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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Questions Answered by Expert John Fiorentine
| Subject | Date Asked |
| marines | 5/25/2012 |
| Q: #1 what type of mariens are there and what do they do #2 how does it feel to be in war #3 when can ... A: Noah, 1. There are quiet a few different occupational specialties you could pursue within the ... | |
| Peanut allergies | 4/29/2012 |
| Q: I want to join the military but i have a peanut allergy but i was anaphylactic when i was younger, ... A: Austin, I think you have to really do some soul searching. I am not going to tell you what to do ... | |
| Failed Meps test THC | 4/26/2012 |
| Q: My son made the ultimate dumb decision to smoke 2.5 weeks before going to MEPS. He has 124 hrs ... A: Terry, Your son made a mistake...one that may have fundamentally changed the course of his life. ... | |
| Peanut allergies | 4/25/2012 |
| Q: I want to join the military but i have a peanut allergy but i was anaphylactic when i was younger, ... A: Austin, Have you spoken to a recruiter yet? I recommend you engage a recruiter to determine your ... | |
| Concerta Disqualification from entering the U.S. Coast Guard Academy | 2/7/2012 |
| Q: Fiorentine, my name is Nicholas, and I want to know more about the waiver for entering the U.S. ... A: Nicholas, I assume by Concerta disqualification you are referring to someone with ADHD who is ... | |
| 0% disabled vet with service connected disability | 2/2/2012 |
| Q: Sir, I am a veteran of the Navy. I am interested in joining the Coast Guard Reserves. I have an ... A: Jesse, Assuming you meet age, medical and physical fitness requirements with a reenlistment code of ... | |
| Officer reserves to active duty | 1/20/2012 |
| Q: Is coming into the coast guard as an officer in the reserves as hard as active duty? Also is ... A: Sean, I am not certain what you mean by hard. The requirements to join the reserves are the same ... | |
| USCG | 1/16/2012 |
| Q: ,Jordan Smith A: Jordan, The Coast Guard does not have "MOS"s but has enlisted ratings. The Maritime Enforcement ... | |
| Failed drug test | 1/14/2012 |
| Q: My 21 yr old son is a Coast Guard reservist in his final week of 4 months of tech training. Today ... A: Rhonda, I assume from the facts you have presented that your son is being sent back to his parent ... | |
| CSPI Application | 1/1/2012 |
| Q: on my next appointment they didn't subscribe anymore. Is this a nail in the coffin for me, because ... A: Sean, They are not supposed to poach from each other's geographic area. I should have been more ... | |
| Do I need a waiver? | 12/22/2011 |
| Q: I'm 20 and I graduate from college in two years and after I'm planning on enlisting into the Army. I ... A: Nicole, No it wouldn't nor would I mention it in the future. To be honest I wouldn't have ... | |
| CSPI Application | 12/19/2011 |
| Q: on my next appointment they didn't subscribe anymore. Is this a nail in the coffin for me, because ... A: Sean, I would do exactly that...try another recruiter. I am will not tell you whether it is wise ... | |
| Coast Guard Mortuary Affairs | 11/21/2011 |
| Q: Who handles deceased service members records from the Coast Guard? I thought is was the Navy's ... A: Brenda, Service records are maintained at the Personnel Service Center in Arlington VA until they ... | |
| Coast Guard Entry Legal Disqualifications | 10/29/2011 |
| Q: Sir, I had a question about claims that a single misdemeanor is disqualifying for Coast Guard ... A: Tafiaina, In your honest opinion, is merely having a misdemeanor disqualifying? Well not ... | |
| Enlistment in USCG with an expunged misdemeanor charge | 10/25/2011 |
| Q: My questions is basically my subject line. But I'll go ahead with a more detailed description in ... A: Preston, I'm sorry you felt the recruiter was not response. Due to the state of the economy the ... | |
| want to know the requirment of navy | 9/12/2011 |
| Q: .. i am student of b.tech 2nd year(branch-c.s.) i am 5'8" . i want to know how i can apply and what ... A: Lucky, Enlistment into the U.S. Navy, or any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, by citizens of ... | |
| add/concerta | 8/27/2011 |
| Q: My daughter who is in jr airforce rotc in hs has decided she wants to pursue a military career. She ... A: Dawn, While waivers are sometime possible, they are becoming few and far between. My understanding ... | |
