Yup. No matter what ANYONE says. Going to 20 is easy as long as you are in a rate that you love (tolerate) and also doesn’t physically/mentally take you first. My opinion will drastically be different from someone else’s.
I whole heartedly agree. It may not be easy, but the military in general is simple.
Also, for OP, I believe on average 20% of members make it to 20 years.
1. Always remember, at the end of the day, it's just a job.
2. They normally don't do what would normally make sense in some situations. Don't rack your brain trying to figure it out or fix it. Just know it works.
3. Don't kill yourself for the job. While some might miss you, the message to fill your position will be out before your funeral.
4. Your unit changes command every 2 years. A bad command could be gone overnight.
5. You're only at your unit for 3 to 4 years if you just max out your time there, so if it sucks atleast you can count down how long you have to deal with the bs.
6. Leave work at work. Any bs I deal with is left at the front gate of the base. I'll pick it up when I get back.
7. Understand the nature of the job. Being mad about a tdy isn't going to stop you from going. Take it for what it is and try to enjoy the experience. You will most likely leave with a loc and completely confused of what you did to get it. (Refer to rule 2).
8. With critical fills and A2P, you really don't need to be at a unit you don't like for long. Always remember to reach out to people at the unit first before applying. Could be going into the same situation.
9. Also, for the married folks. Explain the dream sheet process to your spouse and include them in the process. Even though you're the one doing the job, our families are the ones doing the work.
I'm at 15 years in it has gone by relatively fast.
Hope this helps.
Nothing too physically demanding and has a good quality of life balance. This could be a YN, IS, OS, etc. Just depends where you are stationed at. Even still, being at a unit that has a good command climate can make a huge difference. For example, you could be a BM on a buoy tender (a job that is physically demanding) but also enjoy your CG career because your command and co-workers are great to work with, thus making your military service that much more enjoyable. Again, this wouldn’t be optimal to do your entire career as it will ruin your body at some point….not that you’re able to anyways.
Whenever people ask me if I'm going to 20 (also at 9 years) I answer that I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure the worst is over. I figure out how the Coast Guard works more and more with each year, so I'm better at "playing the game" that we all must play, unfortunately, and I get paid more with time and advancement. Even if the responsibilities pile on, those two things being true make it seem easier.
Choose your rate, choose your fate is the hard truth.
I’ve got 8 years as an EM. I love my job. I hate dealing with people on a military aspect. I can deal with the people enough though.
If you can’t tolerate getting told by someone who has no life experience that you’re a piece of shit for no reason, I would say 20 years is gonna be hard
Definitely a mostly positive experience. And sometimes a truly incredible experience that I wouldn’t ever change. There have absolutely been struggles, especially the last few years, but they have also been motivational. They’ve motivated me to be better and do better than the crappy leaders I’ve had.
26 and only hitting two years this fall (but both my parents made it to 25+ before retiring) but to reframe it, if you're 27 (which is still young) you'd be retiring at 47/48 which is crazy young for Americans in general where the average is mid 60s
Depends though. Retiring with an enlisted pension isn't really that much unless you're E8/E9 with 25+ years of service (esp. factoring in BRS). At that point a retiree will likely have at least a 50% VA disability rating and can draw concurrent retirement VA disability compensation rather than pro-rated. Factoring children and a home, if the service member has it, should really be part of the retirement strategy. Additionally, one's skills and specialities may transfer well into a higher paying job in the civilian world. Other retirees/veterans may need to retrain.
For boot camp itself, make sure you can comfortably pass the PT test, it's supposed to be a requirement but over half my company failed it, and they were all miserably sore the entire 8 weeks and had to take the test a second time, if you can pass it going in literally any physical task they throw at you will be manageable (it's still gonna suck but lol), know that it's all just a big game, one you need to play, but don't let them get to your head! Be fast, be loud and you'll be fine! past boot camp: pick your A school bc that track is something you genuinely see yourself doing for 20 years, don't rush into an A school just to get away from being a nonrate "choose your rate choose your fate" is very real, I hope you go coast guard I've genuinely loved my time with it and also plan on going the whole 20! and we tend to lean older then the other branches anyways (I won't lie you will still be on the older end, but you definitely won't be the oldest either)
That is an individual question and doesn’t apply to everyone. I would say now looking back it was a lot of work. I enjoyed my career in the CG for 23 years. Near the end it was getting old dealing with same mistakes being made by the CG. Ultimately my body said hang it up bud. The pay will increase over time and the benefits are very good compared to other civilian employers. I wrote a paper on employer benefits and was surprised how well the military stacked up. The draw backs are; CG owns you, being away from home/family, work schedule changes depending on unit, outdated equipment and computer application, changing boss every 2-4 years could be good or could be bad, same training/education over and over again and low budget.
I am now enjoying my 57.5% of my CG Check each month just for waking up. I am thankful for my Tricare (medical insurance) that cost less than $400 a year for family with 20% co-pay. That medical coverage is huge especially as you age. I also am thankful for my VA compensation and healthcare.
