USCG depot program w/ prior LE experience

[nevets]

Good evening everyone!

I'm looking at the USCG depot program and was wondering what the prerequisites. I'm 36 and have 3 years of active federal law enforcement experience. Per the USCG website, I meet the age requirement but there's no information on how many years of LE experience I need to qualify. I haven't contacted a recruiter yet and was hoping maybe somebody on the forum might have some insight. Thanks for the help!

[Endless]

Remember 36 years old is to old for active duty coast guard unless you're prior service. 32 is the age cap.

Usually there are programs for prior military members going active or reserve that do a rate determination package bc of civilian job. Again the age is by stipulation in that ALCOAST.

Also keep in mind DEPOT is only the shorter boot camp. 3 weeks instead of 8 weeks.

Even OCS-R the age cap is 32 years. Active officer is dependent on the program you're looking at.

One of my good friends is a Coast Guard recruiter and relayed this information to me.

So I take it you're going reserve?

[nevets]

Yes, I would be going reserve. According to the USCG website, it states that ages 27 to 40 with either prior military service or qualifying civilian experience would qualify.

[Endless]

Yes, I would be going reserve. According to the USCG website, it states that ages 27 to 40 with either prior military service or qualifying civilian experience would qualify.

Right, depends on the ALCOAST.

Waiting on response about qualifying civilian service.

Ok he just responded.

"For Law Enforcement for ME rate. It’s not really a set time. When they talk to a recruiter they will have to do a Rate Determination Package that gets sent to the rating force master chief to see if they can qualify with their LEO experience for ME3 (E-4). They still go to Depot regardless though."

So it's upto the rating force master chiefs office.

He recommends going to your local Coast Guard recruiting office and sit down with the recruiter and drafting up a package to get submitted upto that ME rating force master chief.

[cgseanp1]

Remember 36 years old is to old for active duty coast guard unless you're prior service. 32 is the age cap.

Usually there are programs for prior military members going active or reserve that do a rate determination package bc of civilian job. Again the age is by stipulation in that ALCOAST.

Also keep in mind DEPOT is only the shorter boot camp. 3 weeks instead of 8 weeks.

Even OCS-R the age cap is 32 years. Active officer is dependent on the program you're looking at.

One of my good friends is a Coast Guard recruiter and relayed this information to me.

So I take it you're going reserve?

There is a waiver process. I know of a 36 year old “A” school student with no prior military experience.

Dang didn’t realize this post was almost 2 months old.

[RickD427]

The Coast Guard is a terrific organization. I spent 24 years in it, both active and reserve.

If you're going to enter via the DEPOT program, make very sure that you understand what you're getting into.

To be successful in any organization, you have to be congruent with the organizational culture, and the technical requirements of your position.

A lot of folks who enter the military at advanced ranks have difficulty with the organizational culture part. A lot don't "get it" until its too late.

If you enter as a petty officer in the Maritime Enforcement rating, you need to be proficient in the duties of a petty officer, as well as your enforcement duties. Skills don't "balance out", you're going to be judged by the lowest denominator. A lot of your LE skills will translate well into petty officer skills, but not all. Be very mindful of this and work hard at the beginning to master the cultural changes. Life will be a lot easier (not only your life, but the lives of those that you lead).

Also be aware that the ME rating is primarily an underway rating, and is primarily practiced on large cutters. They make 2-3 month long patrols. Make sure you can get away from your civilian job. There are a lot of ME task that can be done from smaller ships and shore units, but then you're not going to get the full benefit of the rating.

[Calif Hunter]

My grandson just reported to his first ship, the USCGC Steadfast, currently enroute to Guatamala, I believe. He was in quarantine in Long Beach for a couple weeks. They are based out of Astoria, OR.

[Endless]

My grandson just reported to his first ship, the USCGC Steadfast, currently enroute to Guatamala, I believe. He was in quarantine in Long Beach for a couple weeks. They are based out of Astoria, OR.

The Steadfast is a good boat. I was stationed up in Astoria at the base. Awesome small community and great people.

[RickD427]

My grandson just reported to his first ship, the USCGC Steadfast, currently enroute to Guatamala, I believe. He was in quarantine in Long Beach for a couple weeks. They are based out of Astoria, OR.

The Steadfast is a good unit. I was stationed on one of her sisterships in Kodiak. That class of cutter is noted for its horrible riding characteristics, but they have small crews and good mission assignments. That more than makes up for it.

I'll copy the previous poster's comments about Astoria, it's a great place to be assigned to.

[cgseanp1]

I spent a few days in Astoria prior to sailing into Portland for Rose Fest. Astoria was fun, a little gloomy though!

[joshr]

In case OP is still wondering: yes, you will qualify for Depot. As far as having A school waived for your LE experience, that will depend on the exact position you are in and their accreditations, but you likely will be able to graduate e4 from depot.

Also, an earlier poster has sort of incorrect info about Depot, it is currently 4 weeks to make enough room for the covid issues. After covid, my understanding is they intend to change it back to 3 weeks.

Also, youll probably get better answers on the uscg sub reddit to these questions.