| A Boatswain's Mate is exposed to the severities of the weather.
They operate and work on the boats. They clean the decks. They are sometimes known as "deckapes". But the job has its good aspects as well. If your ship intercepts a suspected drug runner, you'll be a part of boarding and arresting the smugglers.
Furthermore, the Coastguard is probably the most elite branch of the US Armed Forces. Your training will directly apply to you being able to obtain an "Able-bodied Seaman" card when you get out and you can be in the Merchant Marine. And all law enforcement agencies like to recruit former "Coasties" because they are so well-trained. And, if you don't like being a BM, in a little while you will be able to switch into some job you like better.
Make them a good seaman, and you have a bright future. |