Switching Services

[BlackManta]

Hi, this is my first time posting on Air Warriors and I hope to get great feedback on a difficult decision. I apologize in advance if Im waxing poetic, but I just wanted to give a primer.

I recently graduated law school and was selected for Coast Guard OCS. My plan was originally to be a JAG/Coast Guard attorney and I chose the Coast Guard because all of their officers are generalist and unrestricted line, meaning I could switch to another field at some point and possibly command a cutter or fly. I've recently however have had second thoughts. The Coast Guard is an excellent service and I believe in their various missions and thier dual law enforcement/military status is truly unique. However my true professional interests lay in all things defense/national security. I know this may sound a bit pretentious, but I really one day hope(d) to be one of the high ranking admirals/generals deciding American defense policy. I've looked at all the branches, and in light of the geopolitical environment, there won't be many (if any) protracted ground conflicts were engaged en masse for the forseeable future. In light of that, I think the Navy represents the best Avenue through which to be a military officer (at least for me). Id like to be an aviator in the Navy. So with all this said, here are my questions:

1. Ive come to learn that there's no way I can have my cake and eat it to. I think I might have a good chance e at the pilot board (I an studying for the astb) but there are no guarantees. If I go through with my packet I'll have to get the CG to release my MEPS Physical meaning that they'll effectively know I'm seeking to enter another service. That being said, is it a good idea to tell the CG I want to rescind my OCS acceptance?

2. In terms of competitiveness for the Navy ocs board, how do I rank? I'm 25 and an African American male. I have a JD from a top 40 law school. I have a 3.68 in international relations. I have extensive legal experience and volunteer experience in the Knights of Columbus. I have yet to take the ASTB, but let's assume I score a little above average.

3. I have already done an e-qip background check for a SECRET clearance with the CG. Would I have to do another for the Navy? Could I get my background check released to the Navy? Also, is the e-qip the SF-86 or am I confused?

4. I'm unsure if there is a physical fitness test I need to take for my Navy OCS packet. Is there one?

5. I've been told that the next Pilot board is October, is it possible I can get an answer back the board prior to January?

I'd appreciate any feedback and assistance from anyone. Thanks.

 

[fieldrat]

I recently graduated law school and was selected for Coast Guard OCS.

You already have a selection quota for OCS. Don't blow it because you woke up and decided to be a pilot of a sudden (#NotYourMother).

Yes, it's entirely possible to forgo the USCG slot and try to apply for a Navy pilot slot, but why?

Positives:
You'd be pursuing exactly the career you want.
Opportunity to do more wide ranging mission.
Assuming you were selected for JAG, you commission as a Lieutenant/O-3.

Negatives:
"Walk of shame" involved in switching service recruiters and gaining conditional releases.
Wasting a guaranteed opportunity of approximate equal value to chase what is only a possibility.
If successful, a Navy commission in an aviation field starts at Ensign/O-1.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Hi, this is my first time posting on Air Warriors and I hope to get great feedback on a difficult decision. I apologize in advance if Im waxing poetic, but I just wanted to give a primer.

I recently graduated law school and was selected for Coast Guard OCS. My plan was originally to be a JAG/Coast Guard attorney and I chose the Coast Guard because all of their officers are generalist and unrestricted line, meaning I could switch to another field at some point and possibly command a cutter or fly. I've recently however have had second thoughts. The Coast Guard is an excellent service and I believe in their various missions and thier dual law enforcement/military status is truly unique. However my true professional interests lay in all things defense/national security. I know this may sound a bit pretentious, but I really one day hope(d) to be one of the high ranking admirals/generals deciding American defense policy. I've looked at all the branches, and in light of the geopolitical environment, there won't be many (if any) protracted ground conflicts were engaged en masse for the forseeable future. In light of that, I think the Navy represents the best Avenue through which to be a military officer (at least for me). Id like to be an aviator in the Navy. So with all this said, here are my questions:

1. Ive come to learn that there's no way I can have my cake and eat it to. I think I might have a good chance e at the pilot board (I an studying for the astb) but there are no guarantees. If I go through with my packet I'll have to get the CG to release my MEPS Physical meaning that they'll effectively know I'm seeking to enter another service. That being said, is it a good idea to tell the CG I want to rescind my OCS acceptance?