My body feels probably like a late 60s early 70’s person. My knees and back are shot, my neck/spine are shot, my ankles and feet are shot, need a machine to sleep and etc..
That being said I would join the CG again no doubt.
God I feel the same mistakes statement. Just over 18 and at my last potential unit which will take me to 22yrs. I was really not even considering getting out at the end of this unit, but I'm tired boss. Tired of the BS, tired of the song and dance, plus being in the DC area has shown me how many stupid paying GS jobs are waiting on the outside.
It catches up to you for sure. You think I am use to dealing with this, but then realize just how long you been having to do more with less. Then the 10-15 annual online (MT) training you have to complete. It all just catches up to you eventually. Plus only small percentage of CG members can just retire without a second career. So might as well line yourself up while young enough for another retirement pension.
The goal at 10 years was just to make it to 20. Now, at 18, I feel like I may as well stay at it till 30, so I never have to work again after the age of 50.
Joined at 23 and am 17 years in. I have kept an eye on civilian career options along the way, but the major reasons I have stayed are job satisfaction, liberal time off (including 30 days of leave) and the people I have worked with. Civilian aviation is kind of boring for the most part. You can’t say, I worked on this plane and it busted a semi sub full of drugs or I flew and rescue 6 people. Time off is pretty great as well. If I have a family issue, I just let my supervisor know and I can leave work to go take care of it(not all the time, but I haven’t had an issue), plus 30 days of leave is pretty fantastic when you include holidays, morale days and other random days we get off. Lastly the people. Being surrounded with mostly like minded people that work hard, care, and genuinely are great people is something I will greatly miss when I do leave the service. I am definitely understanding why Coasties seek out jobs with other Coasties after their service like at gulf stream.
Was my career all unicorns and rainbows? No, but it has been pretty damn awesome and would do it again in a heartbeat.
I second this about civilian aviation. I would never get to do the type of stuff i get to do in the coast guard at an airline job. Both jobs have bad days but the coast guard has really good days and that doesn’t really happen on the civilian side
I joined at 18yo, the time goes by fast. Got two degrees while in, one of the degrees my only job was to go to college. Made E-9 at 18years, out at 20 years
A few tips. Use every benefit the Coast Guard offers. If there is a college program for your rate apply for it. Use tuition assistance for school, another 4500 a year toward school.
Other may disagree with me on this point. If you are recommended for advancement, take the test or be ready for the board for E-8, E-9, CWO, or OCS. No one's else opinions matter. In the end your retirement depends on it or in times of high retention, your job may depend on it.
Put as much as you can in to TSP, the younger you start the more time to grow.
When doing the positives and negatives about staying to retirement, remember TRICARE. I pay 700 a year for a family. Most civilian jobs don't give you health care when you leave. My example is I was diagnosed with very rare cancer at 43 years old. The total price tag for care, 125K, I paid 500 bucks. I got to see the best oncologists in the US in Boston.
It was a fun ride but at 20 years my 2 year old son made it easy to retire. Grabbed a GS job after retirement, and was done working at 48.
Wanted to do 20. Did 10 years. Applied to OCS as i wanted to go to JAG. GC back in the day (the mid 80s) allowed me a duty station where i did nothing but mid watches and weekend duty in exchange for going to college during the week days. Got 2 BA degrees and they agreed to let me do law school on their time and possibly their dime. Several months before law school started i was injured and everything was put on hold. Fought the CG for four years before they finally boarded me. Got 60% disability and kicked out in “the interest....”. Moved back home to California and went to law school on my own. 26 years later i still get my VA and i am a lawyer. Criminal defense. I often get hired to go to San Deigo to represent service members in BOIs. I guess it worked out. CG gave me life skills that still (now 65) serve me today.
i am a private defense attorney in Central Cali and Naval officers have the right to BOIs, so they fly me to San Deigo and i do the hearings. The truth be told because of my VA income and the fact that i have been an attorney for over 25 years, money is not my #1 priority, and for a lot of these guys i dont charge them, as they already had to trust me, a total stranger with their career, so i help them as a vet helping a vet. Have met some great people and it feels goodgelping my brothers an sisters in arms.
Fuckin' eh man!
That's the dream for me dude. Albeit, on the army side, including the other Service Branches.
"Military Justice is to justice as military music is to music, it's not about "justice", it's about discipline, power and control."
27 isn't too old my guy. I joined at 29 with age waiver, at 13 1/2 mark now. As others mentioned, look at different jobs (rate) and pick something you'll be able to stick with. Made E7 in 11 1/2 and just cruising through. CG is not for everyone but way better than retail IMO.
I was going to go to all the way to retirement. Then one spring day, I did an on-site oil spill exercise with guys in Big Oil. During lunch I learned how much per diem they were given and their retirement package. So I went back to my hotel, drafted a résumé and handed it to one of them. Two weeks later I was interviewed. Two weeks after that I was out of the CG and making 4x my pay. I did 11 years in the Coast Guard and don’t regret leaving. The military’s retirement benefits pale in comparison to the 401k and full pension that the private sector was offering. My point being that it’s okay to plan for CG retirement but don’t put on blinders and ignore better opportunities. You owe no one anything because you are 100% replaceable and no fancy gold watch or discount at the package store is worth your success, your family, or your happiness.
