BMs that are not good leaders. Lucky for me my first unit was that 87' and had the greatest command. Had a great time on the cutter and hope that I can get another command/crew like that..
Great video, I loved being a BM, I did three cutters (Confidence, Morgenthau, and Boutwell) and a station (Apra Harbor Guam). It is a really great rate and gets to dabble a little in everything. At our station the LE Petty officer and Weapons Petty officers were BMs, I was the unit EMT, and then the command structure outside of the EPO were all BMs. The unique thing about the Coast Guard (as of 2012 when I got out) is how much responsibility we trust our junior members with. I was a OTH Coxswain as an SN, We had to medivac a shipmate over to a Navy ship, I was the coxswain as an E3. When we met their small boat they had an E6 driving(horribly) and an O1 standing behind him giving orders. When I got out I had my 100T Captains license and EMT cert, but went into Facility Management. It is a great career field for BMs, and really any Petty Officer getting out if you like that problem solving and project management skill set that is often needed in our small branch.
@@kevinallen5246 totally. When I did mine we actually brought a instructor to our station and invited anyone at sector to come, so we only had BMs and MKs at the unit but I think we had an OS take the course. Then we all filled out the tuition assistance forms as a class and got reimbursed, it was great. Your sea time on cutters counts the same no matter your rate. Also, qualifications like boat crew and coxswain are not rate specific. On cutters I had yeoman who were boat crew and I knew a cook that got coxswain qualified. It’s just easier when your normal work hours involve more of the maritime skills.
So glad to see this video! I’m in the process of joining and I know I want to go in as a non-rate but this is still extremely helpful. Your videos have really helped me and my journey. Thank you!
Why do you want to go in as a non rate? Everyone does unless you have prior military experience so you statement doen't make sense. I hope you aren't joining for the wrong reason and what I am referring to is because the Coast Guard as well as the rest of the military services are largely male and women join looking for a man. When I was in the guard was about 11% woman . Woman thought it's easy pickens instead of the civilian world where woman make up slightly over 50% . Men don't join the Coast Guard looking for a wife ; they join for the adventure!
@@earlhandy6493that's the dumbest thing I ever heard.. I'm a woman and definitely not going to look for a husband.. I want to fulfill what I should've done a long time ago.. join the military. I don't wanna regret it as I'm not getting any younger. I love the adrenaline and just like you said.. I'm in for the adventure of a lifetime. Kid & husband free 😁 best time to do this now!
You are a genuine asset to the USCG! If the Coast Guard was smart, they would recruit you to become a "career counselor" or retention specialist. You have a natural affinity for communications, but especially the values of the Coast Guard and the opportunities it affords to people.
CS1 here. Our rate is fucking hard man. (Some) People think its easy but the best way to look at how hard a job actually is is by who gets bonuses. Ive never seen a SK get one.
Retired as an OSC; great career which flowed over into the private and public sector; especially in the DC area if you have a security clearance which can open a lot of doors with high salaries
EM was my rating, and to me it was a job I really enjoyed. But with that being said - times have changed in the Coast Guard since I was in. (1980 - 1987). Youngster in the C.G., don't even know there was a bootcamp in Alameda, Ca prior to 1981. And back then everybody did law enforcement. As an EM I was sent to Modesto, California for (5) weeks at there police academy, for my L.E. training. Though I was an EM by rate, I enjoyed the L.E. aspect of the job and went on to becoming a police officer after I got out, then on to the Justice Dept to which I retired from. But your right about one thing...Choose Your Rate - Choose Your Fate!! Semper Paratus!!
Get The Coast Guard Boot Camp Survival Guide on Amazon ⚓amzn.to/2LjxRoy Before you watch... As I mention in the beginning of the video, these are my PERSONAL thoughts on each rating, of course, I won't know what every single rating does at every different type of unit. Please do your own research before deciding which rating is best for you. And as always.. Disclaimers: The views expressed herein are those of the blogger and are not to be construed as official or reflecting the views of the Commandant or of the U.S. Coast Guard.
I did some soul searching lately and realized that my decision to not enlist in the Coast Guard 16 years ago due to not being able to swim was pretty silly. I've been thinking of looking at enlisting in the reserves if they need any more ITs - I've hit 6 figures as a civilian IT professional so it's not like I need money, it's more of filling an emotional need. Maybe it's not a good reason to enlist, but the thought is there
Dude, I was a DC, I did a number of different jobs at various units in my career. Had jobs I liked and ones I did not, all and all it was a great time.
@@militaryjourneymen No, thankyou!! You’re the reason I’m going in, I wouldn’t know anything about the Coast Guard if it wasn’t for your videos. You’re the only person that pretty much covers everything in the Coast Guard. Keep it up and I hope to meet you one day!!
Just want to throw it out there, if you are interested in joining the CG and have questions about the HS rating please feel free to reach out. Our job was extremely downplayed in this video due to common misconceptions and as Julian said these are HIS beliefs and preferences from what he’s experienced. (:
The running joke when I was in ‘90-‘94 was if you can’t make rate then boatswain mate. I left as a QM2 before the rate was absorbed into OS/BM. Back then BM was a deck force rating whereas QM was the bridge/nav job.