| Housing | 7/29/2011 |
| Q: I'm 24 years old, and I'm married with a child. I'm going to USCG Boot this year, and my question is ... A: Shane, The government will offer you two options to move to your new duty assignment once you ... | |
| can i re-enlist | 7/11/2011 |
| Q: i have a re-entry code of RE-3F separation code of JDT1 i was wondering what that meant and if i ... A: Bryan, Honestly...pretty low. Given the present state of the economy all branches are seeing ... | |
| can i re-enlist | 7/10/2011 |
| Q: i have a re-entry code of RE-3F separation code of JDT1 i was wondering what that meant and if i ... A: Bryan, Your separation code of JDT1 means involuntary discharge due to preservice drug use and ... | |
| computers? | 6/13/2011 |
| Q: hey um i like to work with computers,i would like to go into some branch of the military and was ... A: Caleb, There real requirements. The Coast Guard has a need for STEM majors over liberal arts/soft ... | |
| USCG and Naval OCS | 6/7/2011 |
| Q: Does a history of childhood leukemia (age 4) disqualify me for OCS. I have normal physical exam and ... A: Bob, Thanks for the question. No matter the service you seek to join the medical standards are ... | |
| medical air force discharge | 6/6/2011 |
| Q: My son has been serving in the Air Force for 14 years and 9 months. Last September, he was diagnosed ... A: Rose, I am not familiar with Air Force personnel process as I am a Coast Guard officer. That said ... | |
| OCS candidate | 6/4/2011 |
| Q: I am currently a senior at Fayetteville State University studying for a degree in Management ... A: OCS is very competitive. Your MIS falls within our need for individuals with STEM degrees (Science, ... | |
| Coast Guard In-Demand Careers | 5/23/2011 |
| Q: My grandson is attending UCSD, with a focus in Urban Planning & Development. Although he entered 2 ... A: Delru, Thanks for the question. Your grandson is ardent about joining the Coast Guard...well what ... | |
| Army National Guard-Medical waiver | 5/12/2011 |
| Q: Good Morning. I currently am taking medication for a gastrointestinal issue (crohn's disease). I am ... A: Andrew, I researched through the Coast Guard Medical Manual (COMDTINST M6000.1D). Though these ... | |
| Questions on joining the military | 5/6/2011 |
| Q: I have achieved a lot in my life and I have no regrets in my life, but the one thing that has been ... A: Julian, 1. Its is my belief that you have a far greater chance of being killed in the war zone ... | |
| Army prior service to Coast Guard | 5/4/2011 |
| Q: I am an active duty Soldier in the Army considering enlisting in the Coast Guard when my enlistment ... A: Kenneth, Unless your intention is to retain your old MOS, you will more than likely have to attend ... | |
| Ulcerative Colitis | 5/4/2011 |
| Q: I'm 23 and currently active duty navy and about a year ago on deployment I developed ulcerative ... A: Charlie, I researched through the Coast Guard Medical Manual (COMDTINST M6000.1D) The medical ... | |
| NROTC Service Commitment | 4/14/2011 |
| Q: My question is: Can a person who is awarded an NROTC Scholarship complete their degree and transfer ... A: Dave, Yes but the process is not seamless or easy. First the Navy would have to release you from ... | |
| chron's diease | 4/13/2011 |
| Q: Good morning, I have a son that is 18 years old, in the Coast Guard. He is stationed in Portland ... A: David, Yes the diagnosis could subject your son to discharge. There is a lengthy process detailed ... | |
| Trasfer services | 4/12/2011 |
| Q: John, Thanks for your time. I am currently an active duty USAF fixed-wing pilot. When my ... A: Jeremy, Just to verify, even though I'd be up for my O-4 board in the USAF, I'd still most likely ... | |
| past mj charges coast guard/ airforce enlistment | 4/11/2011 |
| Q: Hey John, I'm 18 and have had several tickets including a marijuana possession on one occasion ... A: Kris, Yes if you are found not guilty you more than likely will be eligible for enlistment in ... | |
| Trasfer services | 4/8/2011 |
| Q: John, Thanks for your time. I am currently an active duty USAF fixed-wing pilot. When my ... A: Jeremy, The Coast Guard does not currently have a program permitting interservice transfer. You ... | |
| TO FIND JOBS IN U.S. | 4/2/2011 |
| Q: I AM BHUSHAN PATIL FROM INDIA, I AM 20Y OLD AND HIGHSCHOOL PASSED ONLY. I AM LABOR AND INDIAN ... A: Bhushan, Whether you want to join the US Army or a rescue job you need to go to a US Consulate or ... | |
