Coast Guard: Pros and Cons of Joining as a Non-Rate vs. Rated

[@Captain-Max]

This was very interesting. So much has changed over the years. I'm 74 yrs old and was an Aviation Electrician E4 back during Vietnam. I entered Boot Camp 60 days after turning 18, coincidentally 30 days later while in Boot Camp I got my draft notice. My mind set was completely different, i wanted no part of Vietnam, but also had no military ambitions. I just wanted to satisfy my requirements and go home. Fortunately fate served me well. I got "A" school right out of Boot Camp. Possibly for 2 reasons. I took Basic Electricity in High School and did well. Immediately after graduating I joined the Merchant Marine for the summer and sailed the Great Lakes as a deckhand and deck watch. I never stepped foot on a Coast Guard boat during my 4 yrs. After A school I went to Guam for 18 months then Elizabeth City Overhaul Center for 2 years. I flew multiple times a week as Loadmaster on C-123b cargo planes on Guam and occasionally on C-130s, H52s, H3s, and HU16s at E-City. Best four years of my life!!! I can't emphasize that enough. By all means get rated ASAP. I was the only AE that got A school out of boot camp back then. Never met another Aviation Rank that didn't extend his enlistment to get Aviation A school

[@Henry_Fargo]

Thank you for sharing your experience and thank you for your service!

[@mycompasslawp.a.4328]

A pro to going non-rate is also that as you move up the ladder, you have an amazing appreciation for the boots and the work they do because you at one point you did it yourself. So, all along the way during my career, even when I made BMCS I would make sure to always take care of them. I think at the end of the day it just makes you a better leader should you decide to stay in for a while. In conclusion, I will never regret my decision to join the USCG.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

This was an interesting topic that I never really gave any thought about when I was in the CG. My situation was unique... I was 29 and enlisted (91-96) under the Direct Petty Officer program, E-4 Port Security. I was already civilian LE and had a degree. PS (absorbed into MLE) was a reserve only rating, but I was assigned to an MSO and earned several Marine Safety quals (earned the Trident before it existed) and was able to put in a fair amount of AD time. Made PO2, and the list for PO1 (was going for Warrant & full AD) but was hit by a drunk driver...

[@griz5426]

You wouldn’t believe how much I appreciate you guys not using so many acronyms. 😂 You both sound very educated and high class. Well done!

[@Henry_Fargo]

Thanks for your kindness, and happy to know you enjoyed it! :)

[@MindfulLumi]

You guys are amazing, thank you so much, learnt a lot planning to join around next year after I graduate college this semester

[@Henry_Fargo]

Thank you so much for watching, and good luck with everything!

[@xandrewcmcx]

Just finished MEPS last week. Thinking of doing BM

[@danielrooney2987]

Good luck😂

[@niar.johnson8202]

Thanks guys!! I'm 25 and know for sure I couldnt take the nonrate life lol Gotta pay all my debts and then I'll be able to join

[@Henry_Fargo]

I had to do the same thing: Pay off everything as soon as you can and get the ball rolling. Good luck! 🍀

[@imalladoesitall]

They're requiring you to pay all your debts now?

[@niar.johnson8202]

@@imalladoesitall yep they said they have to be off collections and when I called the debt people they said I have to pay in full for them to remove from collections:p

[@imalladoesitall]

@@niar.johnson8202 omg 😅well I'm sure you'll get it all paid off & squared away. Best of wishes & thank you for sharing ! ❤

[@anthonydeshon6390]

@@niar.johnson8202 im 25 as well and had to do the same as you 😂good luck to you I just paid the last of mine off

[@garouuchiha4041]

Over the age of 25 years old and interested in joining the U.S. COAST GUARD, join Rate and not Non-Rate, got it. Not dealing with young folks' immaturity....its even worse when it's a young person in a management position...me experiencing that in the civilian, horrible.

[@cremation_ritual]

Damn. Guys I'm 29 & looking at joining the coast guard. I'm prior service army & this really laced me up with some knowledge. I definetly don't wanna be in a room with a bunch of kids who can't conduct hygiene properly. Thank you for this

[@Henry_Fargo]

No Problem, let me know when you head out to Boot Camp.

