Posted By Chrisp on 08 Sep 2010 04:10 AM
Hello, so I'm sitting here on watch thinking about what I want to do. I either want to go OS or just do the 4 year non-rate and get the money for college. I really want to get U/W before I get out though because It will put things in a different perspective for me. I'm at a Small boat station now, so I pretty much know what an OS3 would be doing at a sector but I was just curious as to what an OS3 would do aboard a cutter. Also what watches would I have to stand. Thanks.
Hey bud,
An OS3 on a cutter has a pretty good job....You'll either be working in CIC (Combat Information Center), or Radio. In CIC, you'll be secondary navigation, navigating the ship by radar, keeping up the charts, standing RADAR watch, ect. In radio, you'll be sending broadcasts, monitoring radio circuits, monitoring message traffic, sending messages, ect...I'm an OS3 at a sector now, but I know a few guys on cutters and they say its a pretty fun job. As far as standing watches, it all depends on how many people are qualified. CIC and radio are manned 24/7, and depending on the cutter, they usually stand 4/6 hour watches with 8 hours off.
I would personally tell you that OS is a pretty good job....the job is rewarding and also fun.
Good luck.