Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/31/2008

Question
Hello, I have already graduated from college and have some Masters training under my belt.  I moved back home due to family illness, but now do not have the money to return to school, and am not sure if I really want to in the field I was going into.  I am interested in joining the OCS of the Coast guard bc of the job security and retirement offered, but am not sure yet.  I read on some of your other questions that you can get "riders" such as the OCS and speedy advancement if you do well.  Before I talk to a recruiter I want to know what kind of things can they offer me to join, or what should I ask for?  If you can just list some things that I can possibly get in the Coast Guard.  Consider that I do extremely well on the ASVAB.  
Thanks,
Jason

Answer
Dear Jason --

Generally, if you get the option to go to Officer Training School (OTS) on your enlistment contract -- OTS is the big bonus you get.

If you forgo the opportunity to immediately become an officer, you can get enlistment bonuses in excess of $40,000, if you enlist for the maximum service period and you are a high quality recruit.  Or you can get college loan repayments of similar total value, with the same criteria.

Enlisted Sailors can get riders that guarantee location, military occupational specialty or rapid advancement, or a combination of those.  Enlistees that attend OTS have selected a form of rapid advancement, and that is the only special guarantee they generally receive.  Officer candidates are not usually even guaranteed their military specialty.  However, if you have a highly sought after degree that qualifies you for a particular specialty, you can sometimes get that specialty guaranteed upon graduation from OTS.

The Coast Guard no longer publishes their current bonus and guarantee structure for the general public to see (that includes me a mere Army officer) so you must visit a Coast Guard recruiter to determine which current bonuses are applicable to your situation.

I wish you the best of luck.