FlyingCowboy
New Member
Greetings, all. I've spent the last six months or so reading through the USCG forum here on AirWarriors and have gleaned a trove of information, but now I'm trying to apply my own specs to the challenge of becoming an aviator for the Guard. I was hoping one or several of you would please lend me your ears. I'm at a pivotal point in the decision-making process; your advice would be very much appreciated.
I am a 21 year old male. Gone through 3 years and 2 summers of college pursuing a Criminal Justice degree. I'm currently taking a year (or so) off from being student to work and get my affairs in order, and absolutely intend to return and finish my degree.
I contacted a recruiter, and got back an automated message telling me to fill out preliminary forms from gocoastguard.com. I checked and I meet the minimum requirements to apply, but the requirements for aviation applicants are much higher. I understand I need to have a bachelor degree, graduate with at least a 2.5, and score a 109 on the ASVAB, among other things. I have not yet submitted an application.
Therein lies my first issue- I took a year off because I had an embarrassingly bad semester which really swamped my GPA. I did the calculations and I can absolutely bring it back to a 2.5 before I graduate, but should I wait until I reach that number before applying? Frankly, I wouldn't take someone with my current record seriously, were I that recruiter. I could promise to work hard, but talk is cheap.
Second issue- I read on here that having prior aviation experience (ie being fixed-wing or rotary certified) will give me an advantage over other applicants, should I go to OCS. Would being fully certified (or even dual certified) counterbalance a rocky academic record? I'm saving money and investigating financing options to pay for certification, but I don't know how much difference it would make to the Guard. I understand they want good leaders first and good fliers second.
Third issue- suppose, for any given reason, I still don't meet the requirements to apply for aviation. Does the Direct Commission Program only accept applicants with prior military background? Or would the panel consider a candidate who flew for, say, a Search and Rescue group or some other paramilitary/civilian organisation? Those are paths I'm considering if the Guard doesn't work out.
I realize that I could easily start as an Enlisted man and eventually apply to OCS, but flying is my passion and a direct path would be preferred. I also realize that the Guard right now is under a tight budget and is not really accepting *any* applicants. Glad I've still got three or four years of work before applying.
Thank you for anything you can offer. I'll continue to scan the forums for answers.
I am a 21 year old male. Gone through 3 years and 2 summers of college pursuing a Criminal Justice degree. I'm currently taking a year (or so) off from being student to work and get my affairs in order, and absolutely intend to return and finish my degree.
I contacted a recruiter, and got back an automated message telling me to fill out preliminary forms from gocoastguard.com. I checked and I meet the minimum requirements to apply, but the requirements for aviation applicants are much higher. I understand I need to have a bachelor degree, graduate with at least a 2.5, and score a 109 on the ASVAB, among other things. I have not yet submitted an application.
Therein lies my first issue- I took a year off because I had an embarrassingly bad semester which really swamped my GPA. I did the calculations and I can absolutely bring it back to a 2.5 before I graduate, but should I wait until I reach that number before applying? Frankly, I wouldn't take someone with my current record seriously, were I that recruiter. I could promise to work hard, but talk is cheap.
Second issue- I read on here that having prior aviation experience (ie being fixed-wing or rotary certified) will give me an advantage over other applicants, should I go to OCS. Would being fully certified (or even dual certified) counterbalance a rocky academic record? I'm saving money and investigating financing options to pay for certification, but I don't know how much difference it would make to the Guard. I understand they want good leaders first and good fliers second.
Third issue- suppose, for any given reason, I still don't meet the requirements to apply for aviation. Does the Direct Commission Program only accept applicants with prior military background? Or would the panel consider a candidate who flew for, say, a Search and Rescue group or some other paramilitary/civilian organisation? Those are paths I'm considering if the Guard doesn't work out.
I realize that I could easily start as an Enlisted man and eventually apply to OCS, but flying is my passion and a direct path would be preferred. I also realize that the Guard right now is under a tight budget and is not really accepting *any* applicants. Glad I've still got three or four years of work before applying.
Thank you for anything you can offer. I'll continue to scan the forums for answers.