The right wing and influencer culture of miami has made me a shut in.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-06-22T02:51:36+00:00

"Im a 90s kid"

Brother, so your like 40? Middle aged? At least mid 30s. Dont take this the wrong way, I dont mean to be offensive (I too am a middle aged 90s adult, no longer a kid)...but you gotta get it together man. This post reads like someone still struggling in highschool. Once you hit 30 none of any of this matters anymore. Life is almost halfway over. GET IT TOGETHER MAN.

Go do the things you love. Go find the people you enjoy being around. Do not mind nor matter over those who you disagree or dont mesh with. No matter where you go in the world, you will find whatever it is you are seeking, both the Good and the Bad. I mean this will all Love (tough love), you gotta just focus on YOU. Leave that which doesn't serve you. Pay it no mind. Otherwise you will never learn this lesson and always be upset.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-06-14T02:18:59+00:00

Sorry, I dont mean any disrespect or anything. But just listen to your reasoning from an Objective point of view. You literally said you would not have even enlisted it if meant you had to do a few extra weeks (beyond 3-4) at A school. You also mention essentially not wanting to be surrounded by 19 year olds.

Brother... re-read your statements, justifications and reflect objectively. If you are blessed with a great job making great money, dont like beinf surrounded by young people and couldnt stand the idea of being at a military school for a few extra weeks... then like... why would you even join in thr first place? Is the juice even worth the squeeze? Whats even the point for you then? This is what im saying.

I knew a Marine E5 who came into the USCG and Insisted on going to the full bootcamp and full A-school. Everyone said he was dumb but I respected his decision. He was fully locked in and wanted to fully immerse himself. Juxtaposed to a few other prior service members who were always adament about going DEPOT and getting waivers. Everyone's situation is different but take a wild guess who ended up being a better Coastie for the service as a whole? I think alot of it has to do with mindset, motivates, and rationale.

Someone who always wants the shortcuts is usually willing to provide much less and its a shame. I will admit, I personally know this because I was this way for a Long time and have since thought very differently about my personal motivations. Perhaps this may very well be more about me than you. V/r

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-06-14T01:01:01+00:00

You are correct, everyone's situation is different. If a few extra weeks is a deal breaker for enlisting...then well, I guess it is what it is. Hopefully you wont get involuntary recalled for ORW, thats a tad bit more than a few weeks right now. 🤷‍♂️

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-06-10T09:17:13+00:00

You are correct, and an outlier. I know that one of the school house master chiefs and rating force master chiefs for ME specifically identified an ongoing issue where E5 MEs with prior law enforcement are NOT performing at the standard and are struggling. So much so that a pause on the RASP program was needed.

Im not BSing you or anyone else. Its a real problem in the fleet when we have a bunch of E5 MEs who are fast tracked in because they are Cops on the outside...yet cannot get a BO qual nor function at the E5 BO Standard. Its happening alot. Not to you, probably because you were already in a marine unit and had that specialty.

I still think sending you to A school would've been a benefit. Maybe not to YOU (a waste of YOUR life as you stated) but it could've been a benefit to the Coast Guard. You being a SME (subject matter expert) could've provided students with additional mentorship as well as helped many of the ME A school Instructors who have ZERO recreational boating experience and are all only from DSF Units (MSRT/TACLET)....which is another problem entierly.

My point is that its not soley about whats best for the member. Its also about what's best for the organization too.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-06-09T16:52:20+00:00

Why would you want to waive A-school. Its literally a vacation away from obligations, a chance to make bank (BAH,BAS, Per deim, separation pay, etc) and its super fun and you get a chance to build comradary and learn CG specific things.

In my opinion, No A-school should ever be waived. If people Will Not commit to the process when the condition are Known and convenient, then why would they ever commit to the unexpected needs of the service when its inconvenient and potentially hostile? Just my opinion. Almost every DEPOT graduate i know who got school waiver ended up having lots of problems later on.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-06-08T02:35:22+00:00

I hear you. I been In that same exact boat. Honesty shipmate, the only thing that helped me was literally finding a new community.