[@lakaylamyers2887]

@@Henry_Fargo the fact that you comment one day ago makes me so happy i have so many questions is there a email address i could reach or number that way i can figure this out

[@Henry_Fargo]

@@lakaylamyers2887Reach out to me via email. You should be able to locate it on my channel; ask me anything there, and I’ll try to have some answers before Tuesday latest:) But of course, if it is easier to ask here, feel free to ask and I'll reply as soon as possible:)

[@samuelpancake4084]

I clicked simply because i said wtf is a rated officer . Going straight to a school wasnt a option went i went in 2010 besides a few reservist . Lets be real being a non rate sucks but in a way makes you a better leader after a -school. To clear it up . As enlisted when you go to e-4 you become a NON-commissioned officer . I went boatswains mate. Good luck in your careers guys . Semper Paradise

[@Henry_Fargo]

100 percent correct. I fixed the video title, and thank you so much for all the feedback.

[@Azuwop]

I’m thinking of joining

[@digger6under998]

Great video guys. Very informational! I think I commented on one of your videos yesterday or a couple days ago. Heavily looking into the Coast Guard now after being medically denied from the AF. (Past injury, I’m fine…all my Dr.’s cleared me and I still got denied….and still work a manual labor job everyday…go figure 🤣) But for real…I’d really love your guys’s advice about what rated job to go after where I most likely won’t end up on a cutter…I was greatly chasing cyber operations for AF, got a 78 on my ASVAB…32 with a wife and daughter. We want a fresh start. I understand there’s missions and there will be times where I have to go underway and be away from my family. That’s part of the job, same with the AF I was prepared for deployment. I just don’t want to sign up for something that’s going to willingly put me away from them for months at a time. I was kind of dead set on SK after all my research, until you guys said that you’d be surprised that they can end up on a cutter as well. Any advice would be great, I haven’t even spoken to a Coast Guard recruiter yet I just got the official DQ from the Air Force After they reviewed my waivers this last week. So I’m taking the weekend, researching as much as I can and then calling to recruiter Monday 🫡👍🏻🇺🇸 thank you guys for all your time and your information. I know you guys are helping so many people out there, including myself 😎

[@JavanshirHasanali]

You guys are really cool, thank you for informative video! What would you recommend for joining as a reservist ? is it worth in general? Can you choose rated options as a reservist after BootCamp ? If you can make a video for reserves, it'd help us a lot. T hank you again! Good luck in your journeys!

[@Henry_Fargo]

Thank you for the comment:) I am unfamiliar with the reservist route, but after some good research, I'll try to put a video together for you. Initially, I was going to take the reservist route, but after weighing my options, I chose Active duty. Reservist has some cool perks, but it does take longer to retire, and you don't qualify for all the benefits.

[@JavanshirHasanali]

@@Henry_Fargo Thank you , Henry! I'll look forward, and I will do my research as well!

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

Having served as a CG reservist, I can say that much depends on what rating you are going for, and where your reserve unit is located. I was PS (Port Security 91-96) and in south, 8th CGD. So any AD deployment was going to be "domestic" (INCONUS). But other PS reserve units up north along the Great Lakes - Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and certain cities - were earmarked for overseas deployment. Again, it depends on the "what" and the "where". Good luck !

[@FollowScripture]

They sure are

[@sparrow-f9]

Great work keep it up

[@chrisw7347]

What are your thoughts on a recently turned 39 year old who is just climbing out of the abyss of a bad hand in life, joining, as a desperation move to get some traction in a life that otherwise seems to be going nowhere?

[@Henry_Fargo]

You are good. I say give it a try! What do you have to lose? Many older folks have been joining, and it's needed to help bring some civilian experience to the fleet. On the other hand, you have a long life ahead of you. Joining a branch like this will catapult you to a solid life with great friends and a strong foundation. Hope everything goes well!

