10 Women of the Coast Guard Share Advice They Wish They’d Known Earlier

"There are so many amazing women who serve. We all have similar goals and want to help and watch each other succeed."

"You are truly in control of your future in the Coast Guard. If you work hard to learn your job, you will be successful, and you will advance through the ranks. The more you put into your career, the more you will get out. Stay motivated!"

—Melissa Sprout, Marine Science Technician First Class

"One piece of advice I would give myself if I could go back in time before joining the Coast Guard would be to never give up and to always put forth the effort to make it to the next level. We are stronger than we think, and we can accomplish anything we put our minds to. Always use positive influences to fuel your passion to become a better person, and always surround yourself with like-minded people who want to be successful."

—Brittny Thompson, Boatswain's Mate Third Class

"Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t. No matter how big or small, you can do anything that you set your mind to! It does get tough at times, especially being in a predominately male rating, but as long as you continue to dream big and set your goals high, who knows? Someday you could be the first female Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard."

—Courtney Will, Damage Controlman Third Class

"The advice I would give young women joining the Coast Guard would be to: be brave, step outside of your comfort zone, apply yourself, and try new things. Set goals and follow through to the end. Believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to lead."

—Shantel Guillory, Storekeeper First Class

"When my flight crew gets launched for a rescue, my role is Flight Mechanic. I know a lot of women can get turned away because mechanics is seen as a 'man’s' world. But I find that my attention to detail, forward thinking, and ability to [give] myself [a] hypothesis to solve a problem — current or future— has been more important than the fear and doubt of coming into a field of work I have had little previous exposure to. Don’t get deterred because you don’t think you can do it — that’s what schooling is for. I knew nothing about mechanics before joining. As long as you’re willing to learn, the Coast Guard can teach you."

—Amber Brewer, Aviation Maintenance Technician Third Class

"Just do it! The first couple of years are challenging, but the benefits, relationships you make, and the experiences far outweigh the challenges you face. Make sure to have a good support system in and out of the Coast Guard. Whether that’s your family or friends, you need good people you can trust in and out of the service to be able to turn to. The military can feel lonely at times with all of the moving and new places, but it can also be a wonderful experience; it’s all on how your outlook on life is."

—Amber Habeck, Yeoman Second Class

"The Coast Guard has great opportunities for all. As a Culinary Specialist, I like that I can put a smile on a member’s face just by providing them with a high-quality meal that I have put all my creativity and passion in. Don’t let anything stop you from following your goals and dreams. If this is the path you want to take then put your best foot forward and let the doors open!"

—Chrissie Edwards, Culinary Specialist Second Class

"My biggest piece of advice for young women considering the Coast Guard would be to never underestimate yourself. Your sole actions can save someone’s life, which may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s truly the most rewarding feeling. The military isn’t just a career path for men. There are so many amazing women who serve. We all have similar goals and want to help and watch each other succeed."

—Caela Ivester, Operations Specialist Third Class

"Don’t be intimidated by the idea of joining the military. It requires hard work and discipline, but the work is extremely rewarding. I'm able to see new places and experience things that I never could have imagined before enlisting. If you are interested at all in a job that allows you to travel, protect the environment, enforce the law, and provide humanitarian aid, the Coast Guard will be a great fit for you."

—Sarah Blonder, Seaman

"It takes a lot of work and discipline to be in the Coast Guard, but hopefully you are joining for a greater purpose. You are joining to give back to your country and to save lives. You have the chance to be a part of that. Don’t be discouraged by people telling you that you can’t do it. Be the best version of yourself that you can be. Understand that you might make mistakes, but learn from those mistakes, pick yourself back up and persevere."

—Elizabeth Kirlin, Yeoman Second Class

Photos courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard.

Comments edited for clarity/grammar.

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