I've got a dilemma on my hands that I need some council on. I'm currently in the DEP for another branch of service. Now this branch is having a rough time in the job department. You can't get a ship date until they decide, based on your interests/qualifications and  most importantly the needs of the service, what job you will be assigned. I've been reasonably flexible with my potential job choices, but my recruiters tell me that my chances of booking any of my job choices are slim to none. The only jobs available for the foreseeable future are in a category that is completely opposite to my talents and aptitudes. My recruiters have told me that if I'm not willing to be flexible and pick these jobs, then I won't be shipping out before my DEP contract expires.

This has caused me to reevaluate my involvement with this branch. I've been told repeatedly that I may drop out of the DEP if I don't have a ship date, for any reason. I did the research into this option and learned that I will likely not be able to join this branch again if I drop out. I don't have a problem with this.

I'm exploring other options and I'm contemplating signing up with the Coast Guard instead. Now, I've tried processing with the Coast Guard before and I know the odds and projected wait times coming in. I don't expect a ship date until FY12 at the earliest, and it is possible that I will have to wait until FY13. I'm fine with this. I also understand that there hardly is such a thing as a "Guaranteed A School" anymore and I will likely have to sign on as a non-rate. I don't have a problem with this.

My concern is this, will my history with my previous branch of service disqualify me or otherwise be held against me in the eyes of a Coast Guard recruiter? I know it can be seen as spineless, weak, or indecisive to change branches but this what I truly want to do, whatever the cost may be.

I've had no complications with dropping one DEP and hoping to join another. Assuming that you've gone through the MEPs, this too could make things a little easier when approaching a new branch.

In my experience, I feel a lot better knowing that I've made the best decision, even if that means that I've had to pull out of one branch to join another. I felt foolish and disrespectful for making the mistake and wasting the time of my recruiter. I have to imagine that there is a certain percentage every fiscal year of people who do this 'DEP dropping'.

I see the Coast Guard as my 'Last Stop' for military service..as in, if my bid for enlistment in the Coast Guard is denied, I'll not be trying for any other branches. If you see the Coast Guard as a 'Last Stop' for yourself as well, then apply that ambition and flex of judgement that got you thinking of the Coast Guard toward getting yourself into the Coast Guard..period.

--Read these forums for achieving your goals with the Coast Guard.

---newms

Good advice newms. Charlie, talk to a CG recruiter be as frankly honest as you are right here. Let him know your feelings, explain that you are willing to wait for what you want but you want what you want! I commend you for that. You can go into the AF or the Marines or whatever and have them pick something for you that will get you in the door today... but when you aren't happy in a job that doesn't interest you, how good will you be for that service???? Too many people just settle for anything and they aren't good at it or productive. So stick to your guns. But speak to a Coastie recruiter, lay your cards out on the table... you just never know what the answer will be. They might think you are the next Thad Allen and send you to boot camp on the next bus, I'm just sayin! LOL Talk, be honest, be open, find out what your options are and go for it!

Don't forget to talk to your current recruiter if you do make any decisions and just explain to him where your feelings are and why you are opting out. If you are a man about it, they will be men about it. I'm sure you already know that.

Best of luck, let us know how it goes for you!
Macie

You can do it, yes. However, based on the information you provided, I'm guessing that you have been in the DEP close to one year. Unless the CG can get you in within the next year, your MEPS information will expire, and you will have to go through the test and physical again. They are only good for two years. If you want out of the DEP, talk to your recruiter and request a DEP discharge. Most of the time, they will accomodate you quickly, however, they are within their rights to keep you in the DEP for the full year. Once you are out of the DEP, you are free to process with the Coast Guard recruiter. Some personal advice though, is that you should make sure you're leaving the other service because it's WHAT YOU WANT, not because you are hoping for a job with the Coast Guard. If things don't work out for you as far as getting in the Coast Guard, it would really suck to have closed the door on the other opportunity. It's not a matter of wait times when it comes to getting in the Coast Guard. It's a matter of being the most competitive of your recruiter's applicants. The wait time is longer for some than it is for others, but that's more a matter of timing. Good luck to you.