Posted on Jun 15, 2017
SN Boat Crew
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I'm in the SELRES trying to resume active duty but contemplating switching branches as a backup plan just in case. For all of you who went from the navy to coast guard, what was it like? That is, DEPOT, A-school, the experience of being underway, etc.
What are the similarities and differences to the overall experience of being a sailor vs a guardsman?
Where were your favorite places of duty you were stationed at?

Just FYI, I was an OS when I was on active duty, which a recruiter hinited to me it was on the ORL. Would I still be going to A-school in that case?
Posted in these groups: United states coast guard seal Coast GuardC8005900 Sailors
Edited 7 y ago
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Responses: 5
SN Greg Wright
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Point of order: Puddle Pirates are Sailors, too.
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LTC Substitute Teacher
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Edited 7 y ago
Although I have never been officially in either service. I have worked very closely with both. I was a civilian college instructor out to sea for 2 6-week periods aboard Navy ships. I have also been a Sea Cadet and Sea Cadet adult leader and have been aboard Navy ships underway for 2 week periods in those capacities. I also been out to Sea for 2 1-week periods with the Coast Guard as with the Sea Cadets and Navy League. I am also in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and have worked with the active duty officers and enlisted members of the CG. (Pretty good for an Army guy!) I thoroughly enjoyed all the above, however, I do pick up on cultural differences, I think the Coast Guard is more informal with rank; they follow military and maritime protocol, take there job seriously, but everyday contact seems more casual. I think Navy leaders tend to micromanage more than do Coast Guard leaders. I think that the CG, being a smaller service and having more real word missions on a daily basis, accounts for much of that. Young Coasties tend to get more responsibility earlier than in the Navy. As a result the morale appears to be higher among lower and mid-grades officers and enlisted. Again, this is gut-level generalization of things that I sense. However, I have a great deal of respect and admiration for both our Navy and Coast Guard personnel. They all work hard and long hours. I am very proud to have been affiliated with both services in those roles.
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PO1 John Johnson
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Edited 7 y ago
You won't find any, because we don't let former Squids in the CG. They can't figure how to chill out and enjoy the job, and we don't want to spend years repairing the damage the Navy did!
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PO1 John Johnson
PO1 John Johnson
7 y
Oh wait., PO2 Zach; you're a Gunners Mate! We'll let you in because you play with guns!
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SN Boat Crew
SN (Join to see)
7 y
Sorry to disappoint but I was an OS during my active duty days...
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PO1 John Johnson
PO1 John Johnson
7 y
SN (Join to see) - Your short profile, if one moves the cursor to your name, states "Navy, Gunners Mate".
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