2. In terms of competitiveness for the Navy ocs board, how do I rank? I'm 25 and an African American male. I have a JD from a top 40 law school. I have a 3.68 in international relations. I have extensive legal experience and volunteer experience in the Knights of Columbus. I have yet to take the ASTB, but let's assume I score a little above average.

3. I have already done an e-qip background check for a SECRET clearance with the CG. Would I have to do another for the Navy? Could I get my background check released to the Navy? Also, is the e-qip the SF-86 or am I confused?

4. I'm unsure if there is a physical fitness test I need to take for my Navy OCS packet. Is there one?

5. I've been told that the next Pilot board is October, is it possible I can get an answer back the board prior to January?

I'd appreciate any feedback and assistance from anyone. Thanks.

Did you ask an officer recruiter any of these questions? If not, there's your answer.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Also, as a Flag Officer its your job to ENFORCE policy, not create it. If you want to create policy run for public office.

 

[BlackManta]

Did you ask an officer recruiter any of these questions? If not, there's your answer.

I have. I was told I was competitive and I could make the switch, but
I take a risk in not being selected. I just wanted to here from other people's perspective.

 

[HH-60H]

Also, as a Flag Officer its your job to ENFORCE policy, not create it. If you want to create policy run for public office.

This

It doesn't matter which service you're in, you'll be wearing the wrong uniform.

 

[Hair Warrior]

Also, as a Flag Officer its your job to ENFORCE policy, not create it. If you want to create policy run for public office.

This

It doesn't matter which service you're in, you'll be wearing the wrong uniform.

Yes and no, I reckon. RUFiO and HH-60H are correct: National policy, in the JP 1-02 definition, is not for FOs to create. BlackManta's quote about "deciding American defense policy" sounds like this definition.

Policy, in the DOTMLPF-P sense, is the responsibility of the Secretariat staffs (SECNAV, SAF, etc.) in the DoD. Often, however, a GO/FO will play a large role in shaping any policy changes that are approved by his/her Assistant Secretary, Deputy Assistant Secretary, etc. of the Service. Typically, an AS or DAS will only promulgate a new policy after considering "views of others" from his/her military deputy and other affected GO/FOs with equity in the decision, through a coord process. Instructions/guidance (which are below policy) are the purview of the Headquarters staffs (OPNAV, HAF, etc.) and are able to be disseminated by GO/FOs. Since instructions carry the force and effect of law, and adherence or deviations to instruction can be investigated/audited, they can still shape the Fleet. There are other "policy-like" regulations, e.g. NMCARS and AFFARS, which can be amended/influenced by a GO/FO depending on who holds the stick at the time.

And it involves a lot of staring at PowerPoint slides - not as glamorous as you may imagine.

 

[BlackManta]

This

It doesn't matter which service you're in, you'll be wearing the wrong uniform.

I think what I meant was that I'd like to be one of the folks in the Pentagon working on defense policy. Military advisor to the Sec Def, or maybe (unlikely, but always possible) on the joint chiefs of staff. The input and knowledge of flag officers plays a major role in helping lawmakers create defense policy as well. I know a lot of that sounds far reaching, it's just to illustrate what I've come to know isn't really possible to do in the Coast Guard.

 

[Renegade One]

Hi…[waxes poetic]... Thanks.

Um…where to start…

BLUF: If your desired end state is truly to one day be a high-level muckety-muck making policy…forget the services entirely and run for public office.

It'll be the services' loss, I'm sure…but, hey…you have only one life to live. Might as well live the dream.

 

[Uncle Fester]

I'm staring to think there ought to be an "is the grass greener on your side?" sticky/mega thread for candidates and students wanting to switch services. There's been a rash of them lately...

 

[Brett327]

I think what I meant was that I'd like to be one of the folks in the Pentagon working on defense policy. Military advisor to the Sec Def, or maybe (unlikely, but always possible) on the joint chiefs of staff. The input and knowledge of flag officers plays a major role in helping lawmakers create defense policy as well. I know a lot of that sounds far reaching, it's just to illustrate what I've come to know isn't really possible to do in the Coast Guard.