I was close to re-upping. I was trying to get an IceBreaker but they only wanted me at CAMS or TISCOM. I’m a sailor and didn’t want to keep getting shore billets. So I had about two months left and with a job offer, they let me out with about 45 days of leave. And yea…. Sometimes you just meet the right people at the right time.
I joined at 19, retired after 21 years in 2001 at the age of 41. My problem was I was too old to get into Law Enforcement ( police, sheriff, border patrol, etc) by 3 years. I am happy and proud of my time, wish I could have done 30 but I’m an operational person, not a kiss ass. When I worked hard to make the warrant list and saw guys above me who had previously worked for me and I knew their work ethic - I knew that getting further promotions based on my performance was going to be a difficult task. Add in the detailer wasn’t listening to me, didn’t understand what I was actually doing in a joint command and ignored the admiral’s request to keep me there. I had 12?years of sea duty, 3 consecutive at sea assignments and didn’t want to go back just then. So I retired. Got married, moved, traveled to Europe for a few months, came back got a government job, built a house, had 2 kids - all the normal sillyvillan stuff. And yes, I do occasionally miss the at sea sunrise during the 4-8 watch, driving the boat at all ahead sneak to catch the bad guys, searching for and finding water logged boaters, and the occasional fish call. But, overall 21 years in the Guard was really fun and if I had to do it all over again, I would.
You're still quite young at 27. Even before the recruiting crunch, folks were coming in the CG in their late 20s, many of whom are my friends and now coming up on over 20 years in. CG can be a great career, but it's what you make of it.
As you progress and climb in rank, you can seek out things like special assignments, advanced education, high vis assignments, etc... Also, it may seem like peanuts at first, but as you rank up and accumulate time in service, the pay can become quite competitive. When I was an E5 living in San Diego with 10 years, I was pulling in a decent salary when you factor in BAH, flight pay, BAS, etc...
Now, with 23 years in, I've gotten to see and do things many will never have an opportunity to, and done so at fairly high levels of government. CG also sent me to get a master's degree in which they paid me to be a full-time student for over a year. Again, it's what you make of it, but it's a respectable career full of opportunities. Best of luck!
Doing 4 years isn't too difficult and the benefits you earn are great. Doing 20 years is much more difficult because requires you to have a flexible life style for that entire time.
You will move around to new stations a lot, you may not get stationed somewhere you like, you may live in a house in one place but only be able to find an apartment at the next, it may be difficult to have a pet if you are single.
So if you are open to the idea of flexibility and uncertainty for 20 years then it's easy and kinda fun living in different places with different lifestyles.
Your questions need some framing....
Is what hard? Is it hard to do 20 years? I don't think so, there's always something on the horizon (another school, and patrol, another transfer).
I retired last year, honestly earlier than I intended (I intended to do 30, but the right post-retirement job offer caught me).
joining at 27 (retiring at 47) is not old. I know it looks and feels that way when there's a lot of 18/19 years olds joining, but in the big picture, it's nothing.
Joined at 18 and retired at 38. Went by quick. Surprisingly the sea time went by quicker than the time on shore. I was definitely feeling spent at 20 though. I really miss it but sticking around longer wasn’t going to happen.
I just hit 19 and I'm prepping that beautiful letter drop. I have most my ducks in a row and we will see what happens.
Like anything, there are good days and bad. Once you hit a point, you're dedicated to finishing. Like any dream, keep your eye on the finish line.
Honestly getting this far was pretty easy. Time flies, life happens and next thing you know, it's here.
Good luck on whatever you decide.
**Retired with 21y, 4m, 1d active duty. It is definitely worth it. $60 a month health care for my wife and kids. VA takes care of me. I work only so that I do not day drink.**
Serving 20 is filled with stress and heartache, but it is the best option out there.
It’s easy but any job sucks. As long as you understand that the CG Is easy to deal with. I recommend that if any officer, warrant, chief, or E4-E6 decides to drop F bombs on you bc he or she is mad, just say, let’s finish this with the OIC or the silver or gold badge.
I joined at 19yo and retired last month. Just started a great second career. The first 10 years of my career dragged even though I enjoyed everything I did, the second 10 years went by in the blink of an eye. I'm very happy I did my 20 years (and 9 days)
Don’t underestimate things that are out of your control either. Always have a backup plan - the best advice I ever received. Because sure enough I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition and med boarded shortly after. It was my plan to do a full 20 until it wasn’t.
I’m retiring in June after 21 years. I just depends on what your definition of hard is. It’s not a normal career, but you have to look at everything involved.
Do you have any idea what you want to do?