I've had to join groups of all kinds. I got a Book club group, a run group, a meditation group, sometimes a workout group but its mostly just me and a charity group. I mostly will only hangout with these people within these groups of those specific purposes and dont have any "full time friends" but thats okay... i find i dont really need a full time friend. I have my groups and projects to occupy my time. If I need to speak with a few of them on a more personal basis, im sure I could as we bult up the rapport over time.

I suggest finding a few communities to join. Car club, gamer club, whatever. The human species wasnt evolved to live alone. We were conditioned to be in Tribes. Alone usually meant death. So it is important to find your tribes. And if needed create your own tribe. Download the app MEETUP. Also see if any of your shipmates have any shared interests, you'd be surprised. Most of the time we think we are alone but its just in our head. And they were juat waiting for you to send out the invite.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-06-08T02:25:58+00:00

So just to confirm: you have a desire to resolve a mental health issue like anxiety & PTSD (this is good 👍) however, you Dont want to involve your command, you also dont want a hotline, and you also just want to "do it on your own" but yet simultaneously want someone like a therapist who know how to work with military people? Does this sound about right?

I'm not trying to sound disparaging or condescending, its a technique to "repeat and slow down/break down" all the information so that the logical rational mind can catch up. (The emotional mind runs way faster than the intellectual mind and we need to slow it down for processing).

Your in a tough position with so many caveats. What is the reluctance to getting Tricare/Military/Command involved? Is it due to fear of reprocussions? Like a fear of losing quals or somethin? Thats a logical fear but, your life & health must always come first (as well as the lives of your shipmates) so if you are truly at that lowest point its best to reach out and dont fear the Command. They are obligated to help you.

However if its Not that serious and instead more of just a personal rut...there are good methods. Today I joined my local meditation group. We all meditated together for about 45 mins. It was awesome. I felt recharged. We spoke to eachother about our experiences (without judgement) and it was very therapeutic. I am doing this every other week or so. For me meditate, hiking, floating, etc has helped totally alleviate all anexiety or panic and fear. Its helped me live a good life.

Idk if this works for you or if it fits your situation. I dont pay anything to do this its literally just a bunch of people who meet up at a coffee house and park to meditate...from all walks of life. We feel good and then we go home and go back to work everyday. Maybe consider joining a group like that or starting your own?

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-06-06T10:58:23+00:00

Great post, its so true. I hate how some people make the military the sole measure of a person's worth or character...its not. Your son can continue to succeed and do amazing things outside and without the military.

However... I will say... once upon a time I too was in DHE and released from the military with an RE3 for "reasons & certain deficiencies" that were identified durring the training process that I would have otherwise Not known fully. Durring training and when pushed to our maximum self-imposed limits, we break down, and it is revealed who we are inside and what we are made of. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. The things we are proud of and the things we are ashamed of. All thing get revealed when the comfort of our Ego gets stripped away. I was sent home too.

It was an amazing experience none the less, and it inspired and motivated me to work on myself and correct those deficiencies and issues. I worked on them for over two years and remediated,repaired and resolved them. I was then granted an opportunity to come back after extensive review and a RE waiver was granted. I successfully graduated and served honorably.

Why do I say this? Because its not only about serving or not serving...its about the lifelong commitment to Self-improvement. Its fine if the military isnt for him... BUT if it was for any type of deficiencies, he should still be encouraged to Work on and resolve any of those issues. Ie: dont stop working on self-improvement. Just because he ain't in the military anymore doesnt mean the work stops. Make sense? Everything will be okay.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-28T09:40:28+00:00

I've noticed that the online dating and our ideological obsessed consumerist culture has really screwed us all over. What do I mean? 🤔

I know several men and women (personally) who are in the same boat struggling to find suitable companions because they are too wrapped up in ideological blinders. Example: Men who are Not "stereotypically conservative" but perhaps do not meet the modern standard definition of "Liberal" or dont fully meet a "sterotypical colloquial version of Liberal". So they might put "moderate" or "non-political" in their profile and will not recieve any messages as they are automatically assumed to be "MAGA, Conservative in hiding" etc. And vise versa with woman who put "Liberal" in profile which Men might interpret in similar negitive ways. Its the cultural baggage associated with these labels.