| enlistment w/previous attempted suicide | 3/10/2011 |
| Q: When I was 13 I was going through a very difficult time in my life. I literally had no friends, my ... A: Amy, I am very happy that you've put yourself back on a path which sets you up for further success. ... | |
| Blood Pressure | 3/9/2011 |
| Q: however I have stop using them for two years now. My blood pressure reading is in the 130/80 range ... A: Joel, No they are not difficult. However given the current state of the economy there is an ... | |
| pilot | 3/7/2011 |
| Q: my name is ryan and im only a freshmen but i want to know what classes i should take to help me ... A: Ryan, Actually I'm a mariner by trade and not a pilot. However I have served on a number of ... | |
| Can I join the military with screws in feet | 3/4/2011 |
| Q: i have a question that pertains to able to join the military especially the marine field possibly ... A: Braxton, Though I am not 100% certain, my research indicates that you will at a minimum require a ... | |
| Blood Pressure | 3/3/2011 |
| Q: however I have stop using them for two years now. My blood pressure reading is in the 130/80 range ... A: Joel, Past treatment for high blood pressure will trigger further inquiries in particular what ... | |
| Questionable need for medical waiver | 2/21/2011 |
| Q: My 29 year old married son is attempting to enter the Coast Guard. He did well on the ASVAB and ... A: Paula, First the recruiter shouldn't have been so terse if in fact he reacted as described. ... | |
| re-enlist | 2/2/2011 |
| Q: I joined the Army in 2002. I was 19 and I got cold feet while in reception btln. I was diagnosed ... A: Mark, Part 1: Not 100% certain. I assume you have your medical record from your Army time...you ... | |
| Coast Guard CSPI program | 1/24/2011 |
| Q: What's the process for getting into the CSPI program? I understand you can be Caucasian and still be ... A: Paul, There is a limited number of quotas determined by Recruiting Command. There are no school ... | |
| Coast Guard CSPI program | 1/22/2011 |
| Q: What's the process for getting into the CSPI program? I understand you can be Caucasian and still be ... A: Paul, CSPI is a competative pre-commissioning program for sophomore or junior undergraduates ... | |
| DD214 | 1/18/2011 |
| Q: I am the Grand County Veterans Service Officer. I have a Veteran Coast Guard Member that is trying ... A: Mr. Jones, Since it has been greater than six months since he separated the only advice I can offer ... | |
| Marijuana use/ Enlisted | 12/18/2010 |
| Q: I enlisted in the air force reserve back in may and my ship out date is january 24th. However, 2 ... A: Joseph, Not good. You may be eligible for a waiver but that said you may be dropped at the ... | |
| Minimum Enlisted Rank to Retire | 12/15/2010 |
| Q: John, When I served in the U.S. Army, there was a "move up or move out" initiative about making ... A: Mel, The Coast Guard does not have minimum retirement ranks. In order to retire with a pension you ... | |
| USCG Reserve Affiliation | 12/6/2010 |
| Q: I am just shy of 40 yrs old. I recently retired from the Navy Reserve after 22 yrs service, at the ... A: Joseph, I am not 100% certain but I believe it would require the same senior level waiver from the ... | |
| coast guard background check | 12/6/2010 |
| Q: I am very interested in the coast guard. I have an incident on my record where my x fiance broke ... A: Aundray, If you were not convicted of a crime and charges were subsequently dropped you should not ... | |
| Joining the CG | 12/6/2010 |
| Q: I am considering joining the CG or Air Force. I have done my research for both,picked out jobs that ... A: William, Yes if you join the Coast Guard (either as enlisted or officer) you can attend graduate ... | |
| Collocation | 11/23/2010 |
| Q: I'm getting married over the holiday standown period, and I plan to put in for collocation once I ... A: Alicia, I wish I could tell you with some degree of certainty whether or not collocation would be a ... | |
| Son denied reenlistment | 11/21/2010 |
| Q: My son Chris is currently on active duty with the Navy as a nuke with a little over 2 years of ... A: Robert, Thanks for the question. He more than likely falls under the Perform to Serve (PTS) ... | |
| Commissioning Source | 11/20/2010 |
