SUMMERS @ the U.S. COAST GUARD ACADEMY || Not your typical College experience...

[@haggis525]

Looking at this video in June, 2024. Erin is probably now a JG with two years command experience.., BZ to her! I'm a retired Senior Chief (not USCG - more's the pity) and I must say that the absolute best part of my job (from LPO to Senior) was building up officers like young Erin here. Thank you for your service, ma'am. This old Senior salutes! Edit: I'm pretty old (Seaman Recruit in '76) and things/conditions have changed a lot over the years but I am absolutely convinced that our young people can - and definitely will - be as good or better than we were. Probably better... if I'm honest.

[@GM8101PHX]

Erin, Thank You for serving in the Coast Guard. I served 6 years in the Air Force in the 92d Security Police Squadron working around nuclear weapons. I was able to be up close and personal with one of our SR-71 Blackbird and met President Jimmy Carter after the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in May 1980!!! My hope is you take time to enjoy your career as you progress in rank. I left the Air Force as an E-5 Staff Sergeant!!

[@sgtcote1]

Many Decades ago I served aboard the now long gone USCGC Point Hannon in Jonesport Maine. I wanted to say thank you for posting a tour showing how much things have changed with the new 87s. Berthing alone is an amazing improvement as there were six of us in the foward berthing. I however would have missed not having a wheel at the helm as it was great to have something to hold onto when being tossed around in hvy seas. I do love how the RHIB is launched and retrieved, over how we use to launch over the starbord side. Oh I did want to ask if the 87s still have anti gravity racks. Lol

[@rogergibson9748]

Erin....Great Video!! To add to Erin's comments to those who may have not have received an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy or one of the other Academies... IF it is something you really want, do not give up. Look at your application package for areas that need improvement. Contact an Academy Recruiting Officer who might look at your package and give you some input. Do you need to increase your SAT or ACT Scores? IF yes, then get a Study Guide and study, study, study and take them again as soon as you can. Do you need to show you can handle college level classes? IF Yes, then get into a college near your home ASAP and take some summer classes and include those grades in your next application. Do you need to show more community involvement and/or leadership potential? Then get involved in a volunteer organization near your home, a Food Pantry, a Volunteer Fire Department, or something. This shows your commitment to others. I know a young man who did not get into his chosen academy. He decided to enlist in the Service. Then applied through his command after he developed as an enlisted member. He had to go to Naval Academy Prep School, but he eventually got into his chosen Academy...he fulfilled his dream. Good Luck!

[@sunnyskiesandgoodvibes7200]

Sometimes it's a matter of persistence! A friend of mine had to apply 3 times to CGA. He didn't get flight school right away but kept applying and is set to graduate as a Coast Guard aviator. If you are dq'ed for something that isn't waiverable, don't despair, that just means you're meant for something else

[@ErinEdwards]

Thank you for all of your input!

[@scottleespence752]

I loved your words of encouragement at the end. Going to the Academy wasn't in my plans, but I did want to enlist and spend some time in the Guard after High School. My teenage spare time was spent swimming, running, learning to shoot an air pistol and then a 9mm (this was the mid-80s), joining Civil Air Patrol and learning how to spot from planes, radio operations, etc. Unfortunately, right before my 18th Birthday I injured my back, but at the community college I ended up going to I met a former IRS Special Agent who got me interested in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Detection. That wouldn't have happened if I enlisted into the Coast Guard after High School.

[@hounddog946]

This nation is proud of you, your fellow cadets and the entire USCG and thank you for your service.

[@wallaceb9120]

There is nothing like being smart and motivated...good job

[@NorthMichMedic]

It’s great watching your videos, my son is just starting the USNA after being enlisted for 3 years, thanks for your service!!

[@ErinEdwards]

Awesome! Excited for him! Thank you!

[@afcgeo882]

That’s got to be a pretty interesting experience, being a plebe with actual time in service.

[@NorthMichMedic]

@@afcgeo882 he is a prior and had a year at NAPS before the USNA

[@robertwelling691]

It's refreshing to see a young adult with such grace, intelligence and passion for life. Always enjoy your videos and your perspective. Thank you and keep on doing such a great job. You're awesome! Godspeed.

