Should I join the Coast guard after I get my A.S. or before or while getting it?

Question

I have started my fall semester at a community college for an A.P.S. degree in Fire service manangment. What my parents want me to do is finish my degree (it takes about 2 years) and then join the coast guard. I want to join the coast guard now though and finish while I am in the military. How easy is it to finish a degree while you are in the service? I know the benifits of a degree can be great, but I feel that I have a deep connection to the coast guard and Search and Rescue and rather not spend two years just of school.

Answer 1

I agree that you should get your degree first. This will give you a leg up in the Coast Guard and will lead to better training and assignments.

I completed about 1.5 years of college when I was in the Army, and this was during a three-year enlistment. It was fairly easy doing this, as the Army went out of its way to give me time for schooling. It also earned me some brownie points toward promotion. However, I would have started out on a stronger footing in the Army if I had my two-year degree.

I don't know how easy it is to go to school while you're in the Coast Guard. If you are in port every night, it's probably not too hard. If you are at sea for weeks at a time or going from port to port, it will be harder. Either way, you have my admiration and best wishes. Serving in the military is a good thing and you show us respect with your willingness to join.

Answer 2

I have been through the process though I never formally joined the Coast Guard. I suggest you finish your A.S. before going to the Coast Guard. The best reason is because they'll give you rank, Seaman. This will you a better salary through training and after training. Once you are a seaman, it'll only take you 6 months to become a petty officer 3rd class.

Another problem with not getting your education first is that some courses will not transfer into the coast guard community college. Sometimes your commanding officer will not let you continue your studies, and you always face the danger of being deployed, though rare in the Coast Guard.

Answer 3

Please get your AS first. I have serveral friends and family memebers who join the service in search of serving there country while going to school. I don't know all of the specifics behind it verbatim, but school is optional once your join, and it depends on the approval of the authorities. If your degree is in something that would benefit the coast guard then you may not have a problem. I would not fall victim of the many promises without reading between the lines. The wises thing in my opinion would be to listen to the advise of your parents. Although it is hard to say "your right" I will go to school and get my degree first. Good Luck!!!

Answer 4

I suggest you get your schooling completed before joining the Coast Guard. Once you are in, you could be deployed at any time to any place. I think it would be impossible to complete school because you won't be able to attend all the classes and may be expected to be somewhere when your finals are being held.