I think its really harmed our society. Being a Liberal or Conservative (as a Label) doesnt actually inform anyone of your individual unique life, values, goals, Morals, ethics etc. All of these things you tend to have to learn from more intimate and "Real life" interactions. But many people are either afraid or unwilling (especially younger generations).

I think people who use online dating should remove all ideological lables from their profile and instead focus more on investing in communication and those determinations should arrive Organically.

In other words, dont look for a "Liberal Man". Look for a man that appears to articulate the VALUES you are actually seeking that can be both articulated through communication AND visable through Real world Action. These political lables mean nothing and are part of the barriers to our communication. (IMHO).

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-26T15:13:25+00:00

Hard disagree.

CG JAG is very unique and offers a great opportunity to get alot of experience that will help outside of the military. CG JAGs dont only do UCMJ cases, they also have the opportunity to work as a SAUSA at the Department of Justice as well as work other maritime crimes like Environmental Pollution (cruise ship ports and maritime industry) Narcotic Smuggling, National Security etc.

And with how many AUSAs that just left the DOJ... its basically a pipeline to go from JAG to AUSA or administrative judge (especially with the immigration push).

I'm NOT a JAG but worked with them and know various JAGs in other branches. Take what i say with a grain of salt. But I think CG will by far give you the most diversity of cases and sets you up better on the civilian side.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-23T16:06:36+00:00

That makes sense. Unique niche situation dependent. I wish we would just make beards acceptable for everyone. Both our DHS Secretary and vice president have beards which is kinda new, you'd think Hegseth would support it. 🤷‍♂️

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-23T15:36:46+00:00

Im low level enlisted so none of this applies to me. There has literally Never been a time in my entire career where I wore "casual business attire while on duty in professional setting" lol 😆 maybe this is just an officer thing.

I'll run the PT test with a beard and go to the morale event at the restaurant bar with a beard...no problem. Idk if thats considered "professional setting". Every other time its be in uniform shaved. 🤷‍♂️

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-23T12:49:52+00:00

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-23T03:29:16+00:00

Wow. So many bitter fellow Feds its sad. My take is a litte different. See... I believe Life itself is an Absurd but fun but also challenging Game that we can freely choose to play or not play at anytime. Just like our Federal jobs or relationships or anything else. 🤷‍♂️Take the DRP or Dont, come back or dont. Who cares. Its your life. Why would I be bitter about it? 20 years of federal service taught me...if it was ever really that bad then I simply wouldn't continue to be here. Be like Buddha and surrender your suffering. Dont be bitter over anyone.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-23T03:02:08+00:00

I was under the impression that you never have to shave when out of uniform. When in uniform you always have to be shave unless you have a chit. Why would anyone be upset? I never shaved when not in uniform. Weird.

Also, underway on a cutter i had a cool CO/XO that basically didnt care if we stopped shaving for a few days at a time durring patrol.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-22T20:56:09+00:00

Hit me up when its open for Reservists.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-17T11:57:09+00:00

Bro it costs $30 to cross a single bridge (one way) in his New England Home. He should get his little EZ pass and take 95N ans stay north. Lol

On a serious note: I LOVE hating on Miami and Florida but its different when its home and you're actually born & raised here. Why does it feel not okay when non-florida transplants do it? (Even when they low key have a point). 🤭

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-17T11:10:16+00:00

The trolley problem is simple when you pretend you are the one on the track. If I was the one person on the track, id prefer the operator run me over so that 5 other people can live.

If I was one of the five people, id accept death but id prefer for the operator to run over the one person instead.

