Airforce or the Coast Guard?!?

Question

I've been back and fourth with this decision for a few months now. I want to join the military after college however I don't know which branch is better (generally speaking) I know this can be complicated because it depends on the person so here's some info: I will have a B.A. in Criminal Justice, I would love to fly but its not all that important. I like the idea of living on base but then I feel that I would gain a better background in Law Enforcement if I join the Coast guard. And last, what is the quality of life like in either or both, because I am looking to possibly start a career in which ever I may choose! Thank you in advance!!!!!

Answer 1

The coast guard catches criminals trying to smuggle in the States.

The Air Force's security force, is helping out in Iraq with camps and making sure the roads are safe.

The quality is superior in both branches equally. They have extreme high standards, because of the technical side (not downing the other branches, its just that their specialties are a bit different).

I see that your torn between two great branches. I was the same way. Well, since you're leaning towards Coast Guard ... why not try them?

Its only 4 years. Then go on to Air Force. That way you can have experience in both. An unparalleled resume, just to add. Since you have a B.A. you'd go in as an officer. This will be different than the enlisted people. Speak to both recruiters of the Air Force, and Coast Guard. Do not let them try to get you in, for anything less than an officer position - Its happened before!

Answer 2

Either would be a good choice.

To counter some misinformation handed out earlier, the Coast Guard has bases in the Bahamas (St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, St. Johns), in the Pacific (Guam, of course, Hawaii, and even in Singapore!  Don't forget Alaska as well!), and in Europe (Rotterdam!) and then we do temporary duty all over the world.

Right now, we have six cutters and an entire support base that are based in Bahrain, patrolling the Persian Gulf.  The Cutter Dallas just landed with relief supplies in Georgia.  Our Polar Ice Breakers travel from the North Pole to Antarctica in support of scientific research. Many of our cutters do trips all around the world in support of fisheries enforcement and for law enforcement (treaties and embargo) missions.

Don't sell the Coast Guard short - we do a LOT!

Yeah, the other services have a lot more folks stationed overseas than we do - heck, the Air Force has more folks in Europe than the entire Coast Guard - but every job in the Coast Guard revolves around keeping people safe - whether we are doing drug and migrant interdiction, working on the buoys that help ships steer, inspecting commercial ships and the facilities they visit, or doing search and rescue.

Can you smell my bias here?  I'd go Coast Guard!

Answer 3

Re the blues: Just because someone has a B.A. degree does not mean they are qualified to become an Officer. Trust me, I don't know about the Coast Guard, but the Air Force is VERY selective now when it comes to offering commissions to undergraduates with no ROTC experience who don't have technical degrees. On top of that you need more than a 3.0 to get accepted for OTS in the Air Force. Also, the Air Force is the only service that rarely accepts prior service military. Whatever you choose, keep in mind that both are very small branches (the Coast Guard smaller than the Air Force) and as such are extremely selective with their requirements. Also, the Air Force belongs to the Department of Defense, the Coast Guard belongs to the Department of Homeland Security. Should the need arise for the Coast Guard to be deployed, they are activated through the Department of the Navy.

Both are fine choices, just speak to both recruiters, and listen to which branch seems like a better fit for you.  

Answer 4

Lizzie is 100% correct. I am one of those people with a BA that didnt qualify to be an officer. I too had debated which branch to join. I was very much leaning USAF, but wanted to hear from the USCG. I couldnt even locate a CG recruiter. I chose the USAF over them also because I could live in places like Italy, Germany, Japan, etc, while you are pretty much stuck in the US with the Coast Guard. Why not get the most out of your military experience i say. See the world on the gov't's dime, while serving your country.

Answer 5

I'd prefer coast guard to the air force, but that's just me.  

Answer 6

Air Force!