What are the positives and negatives of the Coast Guard branch?

Question

I am looking at going into the military and I would like to know more about this branch. Any info will help....boot-camp, basic training, physical requirements, new lifestyle, jobs to look for?!?!?!

Answer 1

The boot camp in the Coast Guard is basically the same with other branch of service but is primarily concerned in relation to marine operations.

Answer 2

I just posted the below on another question someone asked on which branch to join. So I'm pasting it over here as well.

It depends on what you want to do though. The CG is a bit limited when it comes to rates. The rates that advance the fastest and have the most opportunity (more billets avaiable) I'd say MKs, EMs, SKs or BMs (mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, storekeeper, or boswains mate)

Boot camp is just as tough as the other serivces and you go the East coast....Cape May, New Jersey. Only one spot.
Here's a link to more detailed information.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/coastguard/United_States_Coast_Guard.htm

Although each service is unique in it's own way and all are an honor to be a part of, the Coast Guard is often forgotten. They fall under homeland security after 9/11 but enjoy much of the same benefits all other branches have. The pay grade and ranks are the same as Navy, but usually you'll advance alot quicker due to the smaller size of the CG. Husband has been in now for 16 years total, the last 7 have been in the USCG and he made Chief last spring. Making E7 in seven years is unheard of in the Navy.
If you're stationed on a ship, then you're out quite a bit, it just depends on what kind of ship. There are also lots of shore duty billets as well. Even LORAN stations that are pretty remote like Montana for example. Coast Guard are everywhere, maybe not as largely as Navy with bases all over the world, but we're currently stationed in Guam for the next 3 years. If you're looking to go to Iraq in any way you have to volunteer in the CG to go overseas. Yes, the Coast Guard is over there too.
The Coast Guard is a bit harder to get into, but if you're physically sound and can find a recruiter, I'd definetly say it's worth your time and effort to check out before you go signing any dotted lines.
Coast Guard is the military's best kept secret. Good luck and it's cool that you're even considering joining one of the armed services.

Answer 3

the two branch? There are 5 branches to the Armed centers- military, military, Air rigidity, Marines, and Coast shelter. What do you opt to get out the journey? There are experts and cons to each and each branch. i'm an 11C military vet, and my reviews differed a great deal from a cousin of mine who grew to become into interior the Air Police on the comparable time.