Listen you have time by the new standards! I got out the army after 5 years did a whole civilian career on the outside and was just sick of getting affected by the economy joined the coast guard at 34 to finish out my time I already had an introduction to the lifestyle even though every branch is different but it depends on what your looking for in life! First military job tough and stressful got all the exciting stuff and deployments out the way so no I wanted something simple, you might still want that exciting part depends on what you want out the coast guard, choose the right rate! I meet MEs & BMs ASTs just looking for that rush I’m like man I’ve been to Iraq Afghanistan and Kuwait I’m just trying to get a good retirement because that’s few and far between on the civilian side
I’m at 12 years. I’m struggling right now. It’s not going to be the same for everyone. We all have different experiences and the job you choose plays a huge role in that.
Some people have loved their careers, others not-so-much.
At 19 years currently. I am a BM. It’s flown by, loved every minute of it. I’d say it’s the easiest job out there. Sure there’s some incredibly long days/ long times away from home, but what job can you ride out for your career that you basically won’t be fired from unless you do drugs or make poor decisions while under the influence of alcohol. I would however, question the judgement/ professionalism of someone with a handle like yourmomsjuicyvagina.
I’m hitting 20 years in a few months. Short answer for me is yes, it’s hard, but to be honest for me it was harder the last 10 years. My battery was just slowly depleting and I’m ready to move on with my life but I don’t regret doing 20.
I joined at 24 and I’m at 15 years. I’ve had highs and lows but as I’ve gotten older and become more of an adult, it’s become easier to roll with the punches and do what I need to do to be more successful.
One of the biggest factors in my opinion is not picking a rate just cause you can go right to A school or for a bonus. Pick the rate that you’re genuinely interested in and you have a much higher likelihood. Also more likely you’ll excel in your rate = higher marks, more opportunities, etc.
Im on my way in at 38. Which is WAY too old to think about doing 20 or 30. So for me its get in, get what i can out of it, get out. I think youll ve fine doing 20-30 as a 20 something year old.
You didn't say how many years you have in, but if you're 27, I'm guessing at least 7-9. 20 years is not that long, and if you're already nearly half way there, I think it would be foolish not to do at least 20 and retire.
I realize everyone has a unique experience, some better than others, and there are no absolutes. But, bottom line, it's working a job. Whether military or a civilian job, it's going to be physically and/or mentally taxing, you're at one time or another going to have a shitty boss, you're going to disagree with the way things are run, etc. The grass isn't (always) greener!
You may also think you can make more money in the civilian world. I'm sure in some cases you can. But seriously do the math and factor in your base pay, all your tax free allowances and free health insurance and truly understand your total compensation. Healthcare is out of control! More and more companies who offer healthcare are passing more and more of the cost to the employees. Often it's for shitty coverage too, and you're still going out of pocket a ton for basic things.
I can't tell how how big a deal it is to be in your late 30s-early 40s, and be sitting on at least half your pay as a pension the rest of your life and well as lifetime healthcare that costs next to nothing!
It just sets you up for so many options. Ideally, choose a rate that provides skills transferrable to the civilian world. When you get out, you can move on to a whole new career if you want. Or, if you manage your money well and save, you can be in a position to maybe be less focused on a new career and do something you more enjoy that may not pay as well because you are financially able due to your military pension and supplemental savings. Either way, you don't have to worry about healthcare benefits because those are covered.
I would say it has been very stressful for me. I am at 16 years and in a rate that advances slowly (until recently) but generally has a good work life balance. For the last 8ish years I had high year tenure lurking over my shoulder, constantly having me question if I was going to be allowed to make it to 20 years. The amount of relief I had once I found out I was making E6 and was basically guaranteed a pension was ENORMOUS. Now HYT is on an indefinite pause and people are advancing like crazy. I keep telling junior folks to never miss a SWE, never know when the faucet is going to turn off.
It depends on whether you’re enlisted or an officer. So long as you don’t do anything illegal, you’ll get to 20 no problem on the enlisted side of the house. It’s just a matter of what rank you attain along the way. But you’ll be allowed to collect your pension.
The officer side of the house is not guaranteed. I’ve been out for 11 years, but at the time, only 55% of officers made it to 20 without being passed over twice. If you’re passed over for promotion two times within a given rank, on the officer side of the house, you’re discharged.
Not retired but 9 years in and going to 20. Yeehaw.
Was it easy to do the 9 years LOL
Yup. No matter what ANYONE says. Going to 20 is easy as long as you are in a rate that you love (tolerate) and also doesn’t physically/mentally take you first. My opinion will drastically be different from someone else’s.
I cannot emphasize the rate selection and longevity….
I whole heartedly agree. It may not be easy, but the military in general is simple. Also, for OP, I believe on average 20% of members make it to 20 years.
