Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Coast Guard Recruitment

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Expert: Howard Lorenz - 2/6/2008


Question
Dear Sir,
I have some questions about enlisting in the Coast Guard. I hear the Coast
Guard and Air Force are similar in their regulations for enlistment, so
hopefully you can help me out.

I am currently a freshman in college working towards my Bachelor's Degree in
Business Administration. I have great hopes of enlisting in the Coast Guard
after my graduation, more than three years from now.

I currently am going through a phase in my life where the use of marijuana
has become rather important. Marijuana is not inhibiting my chances of being
successful at all. However, I don't see myself stopping this practice within the
next two years. In other words, this is more than simple experimentation.

My question, I apologize for the length of this e-mail, If I never have any
convictions or misdemeanors involving illegal drugs, and I detoxify my body
of THC long before I enlist, will I still be able to join the Coast Guard as a
Boatswains Mate?
Very Respectfully,
-Robert  

Answer
Robert....

You have to look at what you are doing from a different prospective...so Ill help you...

The US Military is a LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY...is in not?  So look at it this way...You are going to join the LA Police Department..., But you...knowing that you are breaking the law, you are going to continue to use drugs until you have graduated......sounds stupid doesnt it.

The Military has a ZERO TOLERANCE for drug usage. If you have ANY ambitions about getting into the Coast Guard or any military service, you need to SNAP to reality and realize what you are doing to yourself and your future...

By reading your initial email to me, you are a very educated fellow, well mannered...So I know that you  KNOW what you are doing is wrong...

Get your priorities straight....Robert.

HW

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Howard Lorenz

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I have spent the past 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, 3 years was assigned as an Enlisted Accessions Recruiter. I have been deployed various times to several locations. If it is a career in the military you are looking for or thinking about I most likely have the answer. I still have contacts with in the recruiting field and if I don't know the answer then I have folks who do where I can find the answer. I am very blunt and straight forward and will make no attempts to BS you. I will give you the best information that I possible can can. If you think that you cant handle the answer that I give you, then don't ask the question...... If you are planning on joining the military, your number 1 decision factor in making this kind of move is that you need to be more concerned about serving your country than your country serving you!! All the benefits are the best that you can find. Education is at a premium right now and its the most rewarding thing that you can do. If I dont answer right away probably means that I am busy, but have patience, I will get to you.

Experience

Air Force Recruiter for 3 years, Air Force Career 21 Years

Organizations
Veterans of Foreign Wars

Education/Credentials
Community College of the Air Force, International Air Academy, Allied Business Schools, Embry Riddle Aeronautical College, Defense Acquisition University

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