USCG Pilot slots

[AnotherRound]

OK, I am just trying to get a little information here and have gotten some conflicting information from other sources. I know there are pilot slots available for USMMA for the various military branches. My question is does that include Coast Guard pilot slots as well? Just asking because I have also hear that if you wanted to fly in the Coast Guard out of USMMA, you had to commission into the Coast Guard first, then apply for flight some point later. Are their USMMA graduates that go directly from the academy to Coast Guard flight?

 

[CSHhawk]

My neighbor goes to KP, he just told me the other day that they usually always have empty pilot slots for all branches, its the best kept SA secret, he said specifically, all 5 AF slots were vacated this year, no interest from USMMA grads, you'll have to commission then segway to flight school.

 

[AnotherRound]

Can anyone else answer this question. This is the non answer answer I was hoping not to get. I know there are people who graduate from USMMA that get offered flight school right out of the academy. I know there are some that go directly to Navy, AF, Marine flight school. Are any offers ever available for Coast Guard flight school?

 

[Physicsguru]

In general, the Coast Guard sends their pilots to flight school after their initial cutter tour. While guaranteed flight slots are available through CSPI, slots for flight school from the maritime academies would be based on the annual needs of the Coast Guard.

 

[Korab]

In general, the Coast Guard sends their pilots to flight school after their initial cutter tour. While guaranteed flight slots are available through CSPI, slots for flight school from the maritime academies would be based on the annual needs of the Coast Guard.

This is partially accurate. Cadets from USCGA do attend flight school straight out of the academy. Additional cadets attend after a cutter tour. Check the billet lists for the total number. It’s generally in the 12-20 range straight out of the academy. Not sure what the flight school numbers are for 2nd billets and thereafter, but it’s in the same range or less.

 

[vortexkp99]

It all depends on the needs of the service and how the wind is blowing with regard to prior year decision at CGHQ and the recruiting command to overall demand for officers and which communities.

Having been in the CG for 20 years, the mantra changes and I could never follow the conflicting advice.

However, in years past the preference was cutter first for all cga grads, then branch out. Things changed and then they started allowing to go into aviation directly.

Some past years, pretty much all who applied to the CG got in...then later they became more selective for the MARGRAD program. Doesn't mean you can't still do OCS or navy commission and then switch over.

I was a Ships officer program grad from KP. Mate w/Qmed...I got a WHEC eng bullet. Used that time to upgrade qmed to 3rd asst eng license...though I wanted marine safety prevention, but kept getting assigned to.naval engineering community..retired as O4 at 20 years.

The exit point decisions of the officer core have significantly changed with the new Blended Retirement System.

Be happy to chat more if you send me a direct message.

 

[nell5878]

My neighbor goes to KP, he just told me the other day that they usually always have empty pilot slots for all branches, its the best kept SA secret, he said specifically, all 5 AF slots were vacated this year, no interest from USMMA grads, you'll have to commission then segway to flight school.

It is true. My son is at KP now as a Plebe, the graduate of Class 2022 told him the same thing.

 

[Impulsive]

@vortexkp99 mentioned, USMMA grads are "normally" considered MARGRAD Graduates. IF that is the case, it would be difficult to go into the Regular Commissioned Officer Corps (aviation, cutter, L/E), but rather you would likely be assigned to a support center or District Office doing engineering and safety related duties. A better choice is (and I am not sure of maritime service commitments upon graduation) to graduate, and go to OCS, or Direct Commission. Either path can get you to aviation, sometimes directly upon commissioning.