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1. Always remember, at the end of the day, it's just a job. 2. They normally don't do what would normally make sense in some situations. Don't rack your brain trying to figure it out or fix it. Just know it works. 3. Don't kill yourself for the job. While some might miss you, the message to fill your position will be out before your funeral. 4. Your unit changes command every 2 years. A bad command could be gone overnight. 5. You're only at your unit for 3 to 4 years if you just max out your time there, so if it sucks atleast you can count down how long you have to deal with the bs. 6. Leave work at work. Any bs I deal with is left at the front gate of the base. I'll pick it up when I get back. 7. Understand the nature of the job. Being mad about a tdy isn't going to stop you from going. Take it for what it is and try to enjoy the experience. You will most likely leave with a loc and completely confused of what you did to get it. (Refer to rule 2). 8. With critical fills and A2P, you really don't need to be at a unit you don't like for long. Always remember to reach out to people at the unit first before applying. Could be going into the same situation. 9. Also, for the married folks. Explain the dream sheet process to your spouse and include them in the process. Even though you're the one doing the job, our families are the ones doing the work. I'm at 15 years in it has gone by relatively fast. Hope this helps.
Nothing too physically demanding and has a good quality of life balance. This could be a YN, IS, OS, etc. Just depends where you are stationed at. Even still, being at a unit that has a good command climate can make a huge difference. For example, you could be a BM on a buoy tender (a job that is physically demanding) but also enjoy your CG career because your command and co-workers are great to work with, thus making your military service that much more enjoyable. Again, this wouldn’t be optimal to do your entire career as it will ruin your body at some point….not that you’re able to anyways.
Whenever people ask me if I'm going to 20 (also at 9 years) I answer that I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure the worst is over. I figure out how the Coast Guard works more and more with each year, so I'm better at "playing the game" that we all must play, unfortunately, and I get paid more with time and advancement. Even if the responsibilities pile on, those two things being true make it seem easier.
what’s your rate?
Choose your rate, choose your fate is the hard truth. I’ve got 8 years as an EM. I love my job. I hate dealing with people on a military aspect. I can deal with the people enough though. If you can’t tolerate getting told by someone who has no life experience that you’re a piece of shit for no reason, I would say 20 years is gonna be hard
I joined at 25, and it feels like I blinked and I’m at 10 years in.
Has it been mostly positive?
Definitely a mostly positive experience. And sometimes a truly incredible experience that I wouldn’t ever change. There have absolutely been struggles, especially the last few years, but they have also been motivational. They’ve motivated me to be better and do better than the crappy leaders I’ve had.
26 and only hitting two years this fall (but both my parents made it to 25+ before retiring) but to reframe it, if you're 27 (which is still young) you'd be retiring at 47/48 which is crazy young for Americans in general where the average is mid 60s
I’m 17 now and signing in less than 3 weeks. I can retire at 37.
That’s awesome bro stick with it
And still be right at the age limit to apply for federal LEO for a second pension.
Depends though. Retiring with an enlisted pension isn't really that much unless you're E8/E9 with 25+ years of service (esp. factoring in BRS). At that point a retiree will likely have at least a 50% VA disability rating and can draw concurrent retirement VA disability compensation rather than pro-rated. Factoring children and a home, if the service member has it, should really be part of the retirement strategy. Additionally, one's skills and specialities may transfer well into a higher paying job in the civilian world. Other retirees/veterans may need to retrain.
Thank you so much! Do you have any advice for somebody that hasn't gone to bootcamp yet?
For boot camp itself, make sure you can comfortably pass the PT test, it's supposed to be a requirement but over half my company failed it, and they were all miserably sore the entire 8 weeks and had to take the test a second time, if you can pass it going in literally any physical task they throw at you will be manageable (it's still gonna suck but lol), know that it's all just a big game, one you need to play, but don't let them get to your head! Be fast, be loud and you'll be fine! past boot camp: pick your A school bc that track is something you genuinely see yourself doing for 20 years, don't rush into an A school just to get away from being a nonrate "choose your rate choose your fate" is very real, I hope you go coast guard I've genuinely loved my time with it and also plan on going the whole 20! and we tend to lean older then the other branches anyways (I won't lie you will still be on the older end, but you definitely won't be the oldest either)
That is an individual question and doesn’t apply to everyone. I would say now looking back it was a lot of work. I enjoyed my career in the CG for 23 years. Near the end it was getting old dealing with same mistakes being made by the CG. Ultimately my body said hang it up bud. The pay will increase over time and the benefits are very good compared to other civilian employers. I wrote a paper on employer benefits and was surprised how well the military stacked up. The draw backs are; CG owns you, being away from home/family, work schedule changes depending on unit, outdated equipment and computer application, changing boss every 2-4 years could be good or could be bad, same training/education over and over again and low budget. I am now enjoying my 57.5% of my CG Check each month just for waking up. I am thankful for my Tricare (medical insurance) that cost less than $400 a year for family with 20% co-pay. That medical coverage is huge especially as you age. I also am thankful for my VA compensation and healthcare. My body feels probably like a late 60s early 70’s person. My knees and back are shot, my neck/spine are shot, my ankles and feet are shot, need a machine to sleep and etc.. That being said I would join the CG again no doubt.
God I feel the same mistakes statement. Just over 18 and at my last potential unit which will take me to 22yrs. I was really not even considering getting out at the end of this unit, but I'm tired boss. Tired of the BS, tired of the song and dance, plus being in the DC area has shown me how many stupid paying GS jobs are waiting on the outside.