As a URL officer, you'll have the opportunity to work on a major staff - most likely at the O4/O5 level. While you won't make policy, per se, you would be surprised at how flat an organization the Joint Staff is and officers at that level can have a pretty significant impact on shaping policy. During my time at JCS, there were lots of guys (O4 and O5) whose work was briefed to POTUS in the sit room. It's pretty cool to hear the talking points you wrote coming out of the President's mouth at a press briefing.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Don't forget, Coast Guard plays a very important role with Homeland Security which is just as important as DoD. You have already been offered a one in a lifetime opportunity to pursue an officer commission. Why fix what isn't broken?

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

I have. I was told I was competitive and I could make the switch, but
I take a risk in not being selected. I just wanted to here from other people's perspective.

Great! Did you search the forums? There's many perspectives already offered and posted on here. As a potential officer candidate, I would expect you to use your resources around you before posting a question that gets asked and answered all the time.

 

[Hair Warrior]

Don't forget, Coast Guard plays a very important role with Homeland Security which is just as important as DoD. You have already been offered a one in a lifetime opportunity to pursue an officer commission. Why fix what isn't broken?

Concur. Another reason to go USCG JAG instead of USN is that USCG has a law enforcement mission which the Navy does not have. If you want to later become a practicing attorney, prosecutor, judge, or politician, that law enforcement exposure may be a nice-to-have.

Also, just because you're in the USCG doesn't mean you can't have "fun" with other branches. A coworker of mine who is a retired USCG O-5 Cutterman once served a tour as an XO of a U.S. Navy surface ship and earned his SWO pin doing so, stood watch on the bridge, etc.

Another USCG O-3 Cutterman I met one time was on detail to the White House/ National Security Council.

 

[zippy]

Hi, this is my first time posting on Air Warriors and I hope to get great feedback on a difficult decision. I apologize in advance if Im waxing poetic, but I just wanted to give a primer.

I recently graduated law school and was selected for Coast Guard OCS. My plan was originally to be a JAG/Coast Guard attorney and I chose the Coast Guard because all of their officers are generalist and unrestricted line, meaning I could switch to another field at some point and possibly command a cutter or fly. I've recently however have had second thoughts. The Coast Guard is an excellent service and I believe in their various missions and thier dual law enforcement/military status is truly unique. However my true professional interests lay in all things defense/national security. I know this may sound a bit pretentious, but I really one day hope(d) to be one of the high ranking admirals/generals deciding American defense policy. I've looked at all the branches, and in light of the geopolitical environment, there won't be many (if any) protracted ground conflicts were engaged en masse for the forseeable future. In light of that, I think the Navy represents the best Avenue through which to be a military officer (at least for me). Id like to be an aviator in the Navy. So with all this said, here are my questions:

1. Ive come to learn that there's no way I can have my cake and eat it to. I think I might have a good chance e at the pilot board (I an studying for the astb) but there are no guarantees. If I go through with my packet I'll have to get the CG to release my MEPS Physical meaning that they'll effectively know I'm seeking to enter another service. That being said, is it a good idea to tell the CG I want to rescind my OCS acceptance?

2. In terms of competitiveness for the Navy ocs board, how do I rank? I'm 25 and an African American male. I have a JD from a top 40 law school. I have a 3.68 in international relations. I have extensive legal experience and volunteer experience in the Knights of Columbus. I have yet to take the ASTB, but let's assume I score a little above average.

3. I have already done an e-qip background check for a SECRET clearance with the CG. Would I have to do another for the Navy? Could I get my background check released to the Navy? Also, is the e-qip the SF-86 or am I confused?

4. I'm unsure if there is a physical fitness test I need to take for my Navy OCS packet. Is there one?

5. I've been told that the next Pilot board is October, is it possible I can get an answer back the board prior to January?

I'd appreciate any feedback and assistance from anyone. Thanks.

Many people spend time trying to get into the coast guard from other services via their direct commission programs. I've never heard anyone leaving the Coast Guard to go into a different service. Their quality of life is higher than even the Air Force.

You're being foolish if you don't think senior coast guard officers decide national security policy. It's fairly common for Junior coast guard officer (i.e. JGs and LTs) have just as much responsibility as their O-5 counter parts in the Navy.

Keep your Coast Guard Commission... You'll thank us later.