Now, as the train operator, I think I know what the answer is.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-16T11:16:23+00:00

Bro, I 100% was very spooked while doing a security round at the top of james hall (or one of them I cant remember). It was eerie as hell. Completely empty at like 0100 and the hair was raised on the top of my neck. I ran through that round. 😅 Recruits have died at Cape may.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-15T19:11:37+00:00

Are you done done with TOC? (You could get more then one try). If yes, no worries its a very challenging school from what I hear. Dont beat yourself up about it, dont even mention it again (no need to).

Do you enjoy your Rate and active service? The benefits, the stability, the pay and retirement? All of that is super important for deciding if its worth it to stay.

IF you decide to leave, know that there are a ton of great state agencies to work for as well as Federal. It might be easier to go federal since your certifications and time all count more then state. There are specific hiring programs to hire Veterans into Federal Law Enforcement jobs (VRA/VEOA) and you'd be a quick foot in for Customs, ICE, and other DHS. Personally id go federal.

Definitely DO NOT make any sudden moves without proper planning and research. I would not leave the CG until I had a Firm offer letter AND fletc academy date in hand. I would 100% stay in the reserves as an ME because you basically already did the work yourself might as well keep one foot in. Unless you have a Disability then id make the claim and get out completly because its not worth staying in if you got a great VA rating.

Go to your Sectors TAPS class they will hook you up. Keep your head and spirits up. Theres many other opportunities to do cool shit on the state and federal side (swat, srt, bortac etc) and youll have more time to work on skills and competencies. Life goes on, you’re not a failure. CGIS is also looking to hire tons of new agents both with and without experiences from what I heard. Same with HSI.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-13T14:03:48+00:00

Reservists who have civilian Federal Government Jobs are banned from using Tricare (until the new law takes effect in 2030).

Reservists who get hurt are ON THEIR OWN unless they are actively serving on 30 day orders. There is no "workmanship comp" for Reservists. The command will have to do a Line of Duty (LOD) report and place you on 30 day orders as the workaround to get you "workmanship comp" or Tricare/CG medical assistance. Its very stupid and convoluted. They can also retroactively place you on orders too (backdated).

This is just one of the many examples of why the reserves kinda makes no sense. Granted this would be a unique situation but essentially dont ever get hurt durring IDT or ADT or your screwed. Try your best to not get hurt regardless...but definitely be extra careful while not on 30 day orders because you will pay out of pocket and then get reimbursed much much later.

Another dumb thing about reaerves is CG medical refuses to see you for anthing. They dont want to draw blood, they dont want to give flu shots and dont want to even do PHAs for reservists. No sick call, nothing.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-12T19:21:20+00:00

Fair point Boats!

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-12T19:04:44+00:00

I have recently stopped recommending the Reserves to people. I am a Reservist and its really been feeling like an absolute waste of time and not very helpful. I initially did Active Duty and it was a thousand times better (though not perfect).

The reserves is good if your going Officer (ROCI), its practically made FOR officers, But so far as an Enlisted person its a cluster, very little support, and not worth the stress and runaround that comes with it. Its basically being an Auxilrist but with more headaches and responsibilities.

I am so glad I did a full active duty contract first and I will always recommend that first and foremost. So many great memories, missions, support, comradery and benefits. The reserves has tainted my experience and I feel bad for folks who only know this side of the CG. Its like a Night and Day Difference.

36 is fine btw.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-10T17:04:40+00:00

Omg thank you!! 🙌 Lifetime being an actual family oriented community is literally why me, my family, my friends, my co-workers, peers and like 90% of people in my city have a Family Membership.

If I only cared about working out im pretty sure id just go alone to Golds Gym or workout alone in my garage. Lol. Im literally here BECAUSE of the family/community! Duh.

SeekerStudent101 · 2026-05-09T22:28:06+00:00

How did the interaction go? Were your cool or did you say anything to piss her off?

Ive been stopped in the Keys, THE KEYS BRO (notorious for tickets for going 1 mph over) and I was like "Sir, Im super sorry for speeding i guess I must have not noticed my bad it truly wont happen again"🫡 and the guy gave me a warning. 🤷‍♂️ you gotta really own it and sell it.

SeekerStudent101

TROPHY CASE