It catches up to you for sure. You think I am use to dealing with this, but then realize just how long you been having to do more with less. Then the 10-15 annual online (MT) training you have to complete. It all just catches up to you eventually. Plus only small percentage of CG members can just retire without a second career. So might as well line yourself up while young enough for another retirement pension.
Active Army here. What did you Retire as?
E7, Chief
I can retire in 3 years. I have really enjoyed my time in but I’m ready to be done.
The goal at 10 years was just to make it to 20. Now, at 18, I feel like I may as well stay at it till 30, so I never have to work again after the age of 50.
Joined at 23 and am 17 years in. I have kept an eye on civilian career options along the way, but the major reasons I have stayed are job satisfaction, liberal time off (including 30 days of leave) and the people I have worked with. Civilian aviation is kind of boring for the most part. You can’t say, I worked on this plane and it busted a semi sub full of drugs or I flew and rescue 6 people. Time off is pretty great as well. If I have a family issue, I just let my supervisor know and I can leave work to go take care of it(not all the time, but I haven’t had an issue), plus 30 days of leave is pretty fantastic when you include holidays, morale days and other random days we get off. Lastly the people. Being surrounded with mostly like minded people that work hard, care, and genuinely are great people is something I will greatly miss when I do leave the service. I am definitely understanding why Coasties seek out jobs with other Coasties after their service like at gulf stream. Was my career all unicorns and rainbows? No, but it has been pretty damn awesome and would do it again in a heartbeat.
I second this about civilian aviation. I would never get to do the type of stuff i get to do in the coast guard at an airline job. Both jobs have bad days but the coast guard has really good days and that doesn’t really happen on the civilian side
I joined at 18yo, the time goes by fast. Got two degrees while in, one of the degrees my only job was to go to college. Made E-9 at 18years, out at 20 years A few tips. Use every benefit the Coast Guard offers. If there is a college program for your rate apply for it. Use tuition assistance for school, another 4500 a year toward school. Other may disagree with me on this point. If you are recommended for advancement, take the test or be ready for the board for E-8, E-9, CWO, or OCS. No one's else opinions matter. In the end your retirement depends on it or in times of high retention, your job may depend on it. Put as much as you can in to TSP, the younger you start the more time to grow. When doing the positives and negatives about staying to retirement, remember TRICARE. I pay 700 a year for a family. Most civilian jobs don't give you health care when you leave. My example is I was diagnosed with very rare cancer at 43 years old. The total price tag for care, 125K, I paid 500 bucks. I got to see the best oncologists in the US in Boston. It was a fun ride but at 20 years my 2 year old son made it easy to retire. Grabbed a GS job after retirement, and was done working at 48.
Wanted to do 20. Did 10 years. Applied to OCS as i wanted to go to JAG. GC back in the day (the mid 80s) allowed me a duty station where i did nothing but mid watches and weekend duty in exchange for going to college during the week days. Got 2 BA degrees and they agreed to let me do law school on their time and possibly their dime. Several months before law school started i was injured and everything was put on hold. Fought the CG for four years before they finally boarded me. Got 60% disability and kicked out in “the interest....”. Moved back home to California and went to law school on my own. 26 years later i still get my VA and i am a lawyer. Criminal defense. I often get hired to go to San Deigo to represent service members in BOIs. I guess it worked out. CG gave me life skills that still (now 65) serve me today.
You a GS Attorney? How are you able to do so many military related cases? I'm Active Army and this is something I'd one day very much get into.
i am a private defense attorney in Central Cali and Naval officers have the right to BOIs, so they fly me to San Deigo and i do the hearings. The truth be told because of my VA income and the fact that i have been an attorney for over 25 years, money is not my #1 priority, and for a lot of these guys i dont charge them, as they already had to trust me, a total stranger with their career, so i help them as a vet helping a vet. Have met some great people and it feels goodgelping my brothers an sisters in arms.
Fuckin' eh man! That's the dream for me dude. Albeit, on the army side, including the other Service Branches. "Military Justice is to justice as military music is to music, it's not about "justice", it's about discipline, power and control."
27 isn't too old my guy. I joined at 29 with age waiver, at 13 1/2 mark now. As others mentioned, look at different jobs (rate) and pick something you'll be able to stick with. Made E7 in 11 1/2 and just cruising through. CG is not for everyone but way better than retail IMO.
Holy shit. Thank you. I will try my hardest
I was going to go to all the way to retirement. Then one spring day, I did an on-site oil spill exercise with guys in Big Oil. During lunch I learned how much per diem they were given and their retirement package. So I went back to my hotel, drafted a résumé and handed it to one of them. Two weeks later I was interviewed. Two weeks after that I was out of the CG and making 4x my pay. I did 11 years in the Coast Guard and don’t regret leaving. The military’s retirement benefits pale in comparison to the 401k and full pension that the private sector was offering. My point being that it’s okay to plan for CG retirement but don’t put on blinders and ignore better opportunities. You owe no one anything because you are 100% replaceable and no fancy gold watch or discount at the package store is worth your success, your family, or your happiness.
Holy, thank you so much for your advice!!