[@FollowScripture]

Excellent TY

[@DH-mf6jf]

My recruiter was encouraging Boot to A or this new vested crew member thing because I’m set on the rate I want and I can guarantee it in my contract WITH A BONUS. They did also mention that divide you’re talking about at 3:45 but said not to worry about it. If someone else wants to be salty because I took an opportunity presented to me… oh well. Not my problem. Why knowingly jump through an unnecessary hurdle? I’m not as old as you guys but I have some work/life experiences already. Nonrate seems like a waste of time and an unnecessary headache unless you want a rate that can’t go boot to A or you genuinely don’t know what you wanna do.

[@caroleastmond9064]

Very good!!! Thanks!!!💐💐💐💐

[@Henry_Fargo]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it:)

[@kennerthduque]

Guys I’m 37 I have wife no kids , my ASVAB was 39 I would love mst but I don’t want to wait to retake ASVAB or going as a no rate , what you guys think about CS

[@Henry_Fargo]

Right now, the CS Rating has a nice bonus! If you enjoy cooking and don't mind being underway, it isn't a bad gig. You will start getting BHA right away since you are married, which will take care of your rent. The bonus will give you a head start if you want to start a business or pay off debt. I would talk to your wife about it and make sure to have the bonus paperwork signed by your recruiter! (ask for a copy) Lastly, the bonus might not always be there. I recommend you sign quickly if you are chasing the bonus, but always do your research. There is a Quick shipment bonus, too! So ask about that; it's about 15 grand now.

[@elonbro4733]

​@@Henry_Fargodoes quick shipment bonus is on top of the CS bonus?

[@cmates44]

Very good video.

[@Henry_Fargo]

Thank you 🌟

[@johnhodges1286]

I thought every job had some kind of waitlist and everyone pretty much did some non rate tome

[@Henry_Fargo]

There have been many changes these days. There is a massive demand for specific ratings/jobs, and you can skip the non-rate journey to fill those gigs. Let me know if you have any other questions:)

[@TheOfficialDuckGang]

@@Henry_Fargo if i wan to do AMT would i still have to do non rate?

[@elonbro4733]

What if a schol waiting is over 1 year? Then there is no choice but non rated right?

[@Henry_Fargo]

Yeah, that's how they get you! Everyone kind of has to go that route if you don’t want a critical rating. But don't be discouraged. Nonrate life gives you some of the best memories, and you will embrace them forever.

[@elonbro4733]

@Henry_Fargo thanks for your response :). In addition, at boot camp when we write dream sheet as a non rate would it be possible to go to air station ?

[@rickygarcia0611]

Hey! I’m 32 married with kids going Boot to A in January. As of right now going the OS rate so I know I’ll get that bonus and BAH right off the bat. If you know any OS’s would you consider an interview with one?? Another one lol

[@Henry_Fargo]

OS is an excellent choice if you want to finish school and do less physical work. However, some people get bored with the work and prefer to go underway on a cutter to get more job satisfaction. OS is not bad if you have an open mind and want to start a side hustle and enjoy time at home. I'll see if I can get you a good OS interview.

[@rickygarcia0611]

@@Henry_Fargo Thanks for the response! Looking forward to a long career hopefully. Based on all the research I did OS’s have one of the best life/work balance and a good schedule so I could enjoy time with my wife and three young daughters. Can any OS’s attest to that?

[@mattadam-l9s]

Yes I’m considering going OS as well. Because I like the behind the scenes aspect but also being about of Coast guard mission. But is there a reason it’s critical? And 40k bonus? Would love to see you do a video with an Os! Thanks!

[@abrahammendoza3500]

Shipping soon this August🎉🎉

[@Henry_Fargo]

Good Luck :)

[@chasewilliams9673]

I have been doing research on the HS rate as I am a civilian paramedic. There is very little information on KZbin concerning this rate compared to other rates. Can you do a video with an HS?

[@Henry_Fargo]

If you are already a paramedic, you are receiving more satisfaction than being in the service. Depending on your location, HS in the service can be a little slower work. Are you looking to get involved with different work or trying to get better benefits? I would say finish a degree if you haven't, then look into the direct commission route as a medical provider. It offers more respect, better pay, and happiness.

