What is the toughest job in the United States Coast Guard? Why?

While I doubt many would agree.... ATON is a rough business... In 92' I was the DC3 assigned to ANT NY, a 17 member unit with 2-21' Small Boats and 2-49' "A" Frame ATON Boats, when a Nor'easter hit the East Coast in mid-late December.... Our unit lost over 50 buoys (a few of which never were recovered and probably still sit at the bottom of the East River and KVK) while others required serious repairs to the lights or had to be re-positioned, had damage to numerous Light structures, 16 of which were completely destroyed and had to be rebuilt, and countless Dayboards were damaged or destroyed (Probably about 1/3 of the boards in our operational area).... And all in the New York City area from Fort Totten to Sandy Hook, West Point to Ambrose Tower.... We worked 18-20 hour days for over a month (including weekends) restoring navigation to the area in just above to sub-freezing temperatures and Ice Flow conditions wearing ratted out Mustangs and soaked to the core.... Like I said...ATON is a rough business.....

Army Reserve Public Affairs Officer makes a joke about coasties. Most press he ever got.

Finding the person who poured the last cup of coffee without brewing a fresh pot!

The toughest job for me was going from Alaska to Buffalo, Ny, fresh water sailors have no clue.

Rescue swimmer in Alaska!!!

Making sure you are over 6' tall? Why is that you ask? Everyone knows that you have to be 6' tall or more to join the USCG. That way when your boat sinks, your head is still above water!

Toughest mental/emotional/career job?

Recruiter. 7;^P
Why? Duh...

Humor aside, I have no clue, but bouncing across the waves in a RHIB to do an Inspection / Boarding Action (or whatever it's called)... not me. Mi MUCHO GRANDE wuss-bucket... gimme a nice, safe, 25 mph blind-sprint sitting next to a nuclear power plant at least 400' underwater, daring the 1000's of psi to crush you like a grape.

I got out po3 because all I did was swab decks and stand watches. All my fault because of being immature and stupid. My father was a Marine so I was torn between the Corp and the Navy. A brother (who was in the Navy) of one of the guys I joined with talked us out of the Navy and said join the Guard. Rest is history.

CAPT Edward Eng - Sir, I would love to hear your feedback on this one.

Rescue swimmers... Why is obvious