Hello everyone.

I'm new to the forums and I've been browsing the forums for a few days gathering interesting information which increased my desire to join the US Coast guard.

I'm currently 27 years old and already hold an Associates Degree in liberal arts and science. I am still in college, working on obtaining my B.S. in nursing. I have been trained in various Korean martial arts for over 10 years and earned a black belt in Tang Soo Do(and won some tournaments/competitions). I currently speak two languages fluently (English and Korean) and I am learning Spanish as my third language. I do not have any children and will be married within a few months. I believe in helping others and have a strong desire to join the Coast Guard to have a solid and rewarding career.

My question is with the budget cut for the fiscal year which reduced the recruiting number from 5,000 to 1,200, what are my chances? I understand the recruiters are looking for the "total package" and it us up to me to promote myself but as a recruiter would you be impressed with me as a candidate? Also how competitive is it in the New York City area? I've already submitted my info on the recruitment website but should I walk into the recruitment center in my area or should I set up an appointment first? I just want to get this right the first time so that I would have a greater chance of being recruited and impress my recruiter.

You should definitely call to set up an appointment first, as most CG recruiting offices don't allow walk-ins.

However, if you do show up they will help you out. Recruiters aren't tyrants... they're just busy.

Good point Gears. The reason I say you shouldn't walk in, is because there's a good possibility that someone could already have an appointment at that time, and when it's possible, I like to give my undivided attention to that applicant. The bigger offices might be able to handle the walk-ins a little easier.

Thank you for your responses.

I have another question. Ive read the FAQ part of the forum regarding juvenile record and now I am afraid that I might be disqualified for it.

When I was 15 or 16 I was wrongly accused and arrested for burglary along with others. To make the long story short, my father and I met with the District Attorney in charge of the case at the time and my case was unconditionally dropped ( no fines, probation, time served ). I did not have to even go into a court or meet a judge and was told that when I turn 17 that the record will be sealed and should not have any problems joining the military or jobs. I have never been in any trouble with the law after that incident in my life. Im afraid that this might look badly upon my record and it will disqualify me from the CG.

Any advices regarding this issue?

It could be bad, but it could be fine also. Just be up front about it with your recruiter and see what they say.

Thank you for the very informative responses. It is helping me greatly. I have a appointment set up to meet soon. I gathered resume, trophies, academic awards and job related awards, recommendation letters, birth certificate/passport/Social Security card etc. Is there anything else I need besides the medical record?

Are there any forms that I need to fill out that is readily available online so that I may just hand it in person to keep the process much quicker and easier for the recruiter?

also regarding the medical record... I have gotten all my shots but I do not have a regular physician. I think I would be able to get a hold of my immunization record from my college and my eye prescription as well. Do I need to bring a physical or would that be done at the MEP site?

MEPS lives to poke & prod & examine... so no need for a physical prior to going there, that's their function. Kinda like taking your car for an oil change before going to your mechanic... your mechanic will get it all, so will MEPS.

If you have not already completed this form, they will ask you to.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library...2807-2.pdf
if the link does not open straight to the form you will need to copy and paste into the browser window. not sure why it doesn’t always work right.