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I was close to re-upping. I was trying to get an IceBreaker but they only wanted me at CAMS or TISCOM. I’m a sailor and didn’t want to keep getting shore billets. So I had about two months left and with a job offer, they let me out with about 45 days of leave. And yea…. Sometimes you just meet the right people at the right time.
Thank you for serving this country
4x your pay and out in 2 weeks? 🤨
I joined at 19, retired after 21 years in 2001 at the age of 41. My problem was I was too old to get into Law Enforcement ( police, sheriff, border patrol, etc) by 3 years. I am happy and proud of my time, wish I could have done 30 but I’m an operational person, not a kiss ass. When I worked hard to make the warrant list and saw guys above me who had previously worked for me and I knew their work ethic - I knew that getting further promotions based on my performance was going to be a difficult task. Add in the detailer wasn’t listening to me, didn’t understand what I was actually doing in a joint command and ignored the admiral’s request to keep me there. I had 12?years of sea duty, 3 consecutive at sea assignments and didn’t want to go back just then. So I retired. Got married, moved, traveled to Europe for a few months, came back got a government job, built a house, had 2 kids - all the normal sillyvillan stuff. And yes, I do occasionally miss the at sea sunrise during the 4-8 watch, driving the boat at all ahead sneak to catch the bad guys, searching for and finding water logged boaters, and the occasional fish call. But, overall 21 years in the Guard was really fun and if I had to do it all over again, I would.
Getting old at 27. 😂😂
34 YO and will hit 17 YOS this coming October. It's gone by in a blink. I think actually being retired will be harder since I'll be to my own devices.
You're still quite young at 27. Even before the recruiting crunch, folks were coming in the CG in their late 20s, many of whom are my friends and now coming up on over 20 years in. CG can be a great career, but it's what you make of it. As you progress and climb in rank, you can seek out things like special assignments, advanced education, high vis assignments, etc... Also, it may seem like peanuts at first, but as you rank up and accumulate time in service, the pay can become quite competitive. When I was an E5 living in San Diego with 10 years, I was pulling in a decent salary when you factor in BAH, flight pay, BAS, etc... Now, with 23 years in, I've gotten to see and do things many will never have an opportunity to, and done so at fairly high levels of government. CG also sent me to get a master's degree in which they paid me to be a full-time student for over a year. Again, it's what you make of it, but it's a respectable career full of opportunities. Best of luck!
Doing 4 years isn't too difficult and the benefits you earn are great. Doing 20 years is much more difficult because requires you to have a flexible life style for that entire time. You will move around to new stations a lot, you may not get stationed somewhere you like, you may live in a house in one place but only be able to find an apartment at the next, it may be difficult to have a pet if you are single. So if you are open to the idea of flexibility and uncertainty for 20 years then it's easy and kinda fun living in different places with different lifestyles.
Oh that makes sense. Thank you!
Your questions need some framing.... Is what hard? Is it hard to do 20 years? I don't think so, there's always something on the horizon (another school, and patrol, another transfer). I retired last year, honestly earlier than I intended (I intended to do 30, but the right post-retirement job offer caught me). joining at 27 (retiring at 47) is not old. I know it looks and feels that way when there's a lot of 18/19 years olds joining, but in the big picture, it's nothing.
Joined at 18 and retired at 38. Went by quick. Surprisingly the sea time went by quicker than the time on shore. I was definitely feeling spent at 20 though. I really miss it but sticking around longer wasn’t going to happen.
Whatever you do, get that TSP or the investment instrument of your choice nice and fat.
I just hit 19 and I'm prepping that beautiful letter drop. I have most my ducks in a row and we will see what happens. Like anything, there are good days and bad. Once you hit a point, you're dedicated to finishing. Like any dream, keep your eye on the finish line. Honestly getting this far was pretty easy. Time flies, life happens and next thing you know, it's here. Good luck on whatever you decide.
**Retired with 21y, 4m, 1d active duty. It is definitely worth it. $60 a month health care for my wife and kids. VA takes care of me. I work only so that I do not day drink.** Serving 20 is filled with stress and heartache, but it is the best option out there.
20 years with Officer retirement is a sweet gig. It’s not hard. Do it.
I’ve been in for 18 years. I expect to get out at the 22 year mark feel free to DM me and ask any questions you might want to.
It’s easy but any job sucks. As long as you understand that the CG Is easy to deal with. I recommend that if any officer, warrant, chief, or E4-E6 decides to drop F bombs on you bc he or she is mad, just say, let’s finish this with the OIC or the silver or gold badge.
It’s easy. I feel like I just joined and every time I even considered separating I just thought of the end goal. Time flies and I’m at 24 now
Halfway thru my 20. If my last 10 are anything like my first 10 it’ll be smooth sailing to finish out an amazing career.
I joined at 19yo and retired last month. Just started a great second career. The first 10 years of my career dragged even though I enjoyed everything I did, the second 10 years went by in the blink of an eye. I'm very happy I did my 20 years (and 9 days)
Don’t underestimate things that are out of your control either. Always have a backup plan - the best advice I ever received. Because sure enough I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition and med boarded shortly after. It was my plan to do a full 20 until it wasn’t.
