Coast Guard OCS Options

MuniMan24

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Nov 6, 2018
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99
Hello,

I have just been waitlisted to USCGA and do not think that it will be an option since I also need a medical waiver for a shoulder separation in the past 12 months. I am following through with plan B, and would like some information on OCS options for entering the CG as an officer.

Is there any way that the CG would help me afford college, like a ROTC program but for the CG? I am planning on attending a small (~4,000 students) liberal arts college; does this change anything?

If not, what are my options for becoming an officer in the CG? Is the only option to go through OCS after college? How long is this program? Is it competitive to get into?

THANKS so much for any info!
 
This is a pretty old thread, but it might be helpful.
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/coast-guard-ocs.8000/

Here is another link with some compiled CG college assistance programs.
https://www.military.com/education/money-for-school/coast-guard-education-programs.html

Another route would be to join the Coast Guard as an enlistee, and eventually try to compete for a back-door entry to the USCGA. One of my children's best friends did this and along the way became a crew member of the USCGC Eagle.
 
I didn't check AROTC-dad's links, but CSPI is an excellent route if you have the option of attending one of their designated colleges. Alternatively, you could attend a sister service's ROTC and then apply for a commission over to the CG.

Other routes include joining the ANG/ARNG or the USAFR/USAR, of course. Both offer tuition assistance with minimal obligations as long as you are not deadset on finishing school in 4 years.
 
I didn't check AROTC-dad's links, but CSPI is an excellent route if you have the option of attending one of their designated colleges. Alternatively, you could attend a sister service's ROTC and then apply for a commission over to the CG.

Other routes include joining the ANG/ARNG or the USAFR/USAR, of course. Both offer tuition assistance with minimal obligations as long as you are not deadset on finishing school in 4 years.

Would this apply to someone who won an NROTC scholarship?
 
Transfering a commission from a DoD scholarship program into Coast Guard is doable, but extremely unlikely. If a student takes a scholarship in a commissioning program, generally the service would like a return on investment. That means doing the obligated minimums for that service's program. Once obligated service is completed, then the officer can resign and then apply for a direct commission to the Coast Guard. I have seen several people do this, primarily helicopter pilots and law enforcement specialists.

If the student doesn't take scholarship funds, then when they earn their commission they can apply for a Coast Guard commission. I'm not sure how that would work, though.
 
Muniman, if you are not picked off the waitlist, choose courses at your Plan B school which mirror as much as possible first year at USCGA. Do well at them, and get involved in athletics (to the extent your injury allows) and community service. Or consider applying at this admittedly late date, to one of the State Maritime Academies and do well. In either case, reapply. Reapplicants tend to do well.

The State Maritime Academies can lead to CG commission through the MARGRAD program.
CSPI noted above pays for the last two years of college, but there are restrictions on the college (a list exists, but others can be considered).
Citidel, VMI, and a few others (I don't have the list handy) can lead to a commission through the DCSS (Direct Commission Selected School) program.

Check out gocoastguard.com for commissioning programs.

But if they haven't told you no, you're still in the game. Good luck.
 
Muniman, if you are not picked off the waitlist, choose courses at your Plan B school which mirror as much as possible first year at USCGA. Do well at them, and get involved in athletics (to the extent your injury allows) and community service. Or consider applying at this admittedly late date, to one of the State Maritime Academies and do well. In either case, reapply. Reapplicants tend to do well.

Thanks for all the advice. My plan B college is a local liberal arts college, so I do not think that they will be on the CSPI list. Also, I have been dual enrolled at the college I am planning to attend for the last five semesters--I have taken Calc I and II, Multivariable Math I, and Physics I and II (currently taking Physics II). I will probably continue to Multivariable Math II next semester, take Chem I, and also some engineering classes (my degree goal).

I do plan on applying again next year.

I am excited to join the sailing team at plan B, and my shoulder separation completely healed now, so it is not restrictive at all.

Once again, thanks for all the advice!
 
I didn't check AROTC-dad's links, but CSPI is an excellent route if you have the option of attending one of their designated colleges. Alternatively, you could attend a sister service's ROTC and then apply for a commission over to the CG.

Other routes include joining the ANG/ARNG or the USAFR/USAR, of course. Both offer tuition assistance with minimal obligations as long as you are not deadset on finishing school in 4 years.

Would this apply to someone who won an NROTC scholarship?
@Physicsguru explained it very well. The option is there, but it is not a standard route and would require approval and coordination-- subject of course to the needs of the owning branch of service-- not the gaining branch of service.

The easier route would be to commission via NROTC and then transfer. I imagine ratings would line up much better than attempting to reconcile your AFSC/MOS to the CG rating. The goal would be to avoid as much retraining as possible.
 
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