Posted on Jan 25, 2018
SN Boat Crew
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I am prior Navy going into the Coast Guard but have yet to officially sign a contract of enlistment. One option of mine is to go in as a non-rate then test the waters before selecting a rating I know I will wholeheartedly embrace. Another option I am exploring is trying to get a guaranteed A-school before signing my contract. My top choice would be the IS rating. I got a 93 on my ASVAB, if that helps. Whether I go in as a non-rate or wait until my recruiter is able to guarantee me a billet for IS A-school, how long could I expect to wait before reporting to Yorktown for this rate?
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MCPO Command Master Chief
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PO M,
You will probably have a shorter wait time if you go in as a non-rate. The wait times vary depending on personnel needs of the service as well as other various situations (gov't shutdown perhaps?). A recruiter will be able to more accurately predict your specific wait time depending upon your choice.

My $.02: I came in as a non-rate and it completely changed my mind about what I wanted to do in the CG. I got to actually see what all of the ratings did rather than making a decision based upon another person's info.

Whatever you decide, the CG is an awesome service and I am humbled to have been in the company of the folks that I work with every day.

Good Luck and see you around the guard!

MC G
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PO2 Michael Berry
PO2 Michael Berry
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I agree with Master Chief. I spent 16 yrs. and was also honored to service with all but a very few Senior Officers at 1 unit. But that happens in the civilian world also.
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SCPO Investigator
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I will tell you this, Zach, IS is one of a few very tight rates. The CG, as you are well aware, does not have the personnel numbers that the Navy does. That makes for very limited promotions in rates like IS. It’s also a relatively new rate. That has an effect. Just saying that there are many factors that will weigh on your getting into Class A school.
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MCPO Couch Potato
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Eric, it only bothers me that I can only give you one "Thumbs Up."

Zach, I VERY strongly urge you to come in as a non-rate. Yes, the loss of rate will hurt, but you can learn for yourself the VAST differences between the Coast Guard and Navy before you can get bitten for them.
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MCPO Command Master Chief
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Thanks JM.
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PO2 Katie Benson
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Good luck!
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Cpl Justin Goolsby
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The question isn't how long is your wait before reporting to A-School... because you know the answer to this. You go to A-school right away. Your question should be how long could you be waiting before your class begins and that answer is it could be awhile.

You are prior service, so you've already been through this all before. If there aren't enough students to conduct a class, then they're not going to conduct a class. And they won't start the class until they have a full roster of students.

So until that point, you'll be at A-school... standing duty... playing phone watch... conducting field day and general cleanup.
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