r/uscg • u/False-Cantaloupe3073 • 1d ago
Rant Rant
I just want to rant a bit, I find it so silly I can join the CG. Over the last few years I’ve tried to no success. No criminal back round, I have a diploma, scored exceptionally well on the test, yet the one thing holding me back is a tattoo of a moth on my hand… it’s about 1” too big… 2 years to remove it with the chance it might not fully go away… just finally at the end of my journey I suppose…. I had tried everything… guess I’ll support from my regular life! Goodluck to all of you! I’m wildly jealous
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u/swjebsus AMT 1d ago
It is possible. It took me 4 1/2 years to get a tattoo lasered off to an acceptable level. Been in 10 years~, it is 100% gone now. Takes time man, be patient. Don't join the navy, the CG is where it's at
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u/False-Cantaloupe3073 1d ago
Yeah, I’ve seriously thought about committing through with the removal… I’m 25 now, i have a pretty good education, and job that pays very well…. I’d be a tough pill to swallow giving that up in two years then committing for 4. I’ll be in a whole new place if that makes sense?
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u/swjebsus AMT 1d ago
Why do you want to give up your position now? If you've made it, I personally wouldn't unless you feel a genuine calling
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u/False-Cantaloupe3073 1d ago
More of something I’ve wanted over the last few years. I’m content in my life but I always wanted to do it since kid but never truly just had the courage to do it honestly…
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u/SLITTER57 AMT 1d ago
The uscg is held to a higher standard and is one of the harder branches to get into. Unfortunately for you that includes how we present ourselves with things like tattoos. I’m sorry to hear your unable to join but those who are way above me have decided that it is required for things like tattoo location to decide if people are able to join. Again sorry that you’re having this problem but just know you are not the only one. I’m sure you will find something very suitable for you rather that be joining a different branch or finding something else I am sure you will do great things.
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u/False-Cantaloupe3073 1d ago
I truly get the higher standard for the CG, I just believe the policies are out dated. Same for all braces but the navy atp. You can get waivers for many things, even legal issues… I can’t get a waiver for ink on my hand. I 100% respect the rules and again I chose to get the tattoo so I’m not blaming ANYONE but myself…. Kinda my point in posting this I suppose it to just get it mentioned more? Maybe in 5 years the newer kids will have the ability to serve with these kinda tattoos… Idk im just ranting as im super bummed lol that’s truly it. Thanks for the response though!!!
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u/SLITTER57 AMT 1d ago
No problem I get how you feel. I hope you find something else to do since our branch was not willing to take you in unfortunately.
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u/ulunatics 1d ago
You might consider joining the 17,000 members of the USCG Auxiliary, the CG’s uniformed volunteer component since 1939. The Auxiliary’s main goal is recreational boating safety and education, but members also support other CG missions, patrolling waterways, saving lives and property, assisting in marine safety and environmental protection, radio watchstanding, etc.
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u/reginamontis TA 1d ago
Idk why you are being downvoted. The aux is a great way to volunteer and get your foot in the door, network with retired professionals which may lead to awesome opportunities even in the civilian sector.
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u/ryswogg17 Retired 1d ago
Those tattoos are rad until you need BAH and Tricare
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u/False-Cantaloupe3073 1d ago
I got health care, and I make more than I would in the CG by a significant amount honestly I work for a major airline… it’s really nothing to do with benefits/money/bah
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u/Bob_snows Recruit 1d ago
You could do a skin graft, wouldn’t take too long to heal. You could also get it colored in and get a doctor to say it’s a birthmark.
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u/Just_Bread_5259 1d ago
Maybe the navy will let you in?