Expert: Rod Powers - 11/7/2007

Question
QUESTION: I was previously in the delayed entry program for Coast Guard.  I decided 6 months prior to my departure for boot camp, that CG wasn't right for me at the time.  I enlisted into the AF.  I am now trying to apply for OCS but the recruiter has "red flagged" my name and has permantly disqualified me to applying stating that instead of going into the CG, I wanted to attend college.  However, I already had completed my BS which he knew because he had helped me with my OCS packet.  Is he allowed to do that?

ANSWER: Hi Brandon,

Okay, your message is a little confusing, so I need some clarification.....

As I understand it, you were previously in the Coast Guard DEP. You made a decision to request discharge from the Coast Guard DEP. You must have given a reason for the DEP discharge request. What was it?

You then enlisted in the Air Force? Did you go onto active duty for the Air Force? If so, how long were you on active duty, and what was your discharge characterization? (honorabloe, general, other than honorable).

What service are you currently applying for OCS for (the Coast Guard?) If so, then I'm even more confused. If you were previously applying for the Coast Guard OCS, then why in the heck did you enlist in the Coast Guard enlisted DEP?



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

QUESTION: My recruiter had been helping me try to get into OCS with the CG.  I did not make it so I entered into DEP.  I decided to switch services in hopes of flying in the AF.  I enlisted and was planning on applying to OTS as my chances were supposed to be easier.  I told my recruiter that I was switching services...that was the reason for my DEP discharge request.

I went into AD AF and am currently serving.  I am now trying to apply to OCS and OTS for CG and AF. I have a conditional release from the AF if I get into one of the schools. The reason why I enlisted in the first place was because I was told I would have a better chance at becoming an officer later.  However, now I supposedly can't ever apply to OCS?  

Answer
Hi Brandon,

You need to try a different Coast Guard officer recruiter. I've never heard of someone being "black-balled" from an OCS application because they requested discharge from the DEP, nor do I know of any Coast Guard regulation which would allow such.

For more information about the United State Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military Information Site at: http://usmilitary.about.com. Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com