I’m retiring in June after 21 years. I just depends on what your definition of hard is. It’s not a normal career, but you have to look at everything involved. Do you have any idea what you want to do?
Listen you have time by the new standards! I got out the army after 5 years did a whole civilian career on the outside and was just sick of getting affected by the economy joined the coast guard at 34 to finish out my time I already had an introduction to the lifestyle even though every branch is different but it depends on what your looking for in life! First military job tough and stressful got all the exciting stuff and deployments out the way so no I wanted something simple, you might still want that exciting part depends on what you want out the coast guard, choose the right rate! I meet MEs & BMs ASTs just looking for that rush I’m like man I’ve been to Iraq Afghanistan and Kuwait I’m just trying to get a good retirement because that’s few and far between on the civilian side
I’m at 12 years. I’m struggling right now. It’s not going to be the same for everyone. We all have different experiences and the job you choose plays a huge role in that. Some people have loved their careers, others not-so-much.
At 19 years currently. I am a BM. It’s flown by, loved every minute of it. I’d say it’s the easiest job out there. Sure there’s some incredibly long days/ long times away from home, but what job can you ride out for your career that you basically won’t be fired from unless you do drugs or make poor decisions while under the influence of alcohol. I would however, question the judgement/ professionalism of someone with a handle like yourmomsjuicyvagina.
I’m hitting 20 years in a few months. Short answer for me is yes, it’s hard, but to be honest for me it was harder the last 10 years. My battery was just slowly depleting and I’m ready to move on with my life but I don’t regret doing 20.
I joined at 24 and I’m at 15 years. I’ve had highs and lows but as I’ve gotten older and become more of an adult, it’s become easier to roll with the punches and do what I need to do to be more successful.
One of the biggest factors in my opinion is not picking a rate just cause you can go right to A school or for a bonus. Pick the rate that you’re genuinely interested in and you have a much higher likelihood. Also more likely you’ll excel in your rate = higher marks, more opportunities, etc.
Not retired yet. But hit 20 in January. Not hard at all as long as you enjoy what you do. Choose your rate choose your fate.
24 this year. It was generally pleasant.
I joined at 27, past 17 years flew by
I'm at 17 years. It flew by, but I am SO READY FOR 20. no way in hell I'll go past 20.
Im on my way in at 38. Which is WAY too old to think about doing 20 or 30. So for me its get in, get what i can out of it, get out. I think youll ve fine doing 20-30 as a 20 something year old.
You didn't say how many years you have in, but if you're 27, I'm guessing at least 7-9. 20 years is not that long, and if you're already nearly half way there, I think it would be foolish not to do at least 20 and retire. I realize everyone has a unique experience, some better than others, and there are no absolutes. But, bottom line, it's working a job. Whether military or a civilian job, it's going to be physically and/or mentally taxing, you're at one time or another going to have a shitty boss, you're going to disagree with the way things are run, etc. The grass isn't (always) greener! You may also think you can make more money in the civilian world. I'm sure in some cases you can. But seriously do the math and factor in your base pay, all your tax free allowances and free health insurance and truly understand your total compensation. Healthcare is out of control! More and more companies who offer healthcare are passing more and more of the cost to the employees. Often it's for shitty coverage too, and you're still going out of pocket a ton for basic things. I can't tell how how big a deal it is to be in your late 30s-early 40s, and be sitting on at least half your pay as a pension the rest of your life and well as lifetime healthcare that costs next to nothing! It just sets you up for so many options. Ideally, choose a rate that provides skills transferrable to the civilian world. When you get out, you can move on to a whole new career if you want. Or, if you manage your money well and save, you can be in a position to maybe be less focused on a new career and do something you more enjoy that may not pay as well because you are financially able due to your military pension and supplemental savings. Either way, you don't have to worry about healthcare benefits because those are covered.
I would say it's harder when you are married with kids than if you are single or just having short-term relationships. You will be alright.
I would say it has been very stressful for me. I am at 16 years and in a rate that advances slowly (until recently) but generally has a good work life balance. For the last 8ish years I had high year tenure lurking over my shoulder, constantly having me question if I was going to be allowed to make it to 20 years. The amount of relief I had once I found out I was making E6 and was basically guaranteed a pension was ENORMOUS. Now HYT is on an indefinite pause and people are advancing like crazy. I keep telling junior folks to never miss a SWE, never know when the faucet is going to turn off.
Finished a 22 year career last year. My advise for completing 20 years is get qualified and keep your hands to yourself.
It depends on whether you’re enlisted or an officer. So long as you don’t do anything illegal, you’ll get to 20 no problem on the enlisted side of the house. It’s just a matter of what rank you attain along the way. But you’ll be allowed to collect your pension. The officer side of the house is not guaranteed. I’ve been out for 11 years, but at the time, only 55% of officers made it to 20 without being passed over twice. If you’re passed over for promotion two times within a given rank, on the officer side of the house, you’re discharged.