Just got in..

[Kevin]

Hi, I was here a couple months back asking about the academies, and just yesterday I got a phone call that I have been accepted to SUNY Maritime. Just a few questions, I am from out of state (Texas), and am wondering what the 'regiment' is like. Is it real strict? It's no problem either way, I will be majoring in Naval Architecture with the deck license.
Could someone shine some light on their experiences as a freshman in his early weeks? I will be attending fall of '10 so I have plenty of time, just trying to understand more how the school works and if this academy really is the best choice. Ive read (from their website at least) that they are among the top engineering schools.

Last question, is there any way of doing some sort of direct commission as an officer in the USCG? Any prior or current USCG officer with 3rd mate on this site?

I know Navy has that with NROTC, I have already applied for the scholarship and might still do college program if I dont get the scholarship. Im just trying to see what the Coast Guard has to offer, does the USCG have a similar scholarship-commissioning program to help pay for some of my education?

Anyway thanks for any help, and I hope to some day be able to share some knowledge on this site.

Kevin

[sean]

I'm not sure about scholarships but the USCG does have a commissioning program for maritime academy graduates.

http://www.gocoastguard.com/find-you...ademy-graduate

If you're going to do naval architecture, I would go with an engine license. It just makes more sense.

[New3M]

The regiment isn't that strict. Every year it gets a little more lax. They brought in a couple new people this year, but I don't think it's going to do much good. The first couple weeks of school are sort of a joke and sort of not. Depends on how much bullshit you can put up with. If you realize that it's not Paris Island boot camp and only some kids a couple years older than you yelling at you, you'll be fine. Indoc is a lot of PT, yelling, go here, go there, stop talking, shut up, sit down, stand up, etc. Once school starts it gets easier.

I'd have to say you're brave going through Naval Arch - Deck. If you plan on doing so, unless you're extremely smart, expect to be there at least 5 years. More likely, 5 1/2. I haven't heard of anybody actually graduating with that program, and most Naval Arch - Engine kids are there over 4 years. The problem is that the Naval Arch program is intense - if you fail/drop a class it sets you back probably a year because of the schedule. Add to that the fact that there are like twice as many deck license classes as engine classes, and you're going to be busy.

The Coast Guard has a direct commission program, but there's no ROTC sort of deal. Once you graduate, you can go to OCS and join the Coast Guard. Several people have done that. If you're looking for scholarship money (from the government), you can do MMR - which means you do the same stuff the Navy ROTC kids do, and I believe the SIP is $8,000 a year.

If you have any other questions just ask or PM me. It's a good school with good teachers on both above deck and below.

[Kevin]

Thanks for all the replies, also thanks for the tips on naval architecture. I would like to do it as it seems there is some money that route down the road, but the only reason I 'really' chose it is because for NROTC scholarship engineering degrees are basically the only majors they want to give scholarships for. My main choice (s) are either Naval Architecture or Marine Biology, I still have plenty of time to decide anyhow.

Also, thanks for the guidance as far as regiment, although I could be there in less than a year I still think it a little odd how 'military' the academies try to make it.

Thanks for the replies, I am really excited to get whatever comes at me in these coming years.

Kevin

[jdcavo]

The Coast Guard does have a direct commison program, the "margrad" program. I don't know a lot about it. For more information, contact LT Krista Smith, Krista.L.Smith@uscg.mil

You may need to get yourself one of these:
http://www.maritimebilly.com/PhotoGa...uctCode=USMM69


Here's some advance reading for you:
http://www.urbandictionary.com/defin...UNY%20Maritime

James D. Cavo (SUNY Maritime '80)
U.S. Coast Guard
Mariner Credentialing Program
Policy Division (CG-5434)
James.D.Cavo@uscg.mil

[Kevin]

You may need to get yourself one of these:
http://www.maritimebilly.com/PhotoGa...uctCode=USMM69


Here's some advance reading for you:
http://www.urbandictionary.com/defin...UNY%20Maritime

The Coast Guard does have a direct commison program. I don't know a lot about it, I'll try to get a contact for that program and will update this when I do.

James D. Cavo (SUNY Maritime '80)
U.S. Coast Guard
Mariner Credentialing Program
Policy Division (CG-5434)
James.D.Cavo@uscg.mil

Thank you very much for the help, I will be looking forward to the update.

