For all who were prior service before joining the Coast Guard, how would you describe the transition and experience?

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 17:46:25 -0500

I just got off active duty Navy (currently a drilling reservist) a year ago and almost finished with the recruitment process for entering the active Coast Guard. I am aware of DEPOT but from the looks of it, the program is incredibly selective and geared more towards reservists in spite of the fact that the eligibility requirements are fairly simple. Beyond that, it is my understanding that the majority of all prior service applicants from the other branches attend the regular 8-week recruit training program. On a side note, if I were to process into any of the other branches I'd have to attend their respective regular boot camp anyway. That being said, I am more than prepared to attend regular boot camp with the Coast Guard and wanted to gain some insight. For all you veterans who were prior service with the other branches before joining the Coast Guard, how would you describe the transition and experience? (especially if you also did the regular 8-week indoctrination).

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2017 9:02 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 21:02:52 -0500

It was an adjustment. I went from the Marines over in 1997. It’s a different mission and lifestyle. With that being said, I loved being a Marine but I found my home here. Over 20 in the Coast Guard

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Dec 1 at 2017 3:38 PM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 15:38:54 -0500

I was not prior service but knew several shipmates who were, and they all went through boot camp, although in a separate group that was not subject to the PT and extreme discipline associated with boot camp. Keep in mind an awful lot of water has gone over the proverbial dam, since then so your mileage may vary.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2017 1:08 AM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 01:08:00 -0500

Army boot camp in 87, CG boot camp in 97. Happy to discuss. PM if you'd like.

Response by CPO Bernie Penkin made Dec 6 at 2017 11:21 AM

CPO Bernie Penkin — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 11:21:18 -0500

I went from acitve Navy to CG Reserve in 86. In 89 I shifted to active CG. No program was available at the time so I got a set of orders to a 110 in Virginia along with a reporting date. Fortunately the crew was grwat and I got up to speed quickly. Retired in 05.