Expert: Howard Lorenz - 2/9/2008

Question
Hello Mr. Lorenz:

I'am a 22 y/o female interested in joining the Coast Guard. I'am married w/ a two yr old daughter and my husband planned on enlisting as well. I just have a few questions about the Coast Guard and boot camp that I would like to ask:

1. We both have GEDs, Does that create a problem?
2.I have a clean record, he has a few misdemeanors,how would that effect anything?
3.What is the best possbile way to prepare physically and mentally before bootcamp. What is the best diet to have, the best exercises to do..Basically how can I train my body ahead of time so I'm not in shock. I'am currently OUT OF SHAPE. I had two children back to back and never lost the baby weight. I'am currently 5'4 and 235 lbs.
4.Will my husband and I be stationed together w/ my daughter after boot camp?
5.If I want to enter into the Health Technician program and my husband into the Store Keeper program will we be sent to whichever destination after bootcamp or will there be an intermitten between the two?
6.Will childcare be available at the base or through the Coast Guard for my daughter?
7.What is the best way to prepare for the ASVAB? What should be my goal score to make the recruiters just go "wow"
8.How can I impress my higher ups and receive awards?
9.Do I have to cut my hair? It's really long and I REALLY don't want to.
10. How can I communicate w/ my family during and after boot camp?

I'm sorry there are so many questions..I hope I didn't bombard you. Thanks for your time.
Desiree.

Answer
Well Ill do the best I can...


1. We both have GEDs, Does that create a problem?...This can create a problem, especially if the CG requires more. The  Air Force requires 15 semester hours of college to go with a GED.


2.I have a clean record, he has a few misdemeanors,how would that effect anything?     

Having a few misdemenors is not having a clean record... This can slow the process, but depending on what they are...can affect the outcome.



3.What is the best possbile way to prepare physically and mentally before bootcamp. What is the best diet to have, the best exercises to do..Basically how can I train my body ahead of time so I'm not in shock. I'am currently OUT OF SHAPE. I had two children back to back and never lost the baby weight. I'am currently 5'4 and 235 lbs.

You need to get on an exercise regiment. I would consult you doc first, but start slow, build your self up. Do push ups & situps daily, Basically by doing what you can do. Each day will build up to more & more...



4.Will my husband and I be stationed together w/ my daughter after boot camp?
If you both get in, you should both go to the same base...



5.If I want to enter into the Health Technician program and my husband into the Store Keeper program will we be sent to whichever destination after bootcamp or will there be an intermitten between the two?
Traiing is training, I hope that you have the arrangements figured out for the kids, they will not be allowed to attend the training...



6.Will childcare be available at the base or through the Coast Guard for my daughter? NO...not untill you PCS to you permanant duty station. Then there is Day Care available..



7.What is the best way to prepare for the ASVAB? What should be my goal score to make the recruiters just go "wow"
Go to Barnes & Nobles or a book store of your choice, Grab the ASVAB study guide....



8.How can I impress my higher ups and receive awards? By doing more than just your job, First one to work, last one to leave... going over and above what you normal job is...


9.Do I have to cut my hair? It's really long and I REALLY don't want to. You may have to trim it to where it will fit under the hat in a bun....I have seen girls get alot of hair under a hat!!


10. How can I communicate w/ my family during and after boot camp? How do you communicate now?...Same way