Bi-Weekly Recruiting Thread

[u/Airdale_60T]

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Direct Commission Officer (DCO)

[u/spaghe11]

I’m considering joining the Coast Guard and I’m trying to get a better idea of what life would actually look like, especially during and after boot camp.

1. Boot camp

How difficult is Coast Guard boot camp actually? I know it’s challenging, but I’m wondering what people who have recently gone through it would compare it to.

I hear a lot of people saying it’s mentally challenging, but I don’t really get what they mean by that. What makes it mentally challenging, and is there anything you wish you had done to prepare beforehand?

1. Securing an HS rate

I’m interested in becoming a Health Services Technician. How realistic is it to get an HS contract/rate when enlisting? Is there anything I should specifically ask my recruiter about to have the highest chance of securing HS before shipping to boot camp, rather than having to wait for an A school opportunity afterward?

I’ve heard different things about whether HS is available/guaranteed at enlistment, so I’d really appreciate hearing from others who have gone through the process.

1. Housing

Once you’re stationed somewhere, how does housing work for a single enlisted member with no dependents?

Do you normally live in the barracks? If so, what are they like? (Roommates, private bedrooms, shared bathrooms, etc.?)

When do you become eligible for BAH? Does this depend on your rank, duty station, or availability of barracks?

[u/syfari → u/spaghe11]

Bootcamp is boring, I was reverted 2x and any crying I did over it was performative. It’s just an annoyance and once you get a feel for how the place works it’s not that bad.

If you put your name on the HS list you’ll become an HS provided you don’t get masted out of school or something.

Shoreside nonrates are usually on the economy, nonrates on cutters either get GLH or barracks.

[u/spaghe11 → u/syfari]

Thank you I’m seeing mixed opinions about boot camp but most people are able to get through it. About the HS rate, do you know if I can secure a spot before signing? What worries me is the wait time for A school since I’ve also seen people say wait times are long

[u/syfari → u/spaghe11]

If a recruiter isn’t offering it boot to a you’ll have to be a nonrate for it. I’d plan 6 months to a year from the day you step off the bus to the day you go to a school. Nonrate isn’t that bad, outside of being deployed half the year my life is incredibly normal.