26May/102
Would being in the Coast Guard put a strain on my relationships?
I am thinking about joining the Coast Guard and I am wondering if it would put a strain on my relationship with my girlfriend. We have been dating for 3 years now and plan on getting married when she finishes nursing school in 2 years. Would I be able to be based around where we live now (Los Angeles). Would I even have time to see her if I was based around there? If anyone has gone through a similar dilemma your input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
May 26th, 2010 - 20:00
The first thing you need to understand about joining ANY branch of the military, is that your preferences for duty assignment are not necessarily the military’s preferences.
The Coast Guard, like all other branches, will consider your request for assignment, but if they need you on an Ice Breaker in the Bering Sea, that is where you will go.
So, in that light, the answer to your question, is YES it will put some strain on your relationship.
You join the Military to serve, not be served!
May 26th, 2010 - 20:25
There are lots of different units in the LA area, and a ton in S. Cal. You may not be right down the street from her, but I would say it’s a safe bet you could get stationed within an hours drive. I don’t know what your tolerance is regarding how far you’d want to be away from her. As far as it putting a strain, that’s up to you two. If you guys really want to be together, you’ll wait the two years no matter what until she finishes and can move near you. However, I’m pretty confident you could get somewhere between Santa Barbara and San Diego. That may mean you only get to see your girl on the weekends, but you’ll both be busy during the week, so time will go by quick. The recruiters USED to offer guaranteed area to people. As a matter of fact, I got guaranteed S. Cal coming out of boot camp. But that was a long time ago. Call your recruiter and ask him or her if this still exists. I’m assuming you’re enlisting. New coasties coming out of boot camp (non rates) are needed everywhere at all types of units, so it shouldn’t be hard to get a job out there. Every unit needs someone to wash the pots and pans, and chip paint somewhere (and that’s what you’ll be doing). If you’re going to be an officer though, it may be a little harder to get out there. There are fewer jobs for officers at most units, so less opportunity to get to S. Cal. Remember, you may have to take a ship to get out there, and that will mean months at a time out at sea. And like the other poster said, it’s ultimately the needs of the Coast Guard. One final note, during my enlisted days, I always got my first choice of duty location on three different transfers. Good luck.