Coast Guard or Navy?

Question

I'm considering joining a branch after I graduate with my Bachelor's degree. I'm hung up between joining the Navy or the Coast Guard.

My reasons for joining of course include things like serving my country, an opportunity to travel, and gaining confidence...but I also have to look at the financial and career benefits as well.

I know the Navy will pay back my federal student loans...but will the Coast Guard?

I'd like to go into law enforcement (which is what my degree is for), so which one is more likely to get me there?

Thanks!

I'm not making any life changing decisions here. I'm just looking for more opinions than my own or a recruiter.

Answer 1

I believe both the Cost Guard and the Navy will offer you tuition reimbursement for your student loans if you are eligible for the related duty assignment, and both are excellent stepping stones to careers in law enforcement.
If you want international travel I'd suggest the Navy since the Coast Guard is primarily charged with patrolling the domestic waters claimed by the U.S.
Whatever you do make sure you spend a lot of time talking to both recruiters. Plan on several visits to explore your options.Make lists of questions and take notes.Then go back and ask more questions. Take your time and make sure of your decisions before you sign anything. This really will require several discussions with the recruiters but it will be worth it in the long run.

Answer 2

The only way your are going to do any type of law enforcement is to join the navy or join the coast gaurd reserves. The active duty coast gaurd doesnt have law enforcement it a reserve job with them. You say you want to join for financial and career beifits and traveling. Well Navy master at arms( which is there military police) dont get to travel to much. Says one I know. Now since its career advanment and taveling you are looking for have you ever looked into Army Military police. They give bonuses and promotions faster. They also travel alot more. The MP corp in the army is a highly deployed MOS. MPs are needed everywhere in the world. I am not saying this because I am an Army MP but just because I have been places and asked a lot of questions because I always wonder if I should of joined a different branch. But if I should only choose between the navy and coast gaurd I would join the navy.

Answer 3

I can't speak for the Coast Guard but I was in the Navy. I served on an aircraft carrier for 4 years and have been to Hawaii 4 times, the Phillipines 4 times, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand , Australia, Canada and I've crossed the equator four times. I could kick myself for not staying in but while I was in I had one hell of a good time. I'm not sure the Coast Guard travels that extensively.

Answer 4

the Coast Guard's reison d'etre is Federal Law enforcement. Bear in mind that the College Loan repayment program is NOT offered to Officer candidates, only enlistees.

HOWEVER, the CG is probably only taking about 1200 people TOTAL this year, whereas the Navy will be taking about 3-4 times that, so unless you are the best of the best, you may have issues.

Answer 5

the navy affords you a vast plate to choose from when it comes to careers and you can be stationed in a lot of different places. the coast guard is based state side. in the navy you can get into judge advocate division (the legal arm of the navy) and you can get a wealth of experience.

Answer 6

Hmm. i'm becoming to be a member of the Air rigidity or the Marines. i'm in a similar boat nonetheless i'm undecided which one! Ugh, i'm a freshman in college and that i'm waiting to enlist now. the only tips i ought to grant you is that the Coast shelter's boot camp is the 2d toughest in basic terms after the USMC.

Answer 7

The U.S. Army, a key component of the U.S. Armed Forces, is made up of the best-trained, most dedicated, most respected Soldiers in the world — protecting America’s freedoms at home and abroad, securing our homeland, and defending democracy worldwide.

A Soldier in the U.S. Army is the embodiment of physical strength, emotional strength and strength of purpose. As a Soldier, you will be prepared to serve our country whenever and wherever you are needed, combat-ready at all times, trained to counter any threat, anywhere.

The Army prepares you to be your best. That includes expert training in any of over 150 careers. Learn about the unmatched training, job experience and career foundation you will get as a Soldier in the Army.

SSG Schramm
US Army 15 years
OIF 2003
US Army Recruiter 3 years running in Texas

Answer 8

again it bothers me that people will make life decisions on this net -- for petes sake call write or visit the Coast Guards office or web site -- why waste valuable time on this site with a question like this??? u people scare me

Answer 9

i would personally go for coast guard

Answer 10

Go Navy!!