Coast Guard Academy? So you're enlisting?

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tycarpen

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I know there is a thread in the general forum about how people respond when they hear you, or your DS or DD is going to a service academy. But, I am hoping to hear stories from the USCGA group.

As a mom, I'm watching something that really surprises me and bums me out: the consistent lack of recognition and enthusiasm my DS receives when he shares he earned an appointment to US Coast Guard Academy. Anyone else experiencing this? It is so unexpected! For example, when my DS got the call during his NJROTC class, he came back, excited, and announced to the class his happy news. His instructor just said "we don't enter the room from that door....and Coast Guard, OK, congrats." HIS NJROTC INSTRUCTOR! Whaaaat???

I don't know if it is West Coast thing, or if this is pretty consistent across the board? To add insult to injury, today he was called out of one of his AP classes to attend a school sponsored job fair because the facilitator said "Coast Guard Academy, so that means you're enlisting?" He said, "Mom, I understand my classmates don't get it, but the school??" Mostly it is just hard to watch him not get the support from his peers.

Anyone else have stories??
 
My DS has been extremely fortunate. He has had a huge amount of support from school officials, coaches and friends. However this is probably due to us being in a pretty unique position. His year principal at HS is ex Navy and was actually based at the Groton Submarine base so he has been a huge supporter. Many of my DS coaches are either police or ex armed forces so again have been great. He has a good group of friends who have witnessed how hard he has worked and he has educated them on the challenge of being accepted to USCGA.
 
sanman said:
My DS has been extremely fortunate. He has had a huge amount of support from school officials, coaches and friends. However this is probably due to us being in a pretty unique position. His year principal at HS is ex Navy and was actually based at the Groton Submarine base so he has been a huge supporter. Many of my DS coaches are either police or ex armed forces so again have been great. He has a good group of friends who have witnessed how hard he has worked and he has educated them on the challenge of being accepted to USCGA.
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Thanks for the response @sanman! That is seriously wonderful that you have such great support at your school, and within your DS' friend group! Yes, there is definitely a steady amount of educating happening over here too. I m grateful that we have an Army major in the family that worked with CG in Saudi. She has been over the moon excited and encouraging, helping all of us understand what an incredible opportunity USCGA is!
 
My DD is midwest and yes we have those mixed compliments. It's simply because the Coast Guard Academy is a hidden gem of an academy. The big 3 get the attention and their academy size is bigger. For example, CGA is about 1/4 the size of USNA. So it is understandable that not many people know about it. CG is about 8 years older the the Navy. Moderators on here have suggested to take it as an opportunity to enlighten them in those moments.

Story 1: When my DD was called onto a basketball court during a military appreciation night, even the 2 National Guardsman commented "Coast Guard has an academy?" She just smiled and pointed to the CGA sweatshirt she was wearing. Story 2: I just had a neighbor who is into sailing just hear about my DD and he was clueless about CGA, but after we talked and he learned that she was getting an engineering degree he said he wished he could have done that growing up. Feel lucky your DS found his calling early on. In addition to getting an engineering degree, the variety of jobs in the Coast Guard upon graduation attracted my DD.
Story 3: My husband works with CGA grads and CG veterans and they have let it be known at work how hard it is to be selected to get into the academy, especially CGA. One of them actually announced it in a big meeting and my husband had a proud dad moment when everyone clapped. They are still coming up to him at work and congratulating him on his DD's appointment.
 
@Swimmom816 THANK YOU for the stories! "Coast Guard has an academy?" Classic. I love that your husband's work celebrated your daughter. That is special.

You are right, lack of knowledge is completely understandable! It's funny because we were talking about DS' "1 minute elevator pitch." Haha! My career is in business development, and in my early years we had to come up with a 1 minute or less sales pitch. Ahhh...some things just endure. 😆
 
Coast Guard Academy? Where is that?
How Long will he be there? 3 months?
He doesn't want to go to college?
The Coast Guard has a Football Team? Do they Play Army?
Coast Guard? Where did that come from?
Does he like boats? I didn't know he liked boats? Does he get seasick?
Why not Navy?
Why not West Point?
Why not the Air Force!
Why not Merchant Marine? Where is Merchant Marine? WTF is a Merchant Marine anyway?

Get used to it.......I'm sure it will be years of the same.

I use the opportunity to turn it into lemonade and educate- 1 person at a time. I find the light bulb goes on when I tell them that it is the Coast Guard's version of West Point and that it is very small and selective with a DIII Footballl team, that DS will be there for 4 years and graduate with a BS and commission with a 5 year service commitment. " Ohhhhhhhh!, I never heard of it."
 
I have a son who is a 3rd class at USCGA. His focus was on USCGA for quite some time, and when he got in he turned down the NROTC scholarship he had fro Vanderbilt, UNC, UVA, Michigan, Purdue, Cornell, and Georgetown (all were considered "back-ups" for him). I have another son who just received his appointment for USNA and he is excited HOWEVER he just asked me when the USCGA will be getting back to him regarding his application (like I know, lol).

