Expert: Matt - 6/3/2009

Question
I am originally from TOGO but I am a permanent resident of the US since march 07 and I just completed my master degree in structural engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology.
I want to join the US coast guard but I can't join as an officer because I am not a US citizen yet.
But being enlisted as E1 seems not fair to me.
what are the possibilities that I have?
Thanks


Answer
To the best of my knowledge, your two options are either 1) enlist as an E1 to get your citizenship  and then transfer to the officers side after a few years or 2) wait until you are a citizen and then become and officer. However, since each case can sometimes be a bit different it is hard (and unfair to you) for me to make a blanket statement in regards to your situation. Your best bet is to contact a local coast guard recruiter (talk to both an enlisted AND an officer recruiter) to find out your options. Best of luck Kossi.