IS should be S tier i know plenty of ISs and the job is very relaxed and rewarding. you can work with other agencies and easily make 6 figures working for them once your coast guard contract is done. no other rate in the cg gives you that opportunity. and you can commission once you make E5 with 80 college credits. imo IS is the best job out there.
Good list and good information. You forgot the IV rating though (reserve only). Also... EMs do more than just change light bulbs lol. Thx for the video!
I have been an OS for about 3 years now and am lateraling over to the new Cyber Mission Specialist (CMS) Coast Guard rating and am moving to D.C. next year. If anyone has any questions about this process of lateraling over to CMS or my experience as an OS, feel free to reach out to me at any time and I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!
Hello @cbasslobbys379 would love to learn more about your transition. Which rates do you recommend I take before moving over to CMS? Also, what is the process like, is there a waiting list, what tests do I need to take to become a part of CMS. Thanks!
ET might possibly be the most transferable rate to the civilian sector that there is. Our equipment isn’t all just old typically it’s brand new and some old systems, but that is how military contracts work. Minimum salary for an ET getting out is going to be around 80k and with boat contractor experience you’re looking at 150k.
Hey Brian, would you be willing to share some of your experience? I’m going to boot camp in July and while open minded, think I’m the most interested in becoming an AMT.
What did you transition to when you got out? I'm thinking about BM, I'm from Florida and love the water so this sounds good. Do you go home at the end of the day?
@@aguythatthinks7931 bachelor's in CS, work in IT. Depends on the unit, larger cutters you'll be gone for months, small cutters weeks, small boat station is usually 2 on 2 off.
@alec5151 OK thanks for the info. Will they still keep you out for months even if you're married? Is being gon le for months a deployment? Or just normal for certain jobs?
No problem at all, happy to help. When you graduate bootcamp you can put in your picks, and ultimately it's needs of the service that determine which type of unit you go to. Being married does not make you exempt from going to a big cutter and you can't "deny" the unit you're assigned to. No it's just called underway, not deployment. Although there are certain units where deployment is possible, however not right out of bootcamp.
@alec5151 I'm actually Army prior service so I think I'll hopefully get Depot. I'm leaning towards IT or MST right now. Definitely going back in but just looking at my options. Any opinions on MST? Just don't want to be underway for months at a time unless I were single
I definitely disagree as a person who’s dad is an em, theirs definitely alot more to the job then you just describe and it’s really good when transferring back into civilian life where many electricians start their own business and make 100k easily because of how essential their work is since the world can’t function without electricity. Minimum B tier
You need to be very senior to deal with policy as a PA. Most will be at districts and detachments. You’ll see a lot of the Coast Guard and you’ll highlight it. For the public to know what the Coast Guard does, you have PA. Alcoasts? Not really PAs. The rating will set you up nicely for a later life in public relations and there’s a good deal of training through the Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Ft. Meade. Given the size of the rating, I think you’ll get a bit more independence earlier in the rating. I was a PAO in the Coast Guard more than a decade ago and it’s a small tight community. I still do public affairs in a different agency and the DINFOS experience, even for officers, is still applicable.
From what I’ve gathered MEs have gotten a bad rap in the past because they hadn’t really figured out their role until recently. “BMs and MKs are better at LE than MEs.” “Me = minimal effort.” Maybe some saltiness ME’s took some of the cooler aspects of other rates away. The rate is geared toward DSF now (deployable specialized forces) which is MSRT, Taclet, and MSST. It’s a requirement to be in the DSF community to make E8 now. Most people going ME want to go to these units specifically. If that’s not an aspiration, I wouldn’t consider the rate personally. The waitlist is about a year currently and not the 3+ year wait it was in the past. ME rate has some awesome billets and some not so great ones like all. IMO the best are absolutely S-tier and the worst are probably boring but not terrible.
My grandfather was an oboist in the army’s NORAD band and got to travel all over the north Western Hemisphere, not exactly sure if the cost guards band is as well traveled but its worth looking into if youre a musician and you like traveling
13 Year4s in before getting medical discharged. Was an RD2 (OS2) It can be boring but I always found something to get the blood flowing 91 SouthPat worked 7 of 8 Drug planes busted, Summer Alpat came close putting the Ship at GQ due to a Radar signal I found (Fire Control locked on USAF Air Craft in Alaskan waters) I could not dream neig an IT IS or ET or any other rate, I was having a ball. Oh yeah we made the Navy look bad with a Watch stander ratio of 2 USCG to 10 USN OS using older equipment and doing an Exercise via radio and finding Contacts the Navy ship would hit if we did not say anything,
What did you get discharged for if you don't mind? I'm trying to join up a bit later in life and I am very worried about getting medically discharged halfway through my 20
Long story short if you join the coastguard looking for law enforcement (BM)-“Boatswains mate” is the road to go if you want to be in charge of a unit and be the boss maritime enforcement is the road to go
What we should be asking is, after combining these rates, changed names, established rating badges that have nothing to do with the legacy rate they dissolved, but still doing the duties, what have we learned? My respect goes to the BM's and MK's who have managed to skirt being sucked in to a rate merging. I could go into great detail to my personal observations, conversations I've had with people involved with the name and badge changes from years long gone but why even bother. I'm targeting RM/TC/QM/TT (OS) rates.