| Q: Does the way you receive your commission (OCS, academy, ROTC) have any effect on your career? Also I ... A: Sean, Your commisioning source has no effect on your career. As far as more respect for prior ... | |
| Can I join the coast guard reserve at 38 y/o? | 11/16/2010 |
| Q: All my life I have wanted to serve my country but i couldn't get it together for a lot of reasons. ... A: Ted, 39 is the upper limit for the Coast Guard Enlisted Reserves. I recommend you immediately ... | |
| Stop Loss | 11/13/2010 |
| Q: John, I may qualify for back pay under the Stop Loss program but cannot find a USCG address on the ... A: Jake, First I am not sure that the Coast Guard pays under Stop Loss which would be a reason the ... | |
| USCG MST | 11/12/2010 |
| Q: i want to ask if i get my green card and iam 30 years old can i join the USCG i want to join the ... A: Rafid, yes you can enlist. I recommend you contact a recruiter so yo can start the process. ... | |
| Deferred Entry of Judgement being military officer | 10/30/2010 |
| Q: After serving honorably for 5 years as a Navy corpsman I went to college and eventually earned a ... A: Bobby, No you do not have to since it legally never occurred. It certainly is possible to become ... | |
| just want to know | 10/20/2010 |
| Q: i was in the army, then i got a chapter 14. i was wondering now that i get ssi can i get off of that ... A: Marcus, thanks for the question. Do you meet the age, health, and physical fitness requirements. ... | |
| Coast Guard Girlfriend | 10/16/2010 |
| Q: My boyfriend of three years has just decided to join the USCG. He wants me to move with him and ... A: Amanda, Impossible no but it may be difficult depending on the unit he is assigned to and the ... | |
| Infidelity | 10/13/2010 |
| Q: My friends husband is in the Marine Corps Reserve and she caught him cheating. Can he get in ... A: Leah, I don't know all the facts but the short answer is yes he could. At a minimum he could be ... | |
| Common Law Marraige | 10/8/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know if common law marriages are recognized and upheld by the military. Are common ... A: Dona, The short answer is yes the military acknowledges common law marriages however it depends on ... | |
| allergy | 9/23/2010 |
| Q: I am currently in flight training for my private pilot license and am 17 years old. I have an ... A: Gray, Without knowing your specifics your allergies to peanuts and shellfish are disqualifying for ... | |
| Medical Reasoning | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: Hey, My name is Veandre Wright, and i had a question about a hearing loss, last year May i went to ... A: Veandre, Honestly the only thing you could provide the recruiter with would be medical options that ... | |
| Joining the USCG MSST | 9/6/2010 |
| Q: so i am color defiant i can see the difference vivid green and red normally but i want to join the ... A: Ramsey, Thanks for the question. From your question it looks like you want to either be in the ... | |
| Applying to Coast Guard | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: My 19 year old son is in the process of applying to the Coast Guard and has filled out all ... A: April, Your son needs to tell the recruiter what happened and what is going on. Failure to ... | |
| Joining the CG | 8/27/2010 |
| Q: My son has going to rehab in his past history. He has no felonies and he is clean and sober. Can ... A: Kim, Does he have a criminal record? Any misdemeanors? Drug use? Is he a high school graduate. ... | |
| USCG questions | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: I am considering joining the Coast Guard. However I would like to know what job/careers will assure ... A: Jennifer, Roger on Active Duty. Yes it is tough to get into long wait list and you must past a ... | |
| USCG questions | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: I am considering joining the Coast Guard. However I would like to know what job/careers will assure ... A: Jennifer, are you enlisting active duty or reserve? For active duty the only ratings with no sea ... | |
| AFROTC | 8/21/2010 |
| Q: "I just had orientation for AFROTC today and on the drug abuse section I answered that I had ... A: Billy, I am not fully up on Air Force regulations. You told the truth and will now be held to it. ... | |
| Joining the USCG | 8/14/2010 |
| Q: My son has finally cleaned his life up and wants to follow in his father's footsteps to become a ... A: April, I am very glad to read that your son has taken steps to improve himself and is interested in ... | |
