Expert: Eric Ernst - 11/13/2009

Question
My son is a senior in high school.  He has submitted his application to the Coast Guard Academy and plans on studying Mechanical Engineering if he is given an appointment.  We also visited Maritime College located in the Bronx and this would be his 2nd choice if he doesn't get into the CGA.  They also have an excellent Engineering program.  From what I read on the CG website, once he graduates from a Maritime College, if he qualifies, he can then apply to Officer Candidate School at the CGA.  Do you know if there is another program where he can participate in Coast Guard activites (Reserves?) while he is attending Maritime College and they will help him pay for his education? Thank you.

Answer
Hello Donna,
You must be a very proud parent it sounds like your son is an extremely smart person. The Coast Guard is always looking for the best and brightest for the future. I will say that I hope that he is accepted into the CGA. He will learn a valuable amount of information plus he will be immersed into Coast Guard life. You are correct about the Officer Candidate School. Once he graduates college he can apply for selection through OCS. That is the only program that the Coast Guard offers besides the selection to the CGA.
As for the reserves there is a program and I am going to include a link from the Coast Guard website where it talks about Tuition Assistance and the Montgomery G.I. Bill for reservist. Here it is.  http://www.gocoastguard.com/find-your-fit/reserve-opportunities/reserve-enlisted...
My suggestion for you is to contact a recruiter in your area and they will be able to assist you with any questions you may have about the specifics of the CG reserves and the college tuition. He will need to go through CG boot camp if he does that route though.
I hope that I was able to answer some of your questions. If you have any further questions please let me know.
Thanks,
Eric