Currently in the Army but really considering to switching over to the Coast Guard. Have there been a lot of Soldiers that switched to being a Coast Guardsman?
I saw all the videos on the rescue swimmers from you and they are Absolutely amazing! I also heard a few differences from the coast guard And navy rescue swimmer. Do you think it’s possible to do a whole video about what the difference is for coast guard rescue swimmer vs Navy rescue swimmer?
Thank you for your content after watching your videos I’ve decided to go to cyber command route. Do you have any recommendations or tips on how to navigate the conversation with the Coast Guard recruiters? I know it’s their job to incentivize just enlisting as opposed to going to the officer route. But this is the only route that I want to go per officer any tips or suggestions would be very helpful. Thank you.
@@deepgoldjellyfish it’s not the newest rate and the coastguard website said to be an investigator (a reserve rate only) you have to go through Police academy with 3 years experience then go through DEPOT instead of basic. DEPOT means you will come out e-4 rank instead of e-1 or e-3
I am curious where ST [Sonar technician] would have fallen into your tier list. It is likely one of the most advance electronic training, as well as operator training. School was almost 1 year, 25% of the first enlistment. Downside is that you are stuck on a large cutter. I was in for 4 years but was at sea for only 10 months. I was told they would be helpful to detect drug subs.
@@earlhandy6493 Thanks Earl. Were you a part of that process? Was there a drop in pay grade? I departed the USCG because sonar was a waist of time and money. Plus I was mad at the CO because he didn't sign off so I could go to the academy and play basketball.
As a former DC man, you're mostly going to unclog sh*tters. You'll do a lot of pipe welding....on sewage pipes. I've been out since 1998 and I can still smell and taste cooked raw sewage in my sinuses.
I was an FS in the Coast Guard, now they call them CS, Culinary Specialist. I did it because I loved to cook and I wanted to serve my country. Working as a cook in the Coast Guard is absolute Hell, and I would implore anyone who is considering it as a career path to do something else. I watched as the FS's around me tried to commit suicide or committed to psychiatric wards after being worked to death onboard the cutters. Its not a career path I would recommend for anyone.
Thank you for this comment. I was curious about this but the amount of work sounds daunting. I would imagine any job to be hard work but to be stuck in the kitchen all of the time! On a boat where you can’t leave! Crazy to hear about those guys you worked with.
3 things about the coast guard: 1.) I've never met a Coast Guard Recruiter 2.) Unlike other branches it's training is the most top secret. 3.) Is it mostly white, kind of like the Yale/ Harvard of the military wherein you have to no someone to get "selected to join"???😅
I was stuck on and excited about going BM for months. After taking my asvabs I qualified for Aviation, so now I’m thinking strongly of going AET. I mainly want to do search and rescue, any advice?
So what is the current process to join the Cyber Command rate?? What about if you join a rate that has a bonus. How long do you have to do that rate before you can transfer to a different rate? I am honestly looking at joining as an OS for the bonus. But I really want to transfer to either MST, BM, ME or Cyber long term. Thanks in advance!
I’m heading to MEPS soon hopefully ship off to boot camp shortly after. I want to go in as an ET and go to school part time. How frequently would ETs go underway? Is there an option to be more often on a base rather than a cutter?
Yes you will receive training to become a NREMT, CMA, Phlebotomy Technician and countless others if you use your credits to be applied to other programs in the civilian sector
Hello I’m going in soon I want to do search and rescue (ast) but they told me I can’t go in right away because of some recent changes in training facilities. So I need something else to go in as.. I don’t want to go in as non rate.
I need advice... my buddy and I wanted to join the army combat infantry... after coming across some coast guard stuff.. it peaked my interest and seems more up my alley. The army is offering an insane 60k plus 20k if I go active immediately. Thing is i have a wife and a son and I want a career as im 27 and want to do something good with my life. Seems like I like the coast guard the most but I do not like water even though I am a licensed water treatment operator as well as a confined space specialist.. water is scary lol I'm extremely good at video games and im in shape, and im fairly smart but irregardless im uncertain and could use any advice I can get.. I can't find a full jobs list and I don't know what to expect in the coast guard.. I understand they have a vast variety of different jobs I just don't know what I should do..
I was 27 when I joined the Coast Guard, have a wife and 2 kids. I’m 30 now and I’m now about to put on ET2 (E5). I was juggling between the Air Force and the Coast Guard. I am thoroughly happy with my decision for the sake of my family. The Coast Guard does a TON for my family and great programs for my youngest son who is special needs and has autism. The work/life ratio is a lot better than many of the other branches.