My USCGA son loves the USCGA, and he is very happy there and thriving. In my experience, I have found USCGA grads to have one of the best skill sets for transitioning into civilian careers since a lot of what they do is operations driven and day-to-day real time with a real job like saving lives with or without a war.

My response to those who don't understand the USCGA is along the lines of located in New London....an engineering based school....my son will serve as an officer for a minimum of 5 years after graduation.

As a parent, I LOVE the USCGA. I encourage any parent whose kid is considering the other service academies to consider the USCGA and I tell them about its mission as guardians. I also think it is the toughest service academy to get into, and a very tight community. My two cents....
 
Korab said:
Don't worry - his cadre during swab summer will give him all the recognition and attention he desires - and they will know that he didn't enlist.
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Whoa...OK. That's a little harsh. Please don't misunderstand my post. He is not seeking attention and recognition...this is coming from me, mom, who was just not expecting the "meh" response from his people. I'm a community college transfer to a university kind of girl...we're not talking about a status thing here. A little excitement from your peer group and your instructors is not attention seeking, I think I'd call it support.
 
tycarpen said:
Whoa...OK. That's a little harsh. Please don't misunderstand my post. He is not seeking attention and recognition...this is coming from me, mom, who was just not expecting the "meh" response from his people. I'm a community college transfer to a university kind of girl...we're not talking about a status thing here. A little excitement from your peer group and your instructors is not attention seeking, I think I'd call it support.
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Your son is a stud for getting in. Remind of that. It is not an easy place to get into and not an easy place to get through, but he will gain so much. Then show him the video of what happened at Ohio university yesterday when the assault rifle girl showed up. American universities have become very odd places. Any service academy will make your son unique and distinguishable, and will help make him a leader. There are far too many followers out there....
 
Jeepman said:
My response to those who don't understand the USCGA is along the lines of located in New London....an engineering based school....my son will serve as an officer for a minimum of 5 years after graduation.

As a parent, I LOVE the USCGA. I encourage any parent whose kid is considering the other service academies to consider the USCGA and I tell them about its mission as guardians. I also think it is the toughest service academy to get into, and a very tight community. My two cents....
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THANK YOU @Jeepman! I love your two cents! Thank you for sharing. I love USCGA's mission as guardians and tight knit community. It's what my DS loves too. We are coming out next month for our first visit. I wish it was next week... ☺
 
cave9269 said:
Coast Guard Academy? Where is that?
How Long will he be there? 3 months?
He doesn't want to go to college?
The Coast Guard has a Football Team? Do they Play Army?
Coast Guard? Where did that come from?
Does he like boats? I didn't know he liked boats? Does he get seasick?
Why not Navy?
Why not West Point?
Why not the Air Force!
Why not Merchant Marine? Where is Merchant Marine? WTF is a Merchant Marine anyway?


I use the opportunity to turn it into lemonade and educate- 1 person at a time. I find the light bulb goes on when I tell them that it is the Coast Guard's version of West Point and that it is very small and selective with a DIII Footballl team, that DS will be there for 4 years and graduate with a BS and commission with a 5 year service commitment. " Ohhhhhhhh!, I never heard of it."
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Thank you @cave9269! I appreciate the post. The seasick comment cracks me up. And, if you talked to me a couple of years ago, I would be in the group that would have had no idea what a merchant marine is!
 
I live in an area with a huge military presence. All 5 (Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard) have substantial operations here. Probably 1/3 or more of the students at my kids’ school have a direct military connection. They have celebrations when a kid gets a nomination and have a blowout when any appointment is made or ROTCs are given. Competition for SA and ROTC is high in my area. I’m a bit jealous, though, of others that live where average people aren’t knowledgeable of the military and SAs and the bright kids have less competition. Rest well knowing your kid is pursuing a truly noble endeavor, even if others don’t understand. Plus, it seems that the people without knowledge of the benefits of the military in general, and the SAs in particular, are probably not very good at math or long-term financial planning. My hat is off to every parent and kid that appreciates military service of any kind.
 
Hi there! Yes, par for the course. :) Don't let their ignorance dull the shine! I have two boys and one daughter in law who are all enlisted Coast Guard and I assure you that the odd comments span across the board - enlisted or academy. My two favorites:

First: My oldest son joined out of HS. I ran into a friend who congratulated me on "my son joining the Peace Corps". I replied, "Thank you, however, it is the Coast Guard." They responded with a quizzical look, "Wait - aren't they the same thing?"

