Hello all, My name is Joshua. I am new to this forum but have done alot of reading before becoming a member. I have a few questions that I am looking for some of your guy's insight. I hope to get a few perspectives on these things, which would help alot.
My dream since I was 12 years old was to join a SAR program. I want to save lifes. I have always felt its what I was meant to do in life. I know its not an easy task and its relatively exclusive group of elite individuals. Ultimately I would like to be in aviation, to pilot those helicopters, and brave the brutal elements to save those who are in extreme danger. I am 21 years old, physically in good shape, i run a 11 minute mile and a half, so on and so fourth. I am currently a service writter for a large dealership and about 6 months away from graduating with a two year associates degree in sales and marketing. Also just recently engaged to a wonderful woman whom i have been with for almost 5 years, and I have had alot of voulenteer hours as well. But this is my dream and I want to follow it.
Now to my questions:
1.) Will me having an associates degree benefit me rank wise when joining the coast guard or navy? I keep only hearing things about bachelors degrees...and thats kind of saddening to me...as i feel like my degree is just a waste
2.) If I am currently still enrolled in college will they accept me in but have me finish college, have me finish college then join, or would I be able to enroll right into OCS? What are the requirements to enlist as an officer as I cant seem to find a very clear cut route to becoming one with the info provided online
3.) With wanting to join an SAR program would being CPR/AED Professional Rescuer & First Aid training certification benefit me or advance me further with rank due to knowledge and skill level or would I be wasting my money to be certified for something Ill already be trained to do...Or would this certification help my chances to even get into an SAR program?
4.) This is kind of the same as question 3, but How about if I get my private and commercial helicopter liscense before joining, would that allow me to get in to aviation school much easier or isnt it worth shelling out the $15,000 to do it in order to secure the certification. Like would it even matter to the navy/coast guard? In my mind i was thinking it would because i would have prior flight expirience and actually know somewhat what i was doing?
5.) I have a cumulative gpa of 2.87 I work full time and college was secondary to supporting my fiance and I through college, but I am a very intelligent person, and a great leader and have excelled to management positions almost everywhere I have worked. My question here is what area's in the asvab are directly related to aeronotics and SAR, and what did you guys do in order to enter into these programs? and how much will my gpa affect my entrance into these programs or will the asvab supercede that?
6.) I am having trouble finding a coast guard recruitor, and when I got contacted by one he sounded like coasties arent in demand...was I getting the wrong impression? I already have my application filled out to a T and ready to enlist....anyone know any recruitors who could help me around the minnesota area? Seems like alot of the numbers I call are old and disconnected
I really appreciate all of your guys time and would appreciate all and any insight you all are willing to give!!!!
Grateful Coastie/naval Helo hopeful
-Joshua
ps. The coast guard will be my fulltime career
My dream since I was 12 years old was to join a SAR program. I want to save lifes. I have always felt its what I was meant to do in life. I know its not an easy task and its relatively exclusive group of elite individuals. Ultimately I would like to be in aviation, to pilot those helicopters, and brave the brutal elements to save those who are in extreme danger. I am 21 years old, physically in good shape, i run a 11 minute mile and a half, so on and so fourth. I am currently a service writter for a large dealership and about 6 months away from graduating with a two year associates degree in sales and marketing. Also just recently engaged to a wonderful woman whom i have been with for almost 5 years, and I have had alot of voulenteer hours as well. But this is my dream and I want to follow it.
Now to my questions:
1.) Will me having an associates degree benefit me rank wise when joining the coast guard or navy? I keep only hearing things about bachelors degrees...and thats kind of saddening to me...as i feel like my degree is just a waste
2.) If I am currently still enrolled in college will they accept me in but have me finish college, have me finish college then join, or would I be able to enroll right into OCS? What are the requirements to enlist as an officer as I cant seem to find a very clear cut route to becoming one with the info provided online
3.) With wanting to join an SAR program would being CPR/AED Professional Rescuer & First Aid training certification benefit me or advance me further with rank due to knowledge and skill level or would I be wasting my money to be certified for something Ill already be trained to do...Or would this certification help my chances to even get into an SAR program?
4.) This is kind of the same as question 3, but How about if I get my private and commercial helicopter liscense before joining, would that allow me to get in to aviation school much easier or isnt it worth shelling out the $15,000 to do it in order to secure the certification. Like would it even matter to the navy/coast guard? In my mind i was thinking it would because i would have prior flight expirience and actually know somewhat what i was doing?
5.) I have a cumulative gpa of 2.87 I work full time and college was secondary to supporting my fiance and I through college, but I am a very intelligent person, and a great leader and have excelled to management positions almost everywhere I have worked. My question here is what area's in the asvab are directly related to aeronotics and SAR, and what did you guys do in order to enter into these programs? and how much will my gpa affect my entrance into these programs or will the asvab supercede that?
6.) I am having trouble finding a coast guard recruitor, and when I got contacted by one he sounded like coasties arent in demand...was I getting the wrong impression? I already have my application filled out to a T and ready to enlist....anyone know any recruitors who could help me around the minnesota area? Seems like alot of the numbers I call are old and disconnected
I really appreciate all of your guys time and would appreciate all and any insight you all are willing to give!!!!
Grateful Coastie/naval Helo hopeful
-Joshua
ps. The coast guard will be my fulltime career