Coast Guard DCA age waiver?

[mudkow60]

Does anyone have info. regarding an age waiver for the next Coast Guard DCA board? I heard there might be one, but don't know much more.

 

[vetteracer]

My info is a about 6mo old. I visited with an officer about this question and for non prior mil (me) there was a waiver, but unlikely, as they were in need of Helo pilots. They were in need of helo pilots. Being prior mil and a helo pilot I would assume they would make an effort to accommodate you.

Not much info but just my .02

Mark

 

[mudkow60]

Thanks...


I missed the cut off by one day, and my package was returned. I was hoping (and wondering) what the possibilities are in '05 boards for the waiver.

Nice avatar.. I have a ZO-6. Just got new tires too!

 

[Falconjet]

Only way to be sure Mudkow is to apply and ask for the waiver. The CG will waive just about anything if they need applicants. It may be hard to believe for people on this forum but aviation is not that popular a career path in the CG, so they sometimes don't have enough applicants for flight school each board. So you never know. Put it in and give it a shot.

PM me if you would like some old info on CG aviation (I've been out about 2.5 years).

Good luck.

FJ

 

[qmaster3]

I might be able to give you some insight. I am working for the Coasties on shore duty, and talking to some officers as we speak. Word is they will waive anything, early thirties is acceptable. I saw on your profile you are a helo pilot; you better drop your package ASAP. They are getting flocked from the Army rotary guys wanting to get out of the desert. I know they will take officers with as little as 35/SH of credit. This isn't an issue for you, but a wonderful door for me. Hopefully, I can get picked up to fly the 130s. CG does the selection boards 3, or 4 times a year. Beats the Nav's boards. As long as you can look at yourself in the mirror everyday with the CG uniform on you will be all right. Good luck.

 

[SWABUM]

Are the age waivers for flight school or ocs? Is age a problem for a non-flying position? Thanks.

 

[qmaster3]

From what I understand it is for OCS. You don't get flight school until the end of OCS. Having a 737 type rating helps you get a flight slot! Now the flight school for CG is Pensacola, FL, and if you are already an aviator in another service (or have ratings) age should be less of a factor. The CG website has some good gouge on it. Just remember the powers that be can waive anything. If you are in your early thirties you have a great chance. The CG needs officers right now, but most are non-flying positions. I am decided to retire and peruse OCS, instead of chasing an aviation career. Although I am struggling a little with this decision. The airlines will be there when I am 39. Anyway if there is anything I can do for you guys I.E recommendation letters, call recruiters, ECT let me know.

 

[mudkow60]

My package got returned due to me being one day older then the cut. No age waiver for this board. I was wondering if there were any for next year's boards.

 

[vetteracer]

Are the age waivers only applicable to prior military individuals? When I researched this last year the age limit was 26 for OCS. (I am 28 now.) And of course OCS being a prerequisite for flight school. When I phoned the recruiter they were adamant that there was no way for a waiver. They did however tell me that they might consider it if I chose another field.

From the previous posts, I take it that waivers are not that uncommon? Or are the circumstances different for prior military folks?

Thanks

Mark

 

[qmaster3]

I am sorry for the bad info. I am playing by another set of rules being Navy enlisted. The CG from what I am hearing from a LT, and JG is strict on the age limitation now. Dropping a package with reasonable waivers can never hurt. Selection board members can have good, or bad days. Mark, never trust the recruiters. They will tell you whatever, if it's nice out they want to go play golf instead of filling the paper work to get you in....the great thing about the military is you can always go over somones head Falconjet, surely has more accurate info than I do. They are hurting for officers, just not aviation now. Have you tried for a pilot slot in the Navy/AF reserves?? If you have any more ?? I am at work until the morning, and will be glad to assist.

 

[Falconjet]

Finally some info

I contacted a buddy of mine who is still in and asked him to check into the age waiver issue for DCA applicants. Below is an excerpt from the email the aviation detailer sent my buddy. It explains why they aren't considering waivers for age or anything else really at this point for the DCA program.


I agree, he does sound like a good candidate. We have seen quite a few good candidates that have just missed the cutoff date. Unfortunately I don't think he will be able to get a waiver for the next board:

- The Recruiting Command sets the waiver policy for DCA panels. There was some discussion about allowing waivers for the spring panel, but the applicant pool from the panel that ended on 3 Dec was robust enough to select 15 Primaries and 6 Alternates. If the policy were to change, it is usually done at the beginning of the fiscal year in order to facilitate equal dissemination throughout the recruiting offices.

- During the DCA panel outbrief on Friday, CGRC mentioned that accessions will probably be reduced next year. This would make it more unlikely for CGRC to consider age waivers.

I can't say with 100% certainly that CGRC won't consider waivers, but I think it is pretty unlikely in the near future.


Again, I would continue to apply if I was interested in the program, because the minute the CG gets short of applicants who don't need waivers they will consider those who do. You never know when that might be, and you can't get the waiver unless you ask for it!

FJ