Why am I still in if it sucks so bad?

Good question. I knew that putting me in an office was a big mistake and was very vocal about my desire not to. Its hard to explain, but it is killing me. I approached the Command last year and asked for a new assignment, anything that would get me away from a desk and back into the field where I belong. I added that I had never been unhappier in 20 years as this was my first desk job. They said (I'm not making this up) :

1. I needed to come to work an hour earlier each day, to get a better rhythm
2. I was to seek counseling and report the findings
3. Work on my CG career plan!
4. Get back to your desk and replenish the copier

Wow. I was floored! I did what any reasonable person would do, said thank you and promptly requested retirement. But it gets better! They said:

1. We can't let you go! Your job is too important, so we are going to involuntarily extend your contract 1 year!

People, let me add that after 15 years of jumping out of helicopters to save people ( granted I would do it for free) I understand when people need a hand. This is the help I get? Unbelievable. At first I was in disbelief, then I realized I was not among people who understand the true life saving spirit of the Coast Guard. These are people who have made careers behind desks, back-stabbing, pencil pushing pussies, ducking, non-operational wimps! It was a all too clear.

An emergency to me, is when people are dying. An emergency to these people is when the printer falls off line. No wonder I felt so isolated! In truth, I feel sorry for these office types-sorta. I do feel they are tax payer parasites, milking the US for a military pension and hiding behind a desk. Never risking anything or sacrificing.

Bottom line, the Coast Guard doesn't give a shit about its members. What does that say about the organization as a whole?

Welcome

Hello. If you wandered upon this blog, then you are likely seeking information concerning the Coast Guard. Hopefully, I will be able to provide the data you seek.

Firstly, I am writing this out of both frustration and a sense of obligation. I'm frustrated for reasons that will reveal themselves in time, but most importantly I want to allow the uninitiated a chance to understand the "real" Coast Guard.

When I first came in, the motto was: "You have to go, but you don't have to come back".

Those days are long gone kiddies.

So why listen to me? I have over 20 years experience in the USCG and have had the opportunity to experience a much wider range of the Coast Guard than your average Coastie. I do feel as if I am a subject matter expert. My experiences range from Sea time on a polar ice breaker, helicopter and C-130 air crew and mechanic, helicopter rescue swimmer, instructor, boarding team member, intelligence specialist, small boat engineer, course development, EMT and more. I've worked on ships, at air stations, training centers, groups, sectors, small boat stations and one District. This is a very diverse experience for a coastie. I list this only to demonstrate that my exposure has been broad and that I have some depth in what I speak of. Enough of that.



I work with both officers, junior and senior as well as enlisted and civilians. I also work with the auxiliary and outside agencies. Again, my exposure has some depth.

I can honestly say some aspects of the Coast Guard are fantastic, primarily Search and Rescue. Unfortunately, others are very poor. The Coast Guard is all about political correctness, and it promotes heavily based on race and gender. I've seen some egregious examples of reverse discrimination. A new disturbing trend is the growing civilian component of the CG, which is being allowed to create niches within the infrastructure and basically rape the CG and treat the military members however they feel. The Coast Guard is really going down hill, very sad. Are there still members who embody the spirit of rescue a sea? You bet, but they are quickly being replaced by office workers and corporate attitudes. Leadership is being over run by management.

Why the Coast Guard Sucks

1. Political correctness run amok
2. Inept management
3. Civilan component
4. Loss of "Life Saving Spirit"