| Disqualified from coast guard service?? | 8/5/2010 |
| Q: My son who is 18 and recently graduated from HS is looking to enlist in the coast guard. He has ... A: Cherie, Do you have a copy of an arrest record? Can you get the arresting officers information ... | |
| ADD in the USCG | 8/4/2010 |
| Q: Sir, Prior to joining the USCG I was on ADD medication but had to get off it for a year to enlist. ... A: Cheyenne, Just asking the question does not subsequently lead to a medical discharge. You could ... | |
| Can i become a Navy officer with a felony thats 10years old? | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: i just graduated college with a B.A in English and i'm preparing to take the asvab test to become a ... A: Danny, Depends on the nature of the felony. The best person to answer that question would be a ... | |
| Arch of Sabers | 8/2/2010 |
| Q: I need some help with what is allowed for the "Arch of Swords." We are planning to have this done ... A: Laura, Yes. You can have the wedding party come down between the officers with swords down. After ... | |
| positive drug test in the Marines | 8/1/2010 |
| Q: My Son is in the Marines and just got back from Afghanistan. He made a foolish choice while on post ... A: Lena, I understand that this process is difficult and does not seem fair given your son's ... | |
| Navy tattoo restrictions | 7/29/2010 |
| Q: I am thinking about joining the navy, i currently have 8 tattoos, all of them being relatively ... A: Jessica, Unfortunately I am nearly positive that tattoos on the hands and face are disqualifying ... | |
| New recruit information | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: I have so many questions. This is all very new to me. First off I am currently dating a guy who is ... A: Andrea, As a new seaman (I am assuming your boyfriend is not going to an "A" School aka technical ... | |
| Coast Guard Reserve, AD, and Officer questions | 7/22/2010 |
| Q: Lt. Fiorentine, I am on track to being enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserve. I am awaiting my MEPS ... A: Dan, Right now the Coast Guard is over strength. The current financial environment has encouraged ... | |
| Dislocated Shoulder disqualifying??? | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: I am a 28 year old male really wanting to join the Coast Guard Reserves (ME rating to be specific ... A: John, No, PT does not preclude you from enlisting. Corrective surgery and PT would not preclude ... | |
| stigmatism | 7/15/2010 |
| Q: A couple of weeks ago, I called the Coast Guard recruiter in Milwaukee. I Told him I was (and still ... A: Andrew, Thanks for the question. You need to be aware that all types of astigmatism over 3 ... | |
| Requirements | 7/13/2010 |
| Q: I am a 32 year old married man with 4 kids. Would it be possible for me to join the USCG. A: Michael, Thanks for the question. Are you considering joining the Enlisted or Officer ranks? You ... | |
| Problem joining because of Eczema | 6/30/2010 |
| Q: I have an extremely mild case of Eczema (This is not officially diagnosed as Eczema I'm going to go ... A: Miguel, I wouldn't mention the asthma. I also recommend you not mention the allergy. Zyrtec and ... | |
| Problem joining because of Eczema | 6/30/2010 |
| Q: I have an extremely mild case of Eczema (This is not officially diagnosed as Eczema I'm going to go ... A: Miguel, You could try a different recruiter. If you can't get to a different recruiter and the ... | |
| Health History & Age | 6/29/2010 |
| Q: I have a couple of questions: 1) I had surgery to get a tumor removed from my ribs 7 years. I ... A: Daniel, I assume the tumor that was removed was non-cancerous. Depending on the exact particulars ... | |
| upgrading discharge | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: i had already received an honorable discharge on my dd214 from active duty. i was required to ... A: Craig, Thanks for the question. The best advise I can give you is to consult an attorney who ... | |
| Upgrade of RE4 | 6/26/2010 |
| Q: In 1991 I was discharged in boot camp from the Navy due to misconduct and I received an RE4, but I ... A: Eric, RE4 is normally a non-waiverable conduct discharge. Have you spoken with a recruiter? What ... | |
| Shoplifting infraction affecting Coast Guard | 6/25/2010 |
