Question:
Coast Guard or Air Force?
John
2017-04-13 23:59:19 UTC
I am a 18 year old who want sot do college but get a head start on life, anyway I narrowed it down to 2 branches, AF, or CG, I can't decide which of the two so please help
Is it easier to do college while your in the coast guard or Air Force?
Is bootcamp the same or really different between the two?
I know the benefits are all the same, but which would be better overall?
-I really want to join the Air Force bad, but I hear you on;y can take 1-2 classes while active duty, but I hear they promote more often and have nice bases, I just don't want to be 22 with little or no degree
Eight answers:
?
2017-04-14 19:32:10 UTC
"Is it easier to do college while your in the coast guard or Air Force?"



"Easier" is relative. It isn't easy in either one. The USAF does put a strong focus on education but on active duty regardless of service branch you won't be able to take more than 1-2 classes at a time. That's partly because you'll have a full-time job working 40-60 hours a week including additional duties. You aren't allowed to take any classes until you're qualified in your duty position -- which can take up to two years. You're pretty much limited to distance-learning classes and those offered on base.



That said, the USAF does very much want you to get an education. They have their own community college. There are general classes offered on base and you'll get credit for tech school. If you complete a few other classes on your own you can get an AA/AAS degree form the CCAF. Getting a bachelors in one enlistment is largely impossible but with enough work you can get an associates done.





"Is bootcamp the same or really different between the two?"



The purpose of basic training is to teach you the basics of being in the military in general and in your respective branch. So in general they cover much of the same type of material; they have fairly similar PT standards; similar length of time, etc. But they have different missions so obviously they have some pretty significant differences too. Basic training in all branches comes down to two things: LISTEN and do exactly what you're told; no more, no less. The rest is window dressing.





"I know the benefits are all the same, but which would be better overall?"



That's entirely up to you. There is no one in the world who can answer that question but you. Because that depends entirely on what you want out of the experience.





"I really want to join the Air Force bad, but I hear you only can take 1-2 classes while active duty, but I hear they promote more often and have nice bases"



That is true of classes regardless of branch of service. Promotions through E-4 are automatic and based on time in grade, time in service, and being qualified in your job. You don't test for promotion until E-5. So no, they don't "promote more often". Yes, the bases tend to be nice.





"I just don't want to be 22 with little or no degree"



Well if you enlist you will be. That's part of the trade off with military service. You trade some of your time in exchange for the benefits you get. The education benefits you get are intended to be used once you are out of the service. The military trains you to do a job and that's what they expect from you -- not school. If you want the benefits that come with joining the military you have to accept the trade-off that comes with it. You can almost certainly get an associates degree from the USAF in one enlistment with a little extra work on your part. That will help you when it comes time to apply to a bachelor's program. But you won't be getting a four-year degree in one term of enlistment.

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ZZ
2017-04-14 18:54:14 UTC
Air Force … is a larger DoD organization (vs. Homeland Security) with more diverse opportunities to serve nationally or globally.



Air Force … has larger on-base education programs with more staff readily available to guide your individualized education plan. Search: Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).



Depending on AFSC, CCAF makes a 2-year AS degree doable in a 6-year enlistment … you would be very hard-pressed to complete an AS degree in any 4-year enlistment. Search: DANTES and CLEP testing for credit.



Basic training is commensurate for both … training of body and mind. Get sharp, stay sharp.



Better “overall” … too subjective to call.



Take responsibility for your own choice and how you react accordingly, “own it” and move on with purpose to enthusiastically make it the "best" decision for you … amazing things will happen either way!



At 18, I survived the exact same active duty dilemma you now face … Coast Guard or Air Force.



Obviously with my bias … AF path worked out best for me.



Life is an exhilarating journey so enjoy your personal trek … Good Luck!
GEORGE B
2017-04-14 16:27:39 UTC
If a degree is your first objective then I recommend college along with ROTC.



GB

Major, Sqdn Cmdr, USAF, 1960-74
anonymous
2017-04-14 14:13:07 UTC
Q: Is it easier to do college while your in the coast guard or Air Force?



A: In any branch, its takes a long time to get your degree. far more than a full time student even a part time student. And depending if you do a lot of field work with your job it will be harder.



Q: Is bootcamp the same or really different between the two?



A:CG bootcamp is 8 weeks, and Airforce is 8 and a half. However Coast Guard from what ive heard is harder than USAF and is comparable to the Marines. USCG boot camp is often overlooked. Look at some quick bootcamp videos on youtube and see for yourself. And USCG and USAF are the hardest to get out of all military branches. Unlike army and marines you could be shipped out in less then a month. USCG and USAf waiting list for boot camp is long.



Q: I know the benefits are all the same, but which would be better overall?



A: Air force has better living condition. You have your own private bed room and relaxed standards. I dont know about USCG as it is often overlooked. I would imagine it would be relaxed too.



Its your decision ultimately.
Mrsjvb
2017-04-14 00:36:33 UTC
You will not have time to attend college for a minimum of two years regardless, and then only one class at a time. It will always be s condary to your military duties
jeeper_peeper321
2017-04-14 00:16:08 UTC
your not gonna have a degree at 22 if your enlist in any service branch
Bill-M
2017-04-14 00:07:39 UTC
Boot camps for the two are completely different.

and you can not go to College while your on Active Duty in either the Coast Guard or the Air Force.

The best you can do is sign up for College classes ON BASE which you take during your off duty time.

You can only do one course at a time, because you will not have that much time.
Be an Angel
2017-04-14 00:05:18 UTC
well, completely ignoring your actual question I urge you to avoid government employment. Work for the private sector and build the economy.


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