The Coast Guard Officer Program, Admission Essay Example

When I joined the Coast Guard, my prime ambition was to excel in the field as an Enlisted Personnel. After completing the basic training, I worked as an Operations Specialist in many areas that include communications, security and operations. This enabled me to be the first active duty member to get qualified as a Maritime Domain Awareness Supervisor. As I continued with my work in this field, my goals, perspective, and general outlook started to change. Instead of merely wanting to become an Enlisted Personnel, my focus and direction drifted towards taking my profession to greater heights hence; Commissioned Officer.

During my enlistment, I had a chance of serving at several commands. Upon graduation from Radarman “A” School, I reported to the USCGC Dallas (WHEC 716) as an SNRD and ascended to OS1 prior to departing. Holding the titles of Combat Division Leading Petty Officer and Watch Supervisor, I was responsible for the development of ten petty officers. Possessing bilingual skills, I was utilized as an interpreter while conducting joint operations with the Columbian Navy. Upon departing the CGC Dallas, I reported to Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, becoming the Leading Petty Officer for the Communication Division, Supervising eight petty officers. I assumed the roles of Electronic Key Management Officer, Classified Material Control Officer, Personnel Security and Training Officer, and Computer System Administrator. One of my most important roles was as the Morale Committee Chairman. After a successful tour in Puerto Rico, I was reassigned to Sector Jacksonville Sector Command Center-Joint harbor Operations Center (JHOC), my current assignment. Working in a joint environment with the Navy’s Southeast Region Regional Operations Center and several local and state agencies has proven to be very rewarding. I am currently providing Maritime Domain Awareness; allowing real time information to be accessed to carry out Sector Jacksonville’s mission sets.

I believed the sky is the limit and being an enlisted personnel offered limited opportunities for exercising leadership qualities that I possess. I look forward to acquire a career opportunity that will enable me to continue to utilize my experience and education in the Coast guard through the Officer Candidate School. I am also pursuing B.A Business Supervision and Management at the Florida State University. I have a FAA Private Pilot Certificate and am an Associate in Occupational Science.

Currently as enlisted personnel I am involved in several duties and operations which include: Search Coordination & Execution, Navigation, Radarman, Electronic Warfare, WLR-1H (V) Training, Damage Control Team Leader, Naval Shipboard Firefighting, Maritime Domain Awareness, Security, and Critical Incident Stress Management.

With this magnitude of experience I am confident that I can comfortably handle the increased obligations and challenges of a Coast Guard Officer. I can continue to be a good steward of the Coast Guard’s paramount multi-mission capabilities. Thanks in advance.