Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 2/11/2008

Question
Hello,
My name is Desiree Green. I'am a 22 y/o female. I'am married w/ a two yr old daughter and my husband and I both want to join the Coast Guard.

1. I'm really out of shape b/c I've had two children back to back and I never lost the baby weight. Currently I'm 5'4 and weigh 235 lbs.
Do you have any suggestions or advice, as a woman, that might help me get a headstart before boot camp?

2. We both have GEDS, does this create a problem?

Any advice or suggestions that you could give I would greatly appreciate. This will be a whole new experience for me. I'm looking to help others, better myself, have PRIDE in myself for once and have others be proud OF me.
I don't want to have to worry about money every waking moment of my life and I want to make sure my daughter will always be taken care of. There is plenty incentive to join, but I don't even know if they would accept me. The desire is there, the passion also. Thanks for your time and I hope to hear back from you soon,
Desiree'

Answer
Dear Desiree --

Thank you for wanting to serve your country.

The answer to your second question is no, GEDs are not a problem.  You will have to take an aptitude battery focused on military skills to determine your best opportunities for successful military work.

However -- being out of shape will be a problem.  You will not pass your military entrance physical at your height until you weigh less than 150 lbs.  You will need to weigh less than 135 lbs to stay in the military at your height.

To reduce your weight safely will take at least 20 months.  You should begin by seeing your doctor to be sure that your heart and lungs are healthy enough for the hard work you are going to have to do.  You will need to begin walking every day, and you should do some weight lifting so your arms get exercise just like your legs.  

However, you and your husband both do not need to join the Coast Guard right away.  If your husband is in good shape, he could join now.  You and your daughter would receive medical insurance and he would receive family housing for all of you, or a housing allowance if you do not live on-base. You could care for your daughter and work to get in shape, then you could see if the Coast Guard is something you still want to do.

Good luck to you and your family.