| Q: I have a shoplifting infraction ($10 item taken, plead no-contest and paid fine in exchange for no ... A: John, Was it a misdemeanor or summons. If it was a misdemeanor and the recruiter asks you are ... | |
| acceptance into the coast guard | 6/23/2010 |
| Q: what do I have to do t get accepted into the coast guard. Is there a good website for questions such ... A: Claire, Check out www.gocoastguard.com its a great place to start and can answer many basic ... | |
| Faked Bipolar | 6/22/2010 |
| Q: I am 18 years old and it has been my passion to join the marines.About a year ago I legally fought ... A: Gem, First thing is you need to be honest with the recruiter and explain to him/her the situation. ... | |
| jobs availabilty | 6/21/2010 |
| Q: my nephew has his masters degree in marine biology. is there anything available for him to use his ... A: He could certainly try for a reserve or active duty commission within the Coast Guard and then ... | |
| Marijuana Charges | 6/21/2010 |
| Q: This past march i was officially sworn into the Maryland National Guard. However, at the end of May ... A: Saladin, I don't know the army/national guard procedures but you may very well have made one of ... | |
| Trying to enlist Coast Guard Reserve but have PTSD | 6/19/2010 |
| Q: I am prior service Army infantry with two combat tours in Iraq and was honorably discharged in Jan ... A: Jon, Your chances are slim not necessarily due to your medical status but due to the current ... | |
| Coast Guard Question | 6/16/2010 |
| Q: I am married with two children, and was wondering if the coast guard still might take me. I have ... A: Jay, i don't know how old you are but if you meet the age, fitness and medical requirements, you ... | |
| Can my son still apply for the USCG even though he had a recent finder injury & it has been surgically repaired? | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: Sir, My son had recently (Dec.2009) injured his hand while at work (school to work program - ... A: Susan, Has he already talked to a recruiter and started the process. Whether or not he can enlist ... | |
| enlisting in the reserve | 6/8/2010 |
| Q: I sjoin the naerved 9 years and 11 months. I received an honorable dischare in 1994. I would like to ... A: Virginia, I believe you are to old to re-enlist but you might want to discuss it with a recruiter ... | |
| iron deficiency anemia | 6/6/2010 |
| Q: My son signed up for the Army Reserves and went through most of Basic Training. Much to his ... A: Jane, Sorry to hear of your son's discharge and glad his anemia is under control. The key factor ... | |
| son wants to join the military | 6/4/2010 |
| Q: i have a son who is 20 and is thinking about going in the military wich i think its a wonderful idea ... A: Jan, Thanks for the question. Its good to hear that your son is interested in military service. ... | |
| reserve re-entry | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: Am I eligible to enlist into the reserves after I got out on a honorable discharge even if I had ... A: Anthony, Re-enlist is conditional on your DD-214 re-enlistment code. I recommend reviewing your ... | |
| sleep apnea | 5/31/2010 |
| Q: My son has been with the National Guard for 1 1/2 years.He was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea ... A: Jeff, Sleep apnea and the need for a CPAP machine does not equate to an immediate discharge. I ... | |
| Air Force To Coast Guard | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: Sir, I am active duty Air Force. The AF has accepted me to a commissioning program where i will be ... A: Zara, Congratulations on your selection to an AF commissioning program. The Coast Guard does not ... | |
| Blue To Green | 5/26/2010 |
| Q: I got out of the Navy in 2007 and entered the Army under the Blue To Green Program. When my ... A: Elizabeth, The best answer I can give is it depends. Assuming your medical condition is good and ... | |
| Medical : Ulcers | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: I was recently Honorably discharged from the Army in Feb. For failure of my pt test. While waiting ... A: William, No it will not prohibit re-enlistment. However, current or a history of esophagus ... | |
| Upgrading a discharge | 5/14/2010 |
| Q: I'm a retired USNR Chief and have a godson who joined the USCG but it was not a good fit. He was ... A: Chief, First, thank you for your service. I am going to assume there was some level of misconduct ... | |
