Introduction

Reflecting on my time serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, I encounter a myriad of stories that range from humorous to heartening. Serving in both Astoria, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, as well as working on the Bluebell buoy tender in 53, has left me with valuable memories that shape my views on military service.

The Most Memorable Experience: A Pre-Departure Fire Pump Test

There are certain experiences that stick with you forever. Remember the time a lieutenant from the shore came to check out the P500 fire pump on the Bluebell buoy tender? Standing 15-20 feet below the pier, the ship was quite low in the water, and with the tide out, it seemed like a small but daunting task. The lieutenant asked me to start the pump, which was supposed to handle 500 gallons of water per minute. However, it had never run before, and there was no easier way to handle it but to crank it manually for a bit. After a bit of effort, the pump came to life, shooting water across the deck like a cobra, dousing the officer completely. The group couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. It’s a true anecdote that encapsulates the mixture of challenges and humor that defines military service.

A Decade of Dedicated Service

A remarkable decade in the U.S. Coast Guard took me around the world, through 12 countries, and a dozen hurricanes. Throughout this time, I saved an unknown number of lives, brought joy to an unknown number of babies, and even enjoyed some whiskey. However, the price was personal—six lives lost to the sea, one divorce, and the loss of a family. Reflecting on these experiences, I often describe them as a lifetime of mixed experiences, marked by what the fuck moments.

Best and Worst Experiences in the U.S. Coast Guard

The best aspects of serving in the U.S. Coast Guard include the absence of PT tests, perks like military benefits, and the freedom to act more independently compared to other branches of the military. You often do not follow excessive military protocol, especially on land units, and there is a lower chance of being involved in direct combat. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard employs individuals with significantly intelligent people, providing a platform to work with highly skilled and knowledgeable colleagues. Daily missions are much more frequent, and the work is often more interesting and practical compared to other branches. Furthermore, off-duty life can closely resemble that of the civilian world, and CG members are generally not stationed on bases.

The worst parts of serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, however, are the challenges of transferring. Transitioning to a new station can feel like a punishment. The administrative process is bare bones, and you are expected to handle most tasks on your own. Upon arrival, you must go through a rigorous qualification process, often working extra hours, and attend board meetings where you are asked to prove your capabilities. This can take months, even if you have been in the busiest sector or station. Regarding medical care, it often encourages serious illness to be ignored, leading to an increase in workplace germ spreading. Lastly, the promotion process is criticized for favoring those who can memorize manuals over those who are excellent leaders. The IT infrastructure is often subpar, causing inefficiencies and frustration.

All these challenges, however, are considered minor compared to other branches of the military, such as Marines or the Army, who face real combat and harsh living conditions. Despite the difficulties, my overall experience with the U.S. Coast Guard has been enriching, offering a unique balance of challenges and rewards.

Conclusion

My decade in the U.S. Coast Guard was a lifelong adventure filled with both joys and challenges. While there were rewarding moments and rewarding experiences, there were also many challenges to overcome. Nonetheless, the robust community, the real-world missions, and the intelligent and independent work environment make the U.S. Coast Guard a unique and valuable service to be a part of.