what exactly is a merchant marine? and how long does the schooling take? and r they part of the coast guard? also y would u need to b one if ur working on a cruise ship? and if u r a merchant marine and u r in the coast gurad dont u have to be living near like a base or something? u can't live in o say pittsburgh can u?
2007-07-15 16:07:01 · 3 answers · asked by manda 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Amanda, The Merchant Marine is our maritime service. It transport goods and when necessary men by sea.
In WW II, the merchant marine was adjuncted to the US Government and served gallantly transporting men and material in the war effort. In WW II the merchant ships in addition to normal crew, had armed military personnel aboard to help protect the vessel, crew and their cargo. The vessels were likewise fitted with weapons and the military personnel were there to man those weapons.
It is not a part of the US Coast Guard but may. in times of unease, be subordinated to Homeland Security.
I do not know if this is the case currently. The Coast Guard is subordinate to Homeland Security and it plainly state this atop the CG ID. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is likewise part of Homeland Security.
It is important that US companies who use shipping services use US flag carriers for some of their shipments. We, as a country, need a healthy and profitable Merchant Fleet in order to have them available in times of conflict.
Hope this helps.
Jim D
2007-07-15 16:39:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's a link which will answer most of your questions. It's the web site for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy:
http://www.usmma.edu
2007-07-15 23:15:45 · answer #2 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Merchant Marines are not part of the US Military....
2007-07-15 23:09:58 · answer #3 · answered by idontgetit 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