[@haroldanderson7327]

Excellent Video, I spent twelve years in the military first as a Construction Equipment Operator in Navy Seabees, 1983-1989 and then in a Air Transportation Squadron in the Air Force 2001-2007 and watching your videos brings back lots of memories of my adventures in the military and all of the places that I got visit. I’m excited to see you getting the opportunity to travel and experience new adventures at your age, This is something you will look back on decades later with fondness.

[@ErinEdwards]

Thank you!

[@williamgibb5557]

Had a wonderful dealing with some young cadets some 50 years ago in Ocean City,NJ. Always felt good knowing the CG was around when I was out boating. Thanks for your service! Stay safe and enjoy life! Great education and greatly different from other services!

[@sunnyskiesandgoodvibes7200]

Erin, I love that you finally shed light on CGA! Makes me nostalgic

[@ErinEdwards]

Aww thanks hahaha

[@muddymallow80]

Thank you for making these awesome videos and I will definitely say a prayer for you! Your videos are very inspirational to me because I'm currently waiting for AIM results because they waitlisted me. But, thanks to you, if I don't get into AIM I'm not giving up and I will stay determined to get into the academy! Thanks for being a light and a good role model during this confusing (and slightly scary) college process. :D

[@sunnyskiesandgoodvibes7200]

Some of the best cadets and officers didn't go to AIM. Good luck though and keep going!

[@ErinEdwards]

I didn't get into AIM so definitely don't worry if you don't. The college process is quite the grind but it is worth all of the hard work. Thank you for the prayers. Keep looking up!

[@813kengarcia]

I love this channel for the insights, but just realized there is real wisdom here.

[@ErinEdwards]

Thank you! Appreciate your comment

[@madaisoca]

Great info Erin! So happy to hear about these experiences. Would love to see a video on CG Headquarters

[@ErinEdwards]

Thank you! Unfortunately I can’t share too much but maybe I’ll talk about it a little in my next video

[@afcgeo882]

It’s a nice, new building with lots of offices, but most of the stuff that goes on there is just computer work or operationally/informationally secure. I don’t think there’s a lot to show.

[@maxrider183]

thinking about joining the coast guard and so I really appreciate these videos. For reference I’m a junior in high school, and have been thinking about doing this since middle school.

[@ErinEdwards]

That’s awesome! Good luck!

[@afcgeo882]

If you can’t get into the Academy, consider other maritime academies, as most do have some programs that will help you commission into the USCG, like the Auxiliary University Program (AUP), after which you can apply for a Direct Commission or OCS or the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) which is similar to an ROTC program. The USCG doesn’t have ROTC itself. If you enter CSPI as a college sophomore, you get E-3 pay and a scholarship for your junior and senior year, then attend OCS at graduation and commission as an O-1 Ensign. You attend enlisted Basic Training the summer between your sophomore and junior years and become E-3, but wear the “OT” Officer Trainee rank and work with enlisted and officers during summers, just like Academy cadets do. The rest of the time, you act as a reservist at your closest unit and work with them one weekend a month.

[@johnberryhill8106]

I enjoy your videos!.......I remember seeing the chow hall at your Academy in one of your videos. How is the chow at the CG Headquarters?........keep pumping out those videos! Howdy from Branson Missouri!

[@njbobf]

Excellent summary.

[@afg3643]

a wonderful leader, woman, "lady" and citizen...

[@johnczech7074]

Awesome video Erin! Thank you and have a great day!!

[@ErinEdwards]

You too!

[@minecraftandstuffify]

That's some good editing 👌

[@ErinEdwards]

Thanks!

[@davidstaudohar6733]

🦅🇺🇸🦅 Semper Paratus Always Prepared Thank U 4 serving in the United States Coast Guard David Staudohar USMC USN SS USCG ret ‼️ ♦️♦️♦️‼️

[@trinitycoxlife1975]

Your a lifesaver

[@Justin-si8ib]

Thank you

[@jtnelson8828]

When cadets are in the fleet during summer time , were do they fall In the rank structure , or are u purely out side the structure

[@afcgeo882]

Great question! The cadets’ job is to get to know “cutter life” in general, but also to help out in various departments. Cadets, in general, are the lowest ranks, technically non-rates, but they are recognized as future junior officers, so they are treated as such. They’re expected to shadow JOs and learn what they do, but they also do non-rate jobs like help cook or wash dishes in the scullery, assist with basic maintenance, learn engineering concepts, do damage control drills and help with navigating the vessel.

