Coast Guard Officer v. Enlisted

NJROTC-CC said:
I know that it’s only available through minority serving institutions. That’s not the question. The question is how many slots are there nationally? And, more importantly, does a Caucasian have any realistic chance of getting into the program?
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Everyone meeting the Basic requirements and applies has a realistic chance. I agree with StPaulDad, you need to see if any of the minority serving institutions interest your son. I wouldnt bank on getting a variance from the list. We were very school specific so it would fit her back up plans.

The numbers fluctuate yearly, needs of the coast guard, budget, and recently pandemic are always factors. I have read numbers being less than 24 in years past. YES thats Nationally. Thats the reality. We went in full knowing how tough it would be.

I dont know what the OCS numbers are but for coast guard I am going to say they are small too.
 
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No1Fanof2 said:
Everyone meeting the Basic requirements and applies has a realistic chance. I agree with StPaulDad, you need to see if any of the minority serving institutions interest your son. I wouldnt bank on getting a variance from the list. We were very school specific so it would fit her back up plans.

The numbers fluctuate yearly, needs of the coast guard, budget, and recently pandemic are always factors. I have read numbers being less than 24 in years past. YES thats Nationally. Thats the reality. We went in full knowing how tough it would be.

I dont know what the OCS numbers are but for coast guard I am going to say they are small too.
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If the numbers are that small, how can they train as part of a unit? I must learn more about CSPI, but at this point I am skeptical about the merits of this program. Suffice it to say that I am having doubts that would be a good option for DS.
 
NJROTC-CC said:
If the numbers are that small, how can they train as part of a unit? I must learn more about CSPI, but at this point I am skeptical about the merits of this program. Suffice it to say that I am having doubts that would be a good option for DS.
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They don't train as a "unit" at school. They enlist, do boot camp one summer then serve 16 hours a month at the discretion of their Recruiting Officer. Also CSPI is a two year paid program, only TWO YEARS are paid. When they graduate college with a BS/BA they attend CG OCS.

After completing their junior year of college, CSPI students attend a three week leadership training course in New London, CT during the summer; “Officer Candidate Indoctrination.” Following, college graduation, CSPI students attend the 17-week officer candidate school (OCS) in New London, CT. Upon successful completion of OCS, graduates receive a commission as an ensign (O-1) and an assignment in one of the many exciting Coast Guard mission fields.

College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) Scholarship Program | United States Coast Guard

www.gocoastguard.com www.gocoastguard.com
 
LineInTheSand said:
It feels like you're looking for the Coast Guard's super secret "High Schooler to Admiral" program. That's pretty selective.
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No, but if they only take about 30 students a year nationally, and they are looking for minority candidates, it would be unrealistic to think my DS would have much chance at getting selected. Frankly, I think he has a better chance of getting into USCGA.

I do not think it would be wise for him to forego participating in NROTC while hoping for CSPI or to go to a minority serving institution only because it qualifies for CSPI. He is still a HS junior so he has time to decide. He has a very busy summer ahead and next year he will be consumed with leading his NJROTC unit and finishing high school. I really don’t need to worry about this one. He will figure it all out.
 
Percy said:
The OP stopped responding on 2 Feb but I hope she reaches out to you. I also served 15 years enlisted before commissioning and continuing to serve 19 more (and counting) as an officer...all reserves across two services. One of my four military career fields was with an MCIO and my 25-yr civilian career was also federal law enforcement with a major agency.

I, too, would be more than happy to share my perspective if the OP wants to PM me.
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I’m curious about enlisting after being rejected from USCGA and hoping to ask you some questions and get your advice for our DD.
 
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