Quote Originally Posted by stinkyattic
I agree, the Coast Guard is a wonderful choice. Their peacetime mission is important. I, too, was in the US Coast Guard and really ended up falling in love with the seafaring lifestyle. I'm so glad I had the chance to do that while I was younger.
I did 22 years in the Coast Guard... When I think of all of the training, education, and lifes experiences that I obtained, I feel very blessed, because there is no way I would *EVER* have had the chance to do otherwise, then there was the added benifit of having them pay for my Masters Degree in mechanical engineering, with a minor in Environmental Science. FWIW, I highly recommend the engineering rates as they will keep you below decks when its really cold and nasty outside, and also consider the job oportunities when you get out.

Out of those 22 years, I spent 11 of them at sea. Not too many other people in the world can say they have sailed "Pole to Pole" on a ship that has wooden decks. As far as where I have been, it would probably be easier to list where I have not been.

One last point... in the Coast Guard, the emphisis is on *SAVING LIVES*, not taking them.

There is no high like that of having pulled somebody out of the water in breaking surf after their boat has sunk out from under them.
If it wasn't so dangerous, it would be the best carnival ride in the world.

Please keep in mind that no matter what vocation or service, your gonna start out by sweeping floors and cleaning commodes, then work your way up through the ranks.

did I forget to mention that the only difference between going to jail and going to sea, is that when you go to sea, you have the added risk of DROWNING.