Expert: Eric Ernst - 11/23/2009

Question
Dear Mr Ernst,

I have a couple of questions for you. For starters, I have a one year old daughter,and plan on joining the coast guard when she is a little older. How long after basic training will I be able to see my daughter and my husband? I understand that I also must attend A school, how long after would we be able to live together again? Secondly, I have Hidradenitis Supprativa. Would I still be able to join the Coast Guard? Thank your for your help,

Lucille

Answer
Hello Lucille,
Thank you for asking me these questions and wanting to join the best service in the military ;)
O.k I will start off with the simple questions first. As for Boot Camp, it is approx 8 weeks long, then you will be able to see your daughter again. Here are several other questions in regards to A-school. It all depends if you do not do a guaranteed A- school which means you go to A-school right after boot camp, you will normally go to a boat unit, and you have to wait at least 4 months to put your name on a list to go to A-school, then wait until your name gets picked to go to school which can be anywhere from 1 month to 18 months depending on the rate in which you want to go. Then A-school itself can last anywhere from 1 month to 9 months...9 months is the aviation rates A-school time because you have a 4 month stay at an air station for your Airman program.
Ok and to answer your medical question about HS, to be honest I googled it because I have never heard of it before, and to answer your question I don't know because I tried looking at the military standards for it and couldn't find anything. My suggestion to you is talk to a recruiter about that and they will get you straightened out and work with you from there.
I hope that I was able to answer some of your questions, if you have any other questions please let me know.
Thanks,
Eric