Just off the bat - my DH is a Coastie - with come May - 20 years active duty (YIKES - 20 YEARS, it seemed so far away....19 years ago)....and - I'm impervious (sp???) to negativity - this is really more out of curiosity....
Most members (and families) of the "regular" service consider the USCG "military" we behave the same - we get orders, we move, we get orders, we move, we get orders........
He wears a uniform, that on certain days must be pressed appropriately ......he feels that showing up to work at 8:01 when he's told to be there at 8:00 is LATE (as if!) He actually believes that 7:30 is on time. AND he keeps military time on his watch and the clocks in our house that I don't use......
He goes away for long periods of time, without my consent or his control.... he has stood 24 hour watches - back to back for 2 weeks at a time....On September 11 - I was alone in VA, and he was off the Mexican coast watching it all in Spanish....he sent me an email to tell me he couldn't talk to me, and that everyone else had given my email to their spouses (through the phone tree).
His "job" is primarily Search and Rescue...and that is why he chose the C.G. His other favorite mission is Aids to Navigation (designed to prevent SAR)......
But - here and there I still hear that the Coast Guard isn't the "real military". And for those of you who don't know - yes, there are Coasties in war zones- usually on Navy ships.
Anyway -I'm feeling a bit resentful (can you tell) towards the military today - I love it. I support it. I just wish I hadn't married it. But then CRAP - I wouldn't have the MAN I do..........
__________________
Michelle
married to Matt 8/25/90
Mom to
James & Andrew 7/3/02
and Stephanie 7/3/06
CG not military? The Coast Guard is very essential for our coastlines of the U.S. They ensure our safety in many many ways. Along with that they are usually the first to a distress call and rescue when necessary. They ensure that our waters are protected from poaching and are in turn helping with the habitat of our waters. There's so much more to them then what people realize. I think that alot of people just don't understand and don't consider it the "norm" military of being shipped off to war. But protecting our coastlines is just as important to our nation as being placed in another country to protect us from terrorism or anything else. Every aspect of each branch of the military has it's own importance. And each of them have their own special talents in protecting our nation and the people within it.
I worked with Naval contractors for almost 10 years when I was first married and was amazed that the Navy did more than just sail. I learned so much from working with them. I also had a boyfriend when I was in high school that was in the Coast Guard and learned alot from him. He was shipped to Seattle, WA and I went to live with him for awhile
One of my good (male) friends that I grew up with contacted me recently. He spent about 10 years in the Army and then went into the National Guard like his father. He just informed me that he may be shipped out soon. I was surprised, but understand the need that may arise.
Anyway, Hang in there!!!! And tell your hubby congratulations on 20 years. That's a wonderful accomplishment.
Seattle! We've been trying to get there our entire marriage! Lucky you!
Like I said - I don't have any heartburn over it - they are definataly ignored - but proud of what they do. And by ignored, I just mean that often if you want to by "things" that are military related, the C.G. is the service that is usually not included. Which, actually, is a good thing, I could be overrun by C.G. junk by now.And, like I said - most of the "regular" miltary considers them as military as themselves. thought that Perfect Storm and the Gurdian would make a bigger impression on the "general public - but apparenlty not. Last year at Busch Gardens where they have a "salute to heroes" that does includ the C.G. someone behind us said "I don't know why they included the C.G. they don't do anything" good thing *I* didn't hear it I was in a mood that day and would have said something - LOL.
Yes, I'm proud of him. He's stayed true to himself - and is not a collar puller or ring knocker. We have met soooooooo many great people.
and - they actually do go to war. Not many, but there are coasties there.
__________________
Michelle
married to Matt 8/25/90
Mom to
James & Andrew 7/3/02
and Stephanie 7/3/06
Seattle was nice. I sure wasn't used to the weather. I arrived one evening in a huge rain storm. The next few days were warm and absolutely beautiful. The day after that it snowed!!!
I think on reason why people think they are NOT military is because when you hear about military things, Coast Guard is never mentioned. They are (what I call) the silent ranks. You never hear anything about them. EVen in the news, when the say something in general about military it never deals with Coast Guard. I, personally, would love to hear more about them. What they do and what not, because I honestly don't know anything about that service. I don't think people (even the from the other military ranks) know exactly what the Coast guard does. I think people just assume that if your boat has problems that, that is who saves them. I know there is so much more to them.
Thanks ! I think the silent ranks is a big part of it. Someone last year at Busch Gardens said that he didn't know why the C.G. was included because they didn't do anything - DH heard it, I didn't. Probably a good thing....he would have got an earful!!!
And they DO come when your boat sinks - they tow disabled boats and go out in some really crappy weather - DH spent a WEEK in 50 foot seas - they actually went backwards at one point (turning full speed) he said after the first day they didn't care if they lived or died, just wanted to be out of it (this is a 185 foot boat - so much smaller than the navy boats.
They also maintain all the navigational aids (bouys) they clean, and make sure they are on station, - this is what my husband loves doing - they wind up "working bouys" in really shallow water - one they could only work at high tide and still only had 2 1/2 feet of water....
They enforce maritime law (including drug smugglers), fishing laws, and have repatriate those trying to sneak into FL (from Haiti). That was a thankless job - DH said they had the same guy THREE times....they put so many people on a boat that you can't move, so most of the time they have to burn the boats....(can you imagine wanting to leave a place so bad that you would willingly stand in hot humid weather in your own and others waste for days - it's heartbreaking).
They actually work with the navy at times to "lead" boarding teams. The bulk of the team is Navy, but because Navy is DOD it is considered an act of war, but when the CG leads it falls under DHS and is considered law enforcement.
Anyway - that's the basics. Did you see The Guardian? They actually do that stuff - my husband was accepted to flight school (for helicopters) and turned it down because he had seen first hand the "crazy s*&^" those guys do.
__________________
Michelle
married to Matt 8/25/90
Mom to
James & Andrew 7/3/02
and Stephanie 7/3/06
