Expert: Rod Powers - 5/31/2007

Question
hello
i recently decided that i would like to do somthing army related when i get my highschool diplma in 3 months and i was wondering the difference between coast gaurd and army and the different fields in the army. also if being on meds for anxiety/depression will effect or havnt a previous injured leg would effect you being able to join.

hope to hear from you soon and thank you so much

jon

Answer
Hi Jon,

There's a world of difference between the Army and the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is primarily a law enforcement agency (they fall under the Department of Homeland Defense), and spend most of their time aboard patrol boats (Coast Guard Cutters and other sea-going vessels). The Army is primarily a Military combat outfit (they fall under the Department of Defense) and spend most of their time shooting at people on the ground.

Available enlisted jobs in the Coast Guard can be viewed at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/cgjoin/l/blcgjobs.htm Available enlisted jobs in the Army can be read at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjobs/a/arjobs.htm

As you can see, the Army has a lot more job possibilities.

I'm afraid that any history of treatment for mood disorders (such as anxiety or depression), which results in treatment for longer than 6 months is disqualifying for any branch of military service. (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/neurotic.htm).

Just to be considered for a possible waiver, you must be off medication for at least a year, with no ill effects.

Even then, the chances of receiving a waiver for the Coast Guard are not good (The Coast Guard needs far fewer new enlisted than the Army does, so they can afford to be more "picky," when it comes to approving waivers).

For more information about the United States 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