Second: My younger son was a HS wrestler. His USCG swearing in ceremony was during a tournament. After the ceremony, he was warming up and the mother of another athlete came up to him to offer congratulations. I was standing there and heard this exchange: After he said thank you, she asked him how many languages he spoke? He was confused. Then, she continued, "Well, you know - it will be helpful to speak people that you meet." (I was confused, too!) My son asked what people she was referring to? She said, "The people on the border." He suggested that she might be thinking of Border Patrol. She replied, "Oh, well, isn't that what they do? They protect the southern border, right?" He gave up, smiled, said thank you and put his headset back on. :biglaugh:

~~~~~~

To even the playing field though, I will say that the response that my DD has received from our community and school re: her USCGAS appointment has been breathtaking. It has truly overwhelmed her. I joked with her that her brothers enlistment warmed them up to the CG so when she received her appointment, the school and neighborhood were primed for a positive response. LOL It truly is about education. Once people understand the CG and it's mission, they can't help but to be impressed. So - keep on sharing!!!!
 
CGFAM said:
Hi there! Yes, par for the course. :) Don't let their ignorance dull the shine! I have two boys and one daughter in law who are all enlisted Coast Guard and I assure you that the odd comments span across the board - enlisted or academy. My two favorites:

First: My oldest son joined out of HS. I ran into a friend who congratulated me on "my son joining the Peace Corps". I replied, "Thank you, however, it is the Coast Guard." They responded with a quizzical look, "Wait - aren't they the same thing?"

Second: My younger son was a HS wrestler. His USCG swearing in ceremony was during a tournament. After the ceremony, he was warming up and the mother of another athlete came up to him to offer congratulations. I was standing there and heard this exchange: After he said thank you, she asked him how many languages he spoke? He was confused. Then, she continued, "Well, you know - it will be helpful to speak people that you meet." (I was confused, too!) My son asked what people she was referring to? She said, "The people on the border." He suggested that she might be thinking of Border Patrol. She replied, "Oh, well, isn't that what they do? They protect the southern border, right?" He gave up, smiled, said thank you and put his headset back on. :biglaugh:

~~~~~~

To even the playing field though, I will say that the response that my DD has received from our community and school re: her USCGAS appointment has been breathtaking. It has truly overwhelmed her. I joked with her that her brothers enlistment warmed them up to the CG so when she received her appointment, the school and neighborhood were primed for a positive response. LOL It truly is about education. Once people understand the CG and it's mission, they can't help but to be impressed. So - keep on sharing!!!!
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@CGFAM First of all, WOW...you really ARE a CGfam! I love that!

I appreciate: "don't let their ignorance dull the shine." Thank you for your understanding...and encouragement. Your post is so helpful, and just what I was hoping to hear, so again THANK YOU! ☺

Oh my goodness the confusion between Peace Corps and Coast Guard. There is something very sweet about both of your stories. I guess what I am learning is that yes, you are right...education is key!

A BIG CONGRATS to your daughter! I am so happy for her! I am sure your priming has made a difference. lol! How awesome that her community is celebrating with her!
 
Person A: Where did you go to college?
Me: The US Military Academy
Person A: Where is that?
Me: West Point, NY
Person A: Is that next door to the other school?
Me: What other school?
Person A: West Point

I can come up with other examples. Just goes to show that the general public is not always fully aware of any of the service academy's
 
SubVetE5 said:
I live in an area with a huge military presence. All 5 (Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard) have substantial operations here. Probably 1/3 or more of the students at my kids’ school have a direct military connection. They have celebrations when a kid gets a nomination and have a blowout when any appointment is made or ROTCs are given. Competition for SA and ROTC is high in my area. I’m a bit jealous, though, of others that live where average people aren’t knowledgeable of the military and SAs and the bright kids have less competition. Rest well knowing your kid is pursuing a truly noble endeavor, even if others don’t understand. Plus, it seems that the people without knowledge of the benefits of the military in general, and the SAs in particular, are probably not very good at math or long-term financial planning. My hat is off to every parent and kid that appreciates military service of any kind.
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Thanks for your post @SubVetE5! I agree that for any of our kids pursuing a path of military service, it is noble indeed. I have often thought why I didn't go that route. Then I remember I would probably be more a PVT Benjamin than a Capt MJ. lol! It's definitely not for everyone, but am grateful for those who are willing and able to serve!
 
tycarpen said:
Whoa...OK. That's a little harsh. Please don't misunderstand my post. He is not seeking attention and recognition...this is coming from me, mom, who was just not expecting the "meh" response from his people. I'm a community college transfer to a university kind of girl...we're not talking about a status thing here. A little excitement from your peer group and your instructors is not attention seeking, I think I'd call it support.
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Interrupting a class to announce that you were accepted to USCGA is not only attention and recognition seeking, it's obnoxious. He deserves no attention. He did the work and got a very expensive gift from the American taxpayer. He should be recognizing the teacher for paying those taxes. I didn't even accept the flag flown in Washington from my congressman when I got into USMMA, or even more recognition when I graduated.
 
Mr2020 said:
Interrupting a class to announce that you were accepted to USCGA is not only attention and recognition seeking, it's obnoxious. He deserves no attention. He did the work and got a very expensive gift from the American taxpayer. He should be recognizing the teacher for paying those taxes. I didn't even accept the flag flown in Washington from my congressman when I got into USMMA, or even more recognition when I graduated.
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I've seen some pretty obnoxious posts from you previously but I think this one wins the biscuit.
 
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