Why don't some people consider the coast guard as military?

Question

My father served 28 years in the coast guard and retired as a CWO3. It really bothers me when people say that isn't the military. He was gone during a good part of my childhood being out on ships and traveling to different places. I moved around every 2-4 years and have a dependent ID card. He proudly served his country and has a bunch of ribbons and medals to prove it. Before becoming a chief warrant officer, he was a boatswain's mate so he knows how to maneuver a boat and is amazing when it comes to sea navigation. So why don't people consider it military?

Answer 1

They are part of the military, but some people don't think so because they aren't really 'combat oriented'.

Answer 2

Its just less recognized by others

Answer 3

People think that because the Coast Guard normally didn't come under the authority of the Department of Defense except in wartime. Before the formation of the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard was part of the Department of Transportation.

They're pretty military in my book though, they wear uniforms, exchange salutes, go into harms way, and they get shot at on occaision.

Answer 4

Because the Coasties used to be under Dept of Transportation and now are Dept of Homeland Security. That's the reason they are the "forgotten" branch. If they were DOD the whole time they wouldn't get the shaft like they do.

Answer 5

The Coast Guard was at one time in the Department Treasury.   Then it was transferred to the Department of Transportation. Today it is in the Department of Homeland Security.   Only in times of war is it transferred to the Department of the Navy or Defense.  

As a result,  it generally is not considered a military service but one of public service.  Since it has far more years of NOT being in the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense,  it is not considered military.  

Sorry...

(Check out the US Public Health Service.  It also is a uniformed service with the same ranks and benefits as being in the Coast Guard.   Imagine how they feel.)  

Answer 6

The main reason they are not considered military by a lot of people is that they are not part of the Department of Defense.  They are Department of Homeland Security.  

Their authority is more closely related to police, DEA, Border Patrol and other police type agencies.  The military has next to no authority in domestic affairs.  We consider them part of the Armed Services, but not a direct part of the military.  Military authority is spelled out in US law under Title 10.  I am not sure what title the Coast Guard falls under off hand, but the military is under title 10.  

That does not mean your father did not serve.  Police officers and firefighters serve too.  There are many ways to serve.

So yes, they are an Armed Service, but because of the legal juristicions, they are not directly military.

And yes, they do get deployed.  One Coastie died in Iraq.  They assist in training coast guards of other nations and help instruct other nations in fighting smuggling and p****y.  I worked with them in Africa myself.

Answer 7

I consider it a part of the military.  Anyone who disagrees has no idea what they're talking about and knows nothing of the history of the USCG.  

Answer 8

Yes, it is a branch of the military. I mean...it has a .mil web address! No but in all serious, Coast Guard SAR helicopter crews are great at what they do. I've seen those guys do some amazing missions.

-Army Pilot

Answer 9

probably because they never get press exposure from fighting overseas or being deployed

Thank your dad for serving for me though!

Answer 10

I think a big thing is that they don't advertise.  I'm constantly seeing commercials for the Army and Navy.  Usually, when you see a general testifying before Congress, its an Army guy.  I'm sure the Coastie's testify before this or that panel but you don't see it.  I've met two people in the Coast Guard and both of times, it was in VA when I was stationed there.  Haven't seen one since.  I know they are out there.  

Answer 11

The Coast Guard is a military branch. The only folks who don't recognize that are the same ones who make a radio call from their pleasure craft for assistance and announced their position as "I'm out here on the water".

It could also be attributed to the fact that not a lot of movies have been made about the Coast Guard. Even in World War Two the most noted one was "Tars and Spars" which was more of a romantic comedy than a war movie.

But, with less personnel than the number of uniformed police on the streets of New York City they do an amazing job of protecting our coasts, assisting in rescue and salvage and interdicting the drug trade. You tell your dad there is one retired Navy Officer out there who believes the "Coasties" are a most professional military service.