[@chasewilliams9673]

@@Henry_Fargo I should clarify I would join the reserves. And mostly for the benefits TBH.

[@chasewilliams9673]

@@Henry_Fargo I just noticed you were the creator. Thanks for replying and I appreciate your input.

[@md5612s]

Thoughts on the YN or SK rating? I’ll be 26 by the time I enlist, looking for a chill job with a good work/life balance but I do still want to travel and experience that adventure. I’ll also have a bachelors degree by the time I enlist but not sure if I want to go the officer route just yet and would maybe rather transition from enlisted. I like working hands on so also thought about BM but not sure if the work/life balance is there.

[@Henry_Fargo]

If you want a rate that will give you the best work/life balance, YN, OS, IS, IT, SK, MST, or any aviation rates are good options. BM is also a good gig, but you will have to get your hands dirty here and there, which isn't too bad. BMs go underway often and sometimes have to deal with non-rates, which can be rewarding if you are a great leader. If you are a hands-on person and want to get a little greasy, MK, DC are great rates, but they do work long days, which can be overwhelming at times. If you want to explore a little and aren't sure which rate to choose, the Non-Rate route isn't bad; you will shadow many rates to see which you like. Of course, since you are 26 and have a degree, try to talk to a good recruiter to get a better judgment and see if there is a critical rating that works for you to save time. I think you are in a good position, and whichever route you take would work out for you. lastly, any underway billet will give you an opportunity to travel the world, so if that is what you seek, consider the Polar Star. Wish you the best!

[@jeffhouck6880]

SK/YN at land units will provide you with something like a 8am-4pm M-F.

[@Dragonfly32145]

So my recruiter has told me about about 13 thousand bonus and I have a bachelors, I told him I would be interested in going for the officer program with my degree, he says because I’m not a citizen yet, I have to wait, but I do qualify for a payed increase, I’m looking to go into healthcare route, but he said I would have to start as a non rate because there’s a long wait for that. Is he being honest ?

[@Henry_Fargo]

There are citizenship programs you can join; see if you can get the ball rolling with your recruiter before joining. I don't think he is being dishonest, but call different recruiting centers and get as much information as you can from random recruiters. If you have the time and really want to be an officer, try to get your citizenship stuff resolved with a lawyer. If you do this, you can avoid the grunt work and start off as an officer with many cool perks. If you need more time or money, start off as a non-rate and have a slow climb. Regardless, at some point, with effort, you can become an officer.

[@ewalt05]

Was looking to go to boot camp this september, ended up breaking my arm in may, the day after MEPS lol. Now in the waiver process, still trying to make my mind up on either going AMT or AET. I have my associates degree, and currently working on my bachelors. If anyone has any insight into those two rates, please let me know!!!

[@ewalt05]

I should add, looking to possibly apply for OCS down the road. I’m 19 years old and eager to join

[@Henry_Fargo]

Aww, man! I'm sorry to hear about your arm. Waiting to finally get a waiver can take so long at times. I have heard of people waiting months or years. Keep working on your degree as you wait and try to go OCS that would be a route. I have heard nothing but great things about the aviation rates. They are living the dream. If you have a specific question about the Aviation Rates , feel free to shoot it my way, and I'll try to answer to the best of my knowledge.

[@elonbro4733]

@@Henry_Fargo does ocs also able to go AMT ?

[@michaeleasterling8913]

I’m thinking of joining. What’s the process of joining as a rate? Can I join as a rate in any job or only the ones in high demand?

[@Henry_Fargo]

Depending on the Rate you want, you first need to meet the requirements for the ASVAB. Once you get your ASVAB scores, you can narrow down the options of which Rate/Job you qualify for, and then for the ones in high demand, you can go "Boot-to-A." If the job you want is not in high demand, you must place your name on the waitlist and join as a Non-Rate. Do you have a Rate in mind?

[@CH1CO900]

When you work on deck are you guaranteed seatime? If so how much?