[@jtnelson8828]

@@afcgeo882 are they saluted or is that held off until they are commissioned

[@afcgeo882]

@@jtnelson8828 Only by accident. They’re not legally officers until they’re commissioned and have no legal command authority until then. As such, they are basically E-3s. Cadets are nice to have around. They’re younger and less salty and because they’re not commissioned yet, they’re free to socialize with everyone on board… except the Chiefs basically. 😉

[@jtnelson8828]

@@afcgeo882 so that's were the ceremony of the first salute came from , since it Really is there FIRST salute

[@afcgeo882]

@@jtnelson8828 Yup. The first salute they receive is when they commission.

[@derrenlovett6599]

Are u at joint base Anacostia bowling

[@afcgeo882]

But what we all really want to know is… did you get to wear the new ODUs?

[@ErinEdwards]

Not the new ones haha

[@justliftt]

Is it only thru summer or all year round

[@hunterlikins8065]

Would you suggest getting a laptop for cga or do they supply you with one

[@ErinEdwards]

They supply you with one

[@calvinistforlyfe5097]

What Church are you going to in the area while in DC? I know that there are a few with a lot of OCF members

[@ErinEdwards]

I've been to a few different ones. All have been so great!

[@derrenlovett6599]

U are at the department of homeland security saint Elizabeth campus

[@suntzu5562]

As someone looking into the aviation side, is another option in the second half of third class summer to visit an air station? Thanks and God bless!

[@ErinEdwards]

Not 3/c summer, just 1/c. But you can visit air stations and get flights 3/c summer

[@johnczech7074]

By the way, I'm praying for you too buddy!!

[@ErinEdwards]

Thank you!

[@nathanmckenzie2941]

Is It mandatory to board at Coast guard academy?

[@ErinEdwards]

What do you mean by board exactly?

[@afcgeo882]

Yes, residing at the Academy is mandatory for cadets.

[@hank5483]

What's your major?

[@ErinEdwards]

Operations Research and Computer Analysis

[@canonsmith2191]

I want to join Coast Guard to fly helicopters

[@hank5483]

"Bootcamp"

[@gimmpy91]

What a hard life officers have 🙄

[@robertwarren4248]

I'm prior USCG enlisted. Frankly, my respect and admiration is reserved for enlisted guardsmen, (especially senior enlisted) and warrant officers. They've done their time "in the trenches." They haven't had the perks and privileges of being Country Club Officers. Nothing personal.

[@Underwaystudios]

Sounds personal to me. I was CG enlisted as well and did 2 years onboard Taney. Drug busts, hurricanes, sinking vessels, Gitmo and 4 years as an AE and aircrew on HU-25a Falcons. I also learned respect for officers and rank.

[@dionmoore879]

What you are calling gifts is actually your signature. This is for you, So that you may navigate this dimension and it's economy. That same signature will parish with the flesh. There for is of no value to God. As no matter what you do it carries the stench of death, just like your principals and moral code. You Father in heaven is calling you to return to Him, by way of priesthood. This is your Holy and high calling in Jesus Christ , the Ap Paul spoke about. God will only honor that which is equal to Him, Jesus Christ. Only He can be your sacrifice. The rest is vanity.This is your return across the crystal sea back to His bosom from which you came.. BTW, your Coast Guard career seems like and exciting and interesting path.

[@sheilaayala8911]

Erin, I had no idea that the CGA even existed till I found your channel! You are amazing, beautiful, and a intelligent girl! Thank you for putting your time and effort into these videos! As well as thank you for your service! Because of you, I am considering CGA🤍

[@derrenlovett6599]

U are at the department of homeland security saint Elizabeth campus

[@ErinEdwards]

Yep!