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What I Learned About The World By Being In The Coast Guard

We all have a lot to learn about the world, and a career with the Coast Guard is a great way to get started!

U.S. Coast Guard
by U.S. Coast Guard

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We asked five active-duty enlisted members what they've learned about the world during their time in the U.S. Coast Guard. Here's what they had to say:

We're All in This Together

MST2 Robert Alvarenga taking a selfie in military clothing in front of cherry blossom trees in South Korea

"I initially thought the Coast Guard was a local branch of the military that would protect the coasts of the United States. I found out after joining that the Coast Guard does so much more internationally around the world than I ever imagined. The first unit that I was attached to in the Coast Guard was Port Security Unit 312, based in San Francisco. The mission of this unit is to protect United States military vessels coming in and out of international ports all over the world. We did a joint training exercise in South Korea with our Navy, Marines, and Army along with the South Korean military. It was an eye-opening experience for me to be in another country on the other side of the world, doing training alongside the South Korean military. I learned so much about our similarities and differences as a military, as well as the amazing culture from the civilian population while on this same trip. I learned that even though as countries we are so far away from each other, we share the same responsibility to take care of this beautiful world we share." 

—MST2 Robert Alvarenga, Pacific Strike Team

Small Acts Make Large Waves

SN Kate Kilroy poses on the bow of a ship. The coast of Greenland is in the background.

"At a port call in Greenland during my first patrol as a seaman, I saw a man eating alone and chose to purchase his meal. This small act made large waves when the stranger ended up being the Premier of Greenland. Despite feeling like I had much to learn as a novice sailor, I discovered that the cornerstone traits that led me to join — like serving others and leading with kindness — can make up for a lack of experience. Sometimes, it can even make a positive impact in the relationship between two countries." 

—SN Kate Kilroy, U.S. Coast Guard Base Portsmouth

The World Is Different to Everyone

YN1 Christian Hazzard poses with a senior officer after receiving an award

"I learned that the world is experienced differently by everyone around you, even if you're doing the exact same thing at that moment. The Coast Guard, albeit it is small, is an amalgam of unique backgrounds, diverse ethnicities, and every walk of life imaginable, and those unique backgrounds affect the way we experience our present and our future. What we're hoping to achieve can be vastly different too. Some members may use their military service as a stepping stone into other federal services or politics. And some may want their service in the Coast Guard to be their career and their legacy. Regardless of those differences, we all made the choice to join the Coast Guard as it could help us achieve these long-term goals or rectify the adversities we faced before we joined." 

—YN1 Christian Hazzard, CGRC

Hard Work Pays Off

Chief Petty Officer Deren Perez poses on the bow of a U.S. Coast Guard ship

"I've spent 9 years in Hawaii with 3 different units, 1 year in the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, 3 years on a very competitive solicitation in the United Kingdom, 4 years in a highly desired San Diego position, and now I'm opening the recruiting office on Guam that's been closed for over 10 years. I’ve seen how the world can be a dangerous place. However, the training and experience through the Coast Guard have better prepared me with adaptability. One thing I’ve learned and hold true is that hard work pays off! Your time with the Coast Guard provides an opportunity to hone your discipline, focus, and work ethic. And those attributes will pave the path of your future." 

—Chief Petty Officer Deren Perez, CGRC Guam

You Can Become Your Own Motivation

FA Tyrique Parker, dressed in formal military clothes, shakes hands with an older relative

"Most of my life, I believed I could not swim. I had already attempted the CG required swim twice. I looked inward and searched for past accomplishments to motivate me. I started to think, if I pass, I’ll always look back on it as a power source to tackle more fears. I ended up passing all evaluations. I used this event to clear obstacles in boot camp. If you combine your effort and will, you can create a drive like no other. Previously overcome hurdles enable me to accomplish new challenges and see them as opportunities to grow." 

—FA Tyrique Parker, Coast Guard Cutter Northland

Images provided courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Learn more about this exciting opportunity to serve in America’s elite force of maritime defenders with the U.S. Coast Guard!