| Backup Plan | 5/14/2010 |
| Q: I have been doing some research on the Coast Guard Reserve lately as a backup plan in case I'm not ... A: Sean, Thanks for the question. Tuition Assistance is available to selected reservists (SELRES) aka ... | |
| possibly crossing over | 5/12/2010 |
| Q: I am 26 and in the air national guard training to be an f16 crew chief. I aspire to be an officer ... A: Tracy, Thanks for the question. All of the services are experiencing record enlistment and ... | |
| Ulcerative Colitis DQ | 5/12/2010 |
| Q: NC from Tampa, FL. I was most of the way through my recruitment process - I took the ASVAB, passed ... A: Tess, Thanks for the question. I understand that you have a medical disqualifying condition. Have ... | |
| Texas Army National Guard Qualification | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: I'm considering joining the Guard, will any of the following disqualify me from entering? 1) I'm 36 ... A: Sir, 1.) Your not to old to enlist in the National Guard...max age is 42 by law, however the ... | |
| tattoos | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: assuming you are otherwise qualified as a new college grad that wants to be in the CG, if you have a ... A: George, You'd have to have it removed before your package goes to recruiting command because you ... | |
| prior service court-martial | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: I when I was 18, ten years ago was released from the usaf with a BCD. following ten months ... A: Bradley, I'd say your chances are slim to none unless you get your discharge upgraded. Given that ... | |
| Coast Guard ASVAB Score | 5/1/2010 |
| Q: My nephew has an ASVAB score of 47. Does this score qualify for the Coast Guard or any other branch? ... A: Hal, Thanks for the question. As long as your nephew has a high school diploma 47 is a high enough ... | |
| cilivian medical calls | 4/29/2010 |
| Q: I know this isn't a career question but, I thought you might know. I was watching discovery ... A: Angela, Thanks for the question. I'll give the Search and Rescue 101. Responsibility for search ... | |
| possible waiver | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: I am a 24 year old female and I have been thinking about joining the coast guard since high school. ... A: April, Yes but it will require a conduct waiver which your recruiter would have to process. There ... | |
| criminal record | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: I want to join the navy. I have at least one misdemeanor conviction and 4 other misdemeanors. On my ... A: Patricia, Good afternoon. You are going to need a conduct waiver to enlist. There are a limited ... | |
| Any chance of military career for Hepatitis B carrier? | 4/25/2010 |
| Q: I got Hepatitis B from my mother when I was born. I am Hep B positive (carrier status). I have a BS ... A: Yes you can join the military but will require a medical waiver whether you go active or reserve. be ... | |
| switching Army to Coast guard | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: i was wondering what would i have to do to join the CG when my army contract is up and what are the ... A: Gerardo, Once your contract is up and you get your DD-214 you can enlist in the Coast Guard. That ... | |
| Air Force Pilot | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: Not to be veg here but I'm a 8th grader turrning 15 and am doing a career project and im doing it on ... A: Cooper, Good Afternoon. I am unsure of what SATI is. To be an aviator in the Coast Guard, Navy or ... | |
| To many dependents for active duty | 4/17/2010 |
| Q: Iam 31yrs old married with 5 kids, but one stay with his mother the other 4 with me and my wife. I ... A: The first thing you need to do is see a navy recruiter. The Coast Guard doesn't recruit medical ... | |
| Operations Afloat | 4/15/2010 |
| Q: I am just finishing up my junior year of college as a political science major and looking into ... A: Karie, Thanks for the question. If you desire to go to sea you expect two afloat assignments out ... | |
| help us please | 4/14/2010 |
| Q: my boyfriend is being kicked out for something that didnt happen. his ex claims that he hit her and ... A: Janette, Sorry to hear of our boyfriends situation. My advice is for him to remain silent and seek ... | |
| College Studen Pre-Commissioning Initiative | 4/13/2010 |
