Expert: Rod Powers - 4/29/2007

Question
QUESTION: I will be joining the coast guard and i was wondering what is the MEPS and its requirements.
ANSWER: Hi Hannah,

You're in luck. I have three articles on my site that explain the MEPS process:

(1) "MEPS at a Glance," at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/mepsglance.htm, and

(2) "The MEPS Experience" at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/mepsexperience.htm, and

Yet Another MEPS Experience at: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/genjoin/a/mepstrip.htm.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my military information website at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com

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

QUESTION: how many pushups should i be able to do before i go to boot camp
ANSWER: You may wish to see my article, "Surviving Coast Guard Basic Training" at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/cgjoin/l/aacgbasic1.htm.

To graduate CG Basic Training, you'll be required to perform 29 push-ups in 60 seconds (male) or 23 push-ups in 60 seconds, if you're female. This test will be conducted during the 4th week of training.

Basic will be a whole lot easier if you can do this before you get there.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com


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

QUESTION: is their a gas chamber in CG boot camp
ANSWER: Hi Hannah,

To the best of my knowledge, Coast Guard trainees don't have to go through the Gas Chamber during basic training. For details, see my article about CG Basic at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/cgjoin/l/aacgbasic1.htm.

However, I suspect (although I don't know this for a fact) that every "Coastie" has to graduate the initial chemical warfare course at their first permanent duty assignment, which would include the "gas chamber."

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com


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

QUESTION: will i have to do any pull ups in CG bootcamp? and will i get to pick the date when i go to boot camp?
ANSWER: Hi Hannah,

You may wish to see my article about Coast Guard Basic Training at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/cgjoin/l/aacgbasic1.htm.

You may or may not be required to do pull-ups during basic. It's up to your Company Commander. However, pull-ups are not part of the final physical fitness evaluation (only push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run).

However, during training, any Company Commander can pretty much have you do any exercises he/she desires, including "pull-ups."

A new class starts basic training pretty much every week. But, like hotel rooms, they book up in advance. There are only so-many slots available each week. So, yes, you can pick when you go to boot camp, as long as there is a slot open at that time.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com


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

QUESTION: i think this might be my last question..............can i go to boot camp during the summer between my junior and senior year? I will already be 17 and my parents are ok with it.

Answer
For active duty?

Nope (in any of the services).

Some of the Reserve branches (Reserve or National Guard), allow this -- ie, going to basic while still in high school), but I don't think the Coast Guard Reserves do (I can't find anything that says the Coast Guard Reserves offer such a "split option").

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com