How log should I expect to be on the waiting list for the Intelligence Specialist A-school (Coast Guard)?

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 00:40:01 -0500

I am prior Navy going into the Coast Guard but have yet to officially sign a contract of enlistment. One option of mine is to go in as a non-rate then test the waters before selecting a rating I know I will wholeheartedly embrace. Another option I am exploring is trying to get a guaranteed A-school before signing my contract. My top choice would be the IS rating. I got a 93 on my ASVAB, if that helps. Whether I go in as a non-rate or wait until my recruiter is able to guarantee me a billet for IS A-school, how long could I expect to wait before reporting to Yorktown for this rate?

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2018 3:42 AM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 03:42:41 -0500

PO M,
You will probably have a shorter wait time if you go in as a non-rate. The wait times vary depending on personnel needs of the service as well as other various situations (gov't shutdown perhaps?). A recruiter will be able to more accurately predict your specific wait time depending upon your choice.

My $.02: I came in as a non-rate and it completely changed my mind about what I wanted to do in the CG. I got to actually see what all of the ratings did rather than making a decision based upon another person's info.

Whatever you decide, the CG is an awesome service and I am humbled to have been in the company of the folks that I work with every day.

Good Luck and see you around the guard!

MC G

Response by PO2 Katie Benson made Jan 26 at 2018 10:54 AM

PO2 Katie Benson — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 10:54:52 -0500

Good luck!

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jan 26 at 2018 5:12 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 17:12:15 -0500

The question isn't how long is your wait before reporting to A-School... because you know the answer to this. You go to A-school right away. Your question should be how long could you be waiting before your class begins and that answer is it could be awhile.

You are prior service, so you've already been through this all before. If there aren't enough students to conduct a class, then they're not going to conduct a class. And they won't start the class until they have a full roster of students.

So until that point, you'll be at A-school... standing duty... playing phone watch... conducting field day and general cleanup.