[Kevin]

I also found the urban dictionary link very.....amusing

[da second]

What about MARTP? Is that still at SUNY or did that become MARGRAD?

[New3M]

No that became MARGRAD - no MARTP anymore.

[Kevin]

Just got back saturday from my visit, the place is definitely top notch. Even sat down in that tiny ol' white house and talked to an admissions officer. Really enjoyed it, but jeeeesus it is cold for me even in october. Coming from South Texas where it was 95 last week and getting there to 40 and raining. Thatll definitely be a quick change.

I have a few pictures of the campus if anyone wants them I can email em, just PM me.

Kevin

[jdcavo]

...Really enjoyed it, but jeeeesus it is cold for me even in october.

It was unusually cold on the whole east coast last week. I was at SUNY yesterday and it was sunny and close to 80 degrees, every dorm room had the windows open and fans going. Still, the walk to the fort under the bridge can get miserably cold in January...

[Kevin]

It was unusually cold on the whole east coast last week. I was at SUNY yesterday and it was sunny and close to 80 degrees, every dorm room had the windows open and fans going. Still, the walk to the fort under the bridge can get miserably cold in January...

Hell its that temp here in south texas and they call that a cold front. 77 is high for tomorrow and people are packing the jackets, o what is in store for me in the next year!

[Emills505]

Kevin if you are serious about the naval arc. deck, start taking some courses to transfer in as soon as possible. That major is no joke I can think of four of my class (99) that came into maritime for that degree that leg. could have graduated with that degree, one graduated on time with that degree and ended up going Navy. The other three (myself included) ended up going the MT or MES route. For myself, it took me 3 1/2 years to realize that I couldn't and hated to draw, so it set my graduation back a year. But if that is the way you want to go, then more power to you, but my advice is to take as many college level courses you can transfer in to make it a little easier on yourself. Good luck

[redandwhite]

Hey Kevin- "NEW3M" hit the nail on the head. First couple weeks kinda suck, but it's not THAT bad. The academics are much, much tougher. The lightest load I had there was 24 credits/semester- ouch. My class started with over 300...and graduated 72 on time. I made it out on time, but I had to take a couple night classes on Long Island...home of the FLID's.
The good news is that it's a fantastic education, you are ready for anything. I would totally recommend it....but you better be ready to work. " Schuyler...a great place to be from.....and a terrible place to be."

[squidlad]

Im thinking about applying to SUNY, Im old guy though. I'm 39 I'll be 40 before if I get into SUNY. Im also ex-navy and I I have good idea from previous posts how the regiment will be. The money is pretty good under the new GI Bill in New York, nearly 3k a month plus tuition paid. Of course Im worried about my age and living arrangements. Do any of the older students in the regiment live in the dorms?

[Tugboattim]

not sure how it works, but you may qualify to be a 'day student'. Meaning no formation and such, just do the classes, sea terms ect. May also be able to live off campus. Check the website for "day student status"

[john]

Still, the walk to the fort under the bridge can get miserably cold in January...

Don't forget the wind tunnel the bridge creates!

[jdcavo]

Im thinking about applying to SUNY, Im old guy though. I'm 39 I'll be 40 before if I get into SUNY. Im also ex-navy and I I have good idea from previous posts how the regiment will be. The money is pretty good under the new GI Bill in New York, nearly 3k a month plus tuition paid. Of course Im worried about my age and living arrangements. Do any of the older students in the regiment live in the dorms?

When I was there a couple of weeks ago, there was a cadet working in the Continuing Ed. office who looked to be about 60. Maybe the school can get you in touch with older cadets, although they may only steer you to the ones who will give a favorable response to your questions.

I'm not sure you can be in one of the license programs and not the regiment, with the possible exception of the graduate degree/license program. It's probably better to check with the school directly rather than asking here. Also, you might look at the 2-year Mate 500/1600 Tons program. I think it's still part of the cadet regiment, but at 2 years instead of 4, there's less of it.

[Steamer]

]"When I was there a couple of weeks ago, there was a cadet working in the Continuing Ed. office who looked to be about 60.[/I]"

Well, it is the Continuing Ed department after all. They just didn't tell the guy how long it continues.

[anchorman]

Well, it is the Continuing Ed department after all. They just didn't tell the guy how long it continues.

That might have to be my retirement job......since I KNOW there will have to be one.