| Q: I'm planning to apply for the Coast Guard's CSPI program in 2011 and wanted to know if going to a ... A: Sean, Definitely need to read "Character in Action" by Donald Phillips and ADM James Loy its ... | |
| enlisted to officer (coast guard) | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: Fliorentine my name is josh i have just joined the coast guard after getting my BS in fire and ... A: I assume you are active duty. Are only two programs you qualify for since you already have a ... | |
| HARASSMENT | 4/11/2010 |
| Q: Our daughter has been in the Coast Guard for not quite a year. She has a 1st Class at her duty ... A: Leesa, I am troubled to hear about the conditions at your daughter's unit. First and foremost rest ... | |
| Injuries | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: I just recently joined the Navy, graduated basic and am at my A-school. During basic I injured my ... A: Morgan, Seems to me you are on the path to a medical discharge. You will be on LLD till you are ... | |
| College Studen Pre-Commissioning Initiative | 4/8/2010 |
| Q: I'm planning to apply for the Coast Guard's CSPI program in 2011 and wanted to know if going to a ... A: Attending a community college is ok...you just need to finish the degree in the allotted time at the ... | |
| Navy Seal question | 4/8/2010 |
| Q: I noticed that you had some experience in the navy and have a question that i cannot seem to get a ... A: Micheal, your criminal history may haunt you when you apply for a security clearance though it is ... | |
| future soldier | 4/6/2010 |
| Q: Will they deny my husband if he can't run the mile in 8:30, what if it's 8:31. Do they give leway ... A: Jen, Unfortunately is 8:30 is the standard than it's what he must run the mile in. Additionally, ... | |
| Transfer to the marine corps | 4/6/2010 |
| Q: I am a first year law student, and am planning on joining the Illinois National Guard to help pay ... A: Danny, You usually have to complete the terms of your contract that said it is not unheard of to ... | |
| us army sniper school | 4/6/2010 |
| Q: ive done a tad of research on the army and am fully committed to partake in army rotc program in ... A: Mark, Thanks for the question. Waiverable means that depending on the needs of the service other ... | |
| medical waivers for ROTC | 4/5/2010 |
| Q: Fiorentine, My son has been awarded a full ROTC scholarship to attend college. He has shown success ... A: Bonnie, Its actually two processes. DODMERB is for the ROTC/Service Academies. MEPS is for the ... | |
| medical waivers for ROTC | 4/4/2010 |
| Q: Fiorentine, My son has been awarded a full ROTC scholarship to attend college. He has shown success ... A: Bonnie, I assume the scholarship is pending the completion of a Department of Defense Medical ... | |
| Can I join the military with genital herpes? | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: .. I have a question.. Can I join the army with genital herpes.. I have been affected with this ... A: Tasha, First thanks for asking the question. I do have one for you...how old are you? I ask ... | |
Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard
Answers by Expert:
John Fiorentine
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Active Duty Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander. My specialties are opertations afloat and operations ashore; three afloat tours and two ashore tour under my belt including command afloat and navy exchange. My staff assignments have been with Officer Personnel Management as a Career Counselor and at the Office of Law Enforcement within CG Headquarters as a program analyst. I can answer questions related to the Coast Guard, the assignment process, officer specialties, OCONUS duty, afloat and ashore operations.
Experience
WMEC Deck Watch Officer Portsmouth VA;
DD Combat Info Center Officer Yokosuka Japan (Navy Exchange);
WPB Commanding Officer San Juan PR;
Enforcement Div Sector San Juan PR;
Career Counselor (OPM-4);
Law Enforcement Program Analyst (CG-MLE)
Command Center Chief Sector San Juan PR
Organizations
USCGA Alumni Association; Military Officers Association of America, National Naval Officers Association.
Education/Credentials
B.S. in Government from the US Coast Guard Academy; M.S.A in Leadership from Central Michigan University
Awards and Honors
CG Commendation Medal, USN Achievement Medal, CG Achievement Medal, CG Commandant Letter of Commendation
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