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Expert: Howard Lorenz - 4/20/2008


Question
QUESTION: Hello Mr. Lorenz,

I am a Junior in High School, and I am considering joining the Coast Guard.  I wasn't sure on which expert would know about the Coast Guard, so if you are not sure, can you point me in the right direction on where to look?

Before I graduate from High School, I will have all the civilian pilot/instructor certificates/ratings, (CSEL, CMEL, CFI, CFII, and MEI.)  I will also have a "Rescue Diver" scuba certification, and most likely my EMT-B.   If I  don't  go   to the Coast Guard Academy, when I graduate from college, I will have my ATP, and aircraft mechanics (A&P IA) certificate.  I most likely will also get my skydive (at least USPA A) license.

I really do like flying, (obviously) and am interested to know if any of my experience in flying would give me a leg up in getting a flight spot in any branch of the military, and specifically, the Coast Guard.

Thanks a lot!

Sincerely,

Paul

ANSWER: All that you have will help you greatly, but you are going to need a degree in Aeronautical science to get in the pilots seat. I am not sure of what the CG's requiirements, but they are going to be similiar. To be an officer in any service, you have to have the 4 year degree. I would check into the Air Force Academy, with all the credentials you are packing, a good chance you could get into the flight school there or by AFROTC..

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Mr. Lorenz,

I appreciate your reply.  Is getting an Aeronautical science degree for a flight slot something that is generally understood, or did I just completely miss that requirement in my use of Google?  

Additionally, does "Aeronautical science," encompass all the aviation related degree fields?  For example, would getting an Associates in Aviation Technology (my A&P cert) qualify as "Aeronautical science?"  (I would also get a B.A. in business.)

Thanks a lot,

Sincerely,

Paul

Answer
I know that the Air Force requirement is that they have to have a Aeronautical Science degree, but I could be mistaken... I have to refer you to the experts in that field... You need to contact Air Force. com and ask for the officer accessions branch of the air force..

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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