[@Henry_Fargo]

If you are attached to a Cutter or any ship that is considered an Underway billet, then it continues as seen in time. Even when you are not out at sea and doing ship repairs, it is counting as Sea Time. Once you leave that Cutter/Unit and get attached to a billet that is a land unit, your Sea Time pauses. Hope this helps....

[@jessicarice7261]

Whats bootcamp like? *bootcamp itself* I'm trying to join, will likely end up going through the weight loss program...

[@Henry_Fargo]

Dont want to spoil it for you, but it sucks. It could be challenging at times and physically demanding. You will feel hopeless at first and regret going, then as time passes, you will start to feel more confident, and then you graduate. You should join, set a date, and do as much exercise as necessary to prepare yourself. Don't feel rushed, but set a date to go into the recruiter's office so you can get the ball rolling. Good Luck 🍀

[@jessicarice7261]

@Henry_Fargo I've lost enough now that I don't have to go through the weight program anymore, so super excited about that! Lost 17 lbs so far, have more to go, but progress is progress and imma take the win, lol. I think if I can get 10 more pounds off then I will go in and talk to them. Been studying, cause I don't wanna get smoked more then necessary.....for the ranks, do we acknowledge the sheild on collar devices? What should it be refured to as, that's the one thing I'm not having luck with when researching. Other then that, ik about the chevrons, rockers, specialty mark and the perched eagle, and the stars for the senior-master cheifs.

[@mattadam-l9s]

I’m shipping out December 3rd! I want to choose between YN, OS, IS LOOKINNG FOR the MOSt fulfilling rate but also with great quality of life as well. Any suggestions?

[@Henry_Fargo]

Nice choices! Depending on your personality, I suggest doing a pros and cons list. OS is great for finishing up school and being more in a confined space. YN, you get to work in an office setting, sometimes alone but other times with a team. YN is a good choice, and the work-life balance is excellent since you are usually on a land unit! But also look into the MST rate:)

[@ekalixta]

🙌

[@wb2605]

I would really like to pursue being an ME but would have to go into ad a non rate. I’m 36 with a wife and kids. Should I suffer being a non rate instead of going into a rate I’m not really interested in?

[@Henry_Fargo]

I would wait it out if it's something that means a lot to you. Plus, because you are married, you will live in the economy, so it's not that bad.

[@wb2605]

@@Henry_Fargo thanks for the reply

[@chaptheman1]

Bachelors degree 34 y/o can you enlist with an A-School as a Boatswain Mate petty officer position. I don’t want to waste time becoming a non rate I’d much rather go the rated route. Any chance I can reach out for further information/questions or general recruiters you may recommend!?

[@giovannifigueroa2658]

yes you can it’s called DEPOT. if you qualify with a stacked resume and degree you can enlist do a 3 week fast paced happy camp and go straight to A school.

[@Henry_Fargo]

Honestly, if you have a degree, try to put in a Packet to enlist as an Officer. From my experience, I have never seen someone go straight into a BM "A" school after boot camp unless they are hurting for people in that Rate. Most Enlisted Petty officers have to go to Boot Camp and then get stationed somewhere as they wait to get orders to "A" school. But if you want to skip all that and become an Officer and manage Operations on a Cutter/Station and get paid a lot more, try Officer Candidate School (OCS). If OCS doesn't work out and you want to go to "A" School immediately to get more money, I would look into the Critical Rating. I hope this helps answer your question.

[@roosbool7162]

Hi guys, is it true that there are English classes for those who don't know English? And what courses can a green card holder qualify for?

[@tjanderson6274]

I ship out to Cape May 11/19 and I’m wanting to go to the AMT rate. After giving it some careful thought though my recruiter has told me that there’s 12 to 18 months of wait time as a non-right for that rate, I’m 27 years old and after giving it some thought and hearing what non-life is like, I’m hoping I’m not making a bad decision. is that true? That certain rates have that long of wait times? Or is my recruiter just trying to get me in as a non-rate?

