Good morning, I'm a soon to be cadet candidate for CGAS 2023 and hopefully future class of '28. I am really torn between 3 academic majors, and I don't know what would be best for my career. Preferably, I want to stay on the operational/leadership side of things, do an ice breaker tour, and maybe join the JAG corps. However, I feel very passionate about marine life and the nature of the sea, so I'm considering a STEM major. I'm stuck between Government, Management, and MES, leaning slightly towards management. I worry that I won't be able to decide before certain deadlines (I know I can change majors if I want to, but I want to spare the trouble of switching). Based on my interests and desires, what would be best for me? What majors does the academy need? Thank you.
I'm just the dad of a soon-to-be 2027 swab, so by no means any expert. My initial thought is you're interests are in quite opposite directions, so you probably need to do some thinking on what you really want to do.
Which two majors did you list on your academy application?
My thoughts are, if you're passionate about marine life, then MES is a no brainer and a great option. There should be a variety of billets in that area.
My other thought is, from everything I've read and heard, JAG is super competitive in general and I would imagine in a branch the size of the Coast Guard, it is tiny. I would think many needs are filled by bringing lawyers in via Direct Commission programs. I mean, I guess there's some sort of path to graduate the academy (I'm sure government is the best major option here), go to law school while honoring your service commitment, passing the bar, and working your way into JAG. It seems like a long hard road, so I'd think it would have to be something you're EXTREMELY passionate about.
Given your interests, Management major seems possibly a bit random.
There are many here that know more than me about any of this and the needs of the service. I would say with only 9 majors, they're all needed in a certain capacity and the mix slightly changes year to year. I've heard general statements during campus visits such as, "Naval Arch is tough to get in" because there are many applicants want to do it. I've also heard Cyber is hot right now because it's such a need and it's a new program and they're trying to build it up.
Again, just my thoughts and opinions.
Congratulations on CGAS and best of luck to you!!