Advantages of Being Related to a U.S. Coast Guard

There are many advantages to being a U.S. Coast Guard family unit. Many people are unaware that the Coast Guard serves as a U.S. military armed force. This can be unfortunate to anyone considering a military career. There are many perks and exciting opportunities for a family that functions with a U.S. Coast Guard member.

Transferring to new locations is an exciting advantage for my entire family. Typically, Coast Guard families have a high probability of living along coastal regions. Our family loves spending time on captivating beaches and engaging in many water-sport activities. The Coast Guard granted our desire to live on the coastline of North Carolina before our current location in Hawaii.

The U.S. Coast Guard is smaller in number of military personnel. This allows a rapid and high probability for advancement. People are often surprised in how young some of commanding officers are on duty. Other military branches find advancement more challenging on the account of higher quantities of personnel taking the service wide exams. Only top scoring examinees advance and are often put on a waiting list before they can go up in rank. The Coast Guard has fewer people taking the service wide exam. This allows the short waiting list to clear often.

Often the Coast Guard will utilize other military branches housing, medical and commissaries. On some occasions there isn't another military branch in the area. Housing can then be done by a government lease for a home in the civilian economy. We once lived in a town house next to a large pond stocked with fish and turtles. We had keys to swim free in the community pool. Our cable was paid for by the government due to a contract agreement with the community board and cable company.

Habitually Coast Guard members and their families unite to help one another. In event of a family emergency the unit usually steps in to help in any way they can. Service members and spouses have been known to care for their neighboring children, pets, and other household matters.

Coast Guard members will often car pool to and from work for a number of reasons. Those new to the area might not yet have their vehicle in port. Often families share one vehicle and leave it for their spouse to utilize. In addition parking at work is often limited and it's more cost effective to car pool.

There is usually a spouse association to help bring support and families together. This is a great way for families to make new friends and help each other get established in their new location. They often have resource seminars to help with family living, career change, college information and other important information. In addition, they organize fun activities for the spouses to get out and enjoy the area they live in among other Coast Guard spouses. Further, they often organize festivals and other fun activities for the children. This is a great way to for children to spark new friendships within their community.

I am very thankful that my husband joined the Coast Guard. I treasure the adventures it has brought to my family. We are well provided for. I appreciate all the United States Coast Guard has done for my family and our country.

To further read about Coast Guard families relocating to Hawaii and/or Atlantic Beach read my articles in the provided links below:

Miltary Families Relocating to Hawaii

Coast Guard Families Relocating to Atlantic Beach, North Carolina