[@Henry_Fargo]

Unfortunately, he is telling you the truth: most aviation Rates have a long waitlist. The reason the wait list gets so full is because of its quality of life. The aviation rates are some of the most rewarding, and the work-life balance is great because you never go Underway unless you want to.

[@tjanderson6274]

@@Henry_Fargo so is it worth the wait if I’m really looking at the Coast Guard as a career to do my 20 to retire?

[@Henry_Fargo]

@@tjanderson6274 I think it is absolutely worth it if It's a dream job for you. I know lots of people who wait years to go into Aviation, and they never regret it. Plus, if you change your mind, you can always put your name on a different A-school list.

[@tjanderson6274]

Wait so are you saying there's no BAH as a non rate...? Im married with a 2 year old and im supposed to be going to cape may 11/19 and my recruiter didn't say anything about this. There's absolutely no way I could afford to take care of my family and live off a E2 non rate monthly pay. If this is true, definitely not going Coast Guard route...

[@Henry_Fargo]

Nope. You will start receiving the Basic Housing Allowance the moment you leave to Cape May. Usually, you will see it on your first check. Just make sure your recruiter knows you have dependents, and if there are issues with your check, let the YNs know in boot camp. If you have dependents, it doesn't matter if you are an E-1; you will still receive BAH.

[@david117445]

@@Henry_Fargo I’m a bit confused here you guys explained that you have to be an e4 to get bah. But you can get it even at a e1? Just a bit confused.

[@AidanSingss]

@@david117445you get it at whatever rank as long as you have dependents they won’t put you on cutter with a wife and kids they will give you bah because you have dependents

[@najialamb5681]

I have a bachelors degree but my recruiter told me i would have a better chance of commissioning if I enlisted first. I wanna be IS(intel) do you know if that job is competitive?

[@Henry_Fargo]

I don't know if it is easier to commission that way, but if he says it is, perhaps there is some truth behind it. I recommend you reach out to about five recruiters in different locations and tell them you are interested in commissioning. Depending on what they all say, it will help steer you to enlist first or to start a commissioning packet. IS is hard to know because they are never around us, so getting information about them is hard. But I know you will need to get a TS clearance sometimes, that alone takes about a year to complete, and in that case, you would have to join as a non-rate while you start the process. But keep asking your recruiters for information things change often. Wish you the best.

[@SirDaKidd]

I want to go Sk but besides the fact of me getting paid twice a month since I have a wife and kid at 21 years old will I be getting bah and put in a home for me and my wife and kid alone without sharing the house after Boot Camp while I’m waiting on the list?

[@Henry_Fargo]

Absolutely. Once you join and show the YN your marriage certificate, you will start to receive BHA regardless of whether you are on an "A School" list. The Basic Housing Allowance allows you to rent or buy a home on the economy. It'll be your personal home with nothing to do with the service unless you choose to do military housing. Then you would not get BHA, but you still won't have to share your home. Hopefully this helps...

[@AngelRodriguez-s3q]

I have a hand tattoo will I be able to join

[@Henry_Fargo]

Yes, I have like five of them

[@roosbool7162]

Hi guys, is it true that there are English classes for those who don't know English? And what courses can a green card holder qualify for? Are there schools for children at the base? Thank you 🙏🏽

[@Henry_Fargo]

They do have programs that help you learn English and citizenship assistance. But I don't know enough to share; get with a recruiter and ask them, they should be able to guide you in the right direction.

[@roosbool7162]

@@Henry_Fargo thank you 🙏🏽

[@gracious3149]

Hello! I’m going in as a nonrate, I’m thinking of doing either the IT or IS rate. I already qualified for IS, do you guys know anyone in IS? I get it’s more classified stuff😅mainly need a ballpark of what I would do and how it is on a scale of 1-10?

[@Henry_Fargo]

Honestly, I have never encountered any IS folks. I don't think anyone in the field works with too many IS unless they are on a special assignment or in a land unit, perhaps. But I would rate it a 10 out of 10. It seems like it opens lots of opportunities for you inside the Service and when you exit. Good luck with everything and have a blast in Bootcamp! :)