So you want to learn more about Survive Coast Guard Boot Camp huh?

Well the story begins in early 2010. Back then military recruiters, including those from the Coast Guard, were living the good life. With the economy in shambles, hordes of well-qualified recruits were banging on their doors, wanting to join for a steady paycheck and the benefits offered by military service.

The actual “recruiting” part of the job became effortless and the people in charge became very picky. With so many qualified applicants, having so much as a speeding ticket could disqualify you from joining. This was especially true with the Coast Guard. Being the smallest of the services, the ratio of applicants to open spots in USCG Basic Training was overwhelming. This was the environment I walked into when I first expressed interest in joining the United States Coast Guard.

I met with “Joe” (pseudo-name), who received all my information like my ASVAB score (96%), social security number, etc from the Navy. I had originally wanted to join Navy Special Warfare and after trying out for and being accepted on with the SWONEC Division 3 Recruiting Squad, I was eventually cut for being unable to get my 500yd swim time down to 9 minutes. The Coast Guard was my immediate follow-up choice…but “Joe” didn’t think I was a “good fit” for the service.

He gave me every excuse in the book. He didn’t care. Every time I would address one of his objections, he would come up with another. He eventually ended our meeting and told me to go apply to the Army. I walked out of his office that day discouraged, but I refused to give up. I REALLY wanted to join the United States Coast Guard and I would find a way to make it happen.

Since the Coast Guard recruiting office was near my house and I passed it on my way to and from work, I decided to swing by a week later to see if a different recruiter was there. To my luck – or at least I thought at the time – a friendly, blonde female recruiter named “Melanie” (pseudo-name) greeted me at the door. She asked me if I had an appointment and the reason for my visit. I, in turn, expressed my intent of joining the Coast Guard. She let me in and told me she would sit down with me for a few minutes to discuss my potential.

To be honest, as prepared as I was when meeting with “Joe” the first time, I actually wasn’t expecting to luck out and meet with someone new when I stopped by that day. “Melanie” was very nice to me, but the meeting ended the same way – I should try the Army instead.

At that point I started to seriously doubt if I would ever make it into the Coast Guard and pretty much decided to give up. A few months passed by and I found out that my entire office at work was being shut down and everyone was going to get laid off due to the economy.

I HAD TO DO SOMETHING.

There was no way that I would allow my long-time girlfriend to support me without me being able to provide for her. Joining the military popped back in my head, and the Coast Guard was still my number one – and only – choice. It had been several months since my visit with “Melanie” and “Joe” and I decided to check if they had moved on to different billets – thus giving me a chance to try my hand with a different recruiter.

With my civilian job coming to an end soon, I decided I would read, study, and prepare myself in every way possible before showing back up at the recruiter’s office. In between looking for and applying to jobs and taking care of my girlfriend, I spent countless hours reading everything I could on the United States Coast Guard.

IT FINALLY PAID OFF.