Hey all. I spent nineteen years in the Coast Guard, much of it in SAR, after some time with 1st Ranger Battalion. Somewhere in there I started writing a story about a cutter crossing the Arctic Circle, set it down for about a decade while I raised kids, and finally finished it.

The book is called NORTHING. It follows the Bertholf, the newest cutter in the fleet in the story, on the transit that makes her the first NSC across the line.

The main character is an MK2 who has spent nine months doing rounds and keeping his past to himself. Then a mayday comes over channel 16 in the Chukchi, the ship turns toward it, and the trip goes sideways from there.

A few things I tried to get right, since you'll notice:

- Engineering rounds, the plant, and the people who know it by ear

- How a bridge and CIC actually sound when something is wrong

- Abandon ship, cold water, and what a crew does for each other when it counts

- Chiefs being chiefs

I took some liberties with the ship and the timeline for the sake of the story, and I'm sure some of you will find things I got wrong. I'd like to hear about them.
It's the first of three. All three are written, so nobody will be stuck waiting on an ending.

Ebook & Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMZPHV7N

If you read it, an honest review on Amazon helps a lot. And if you have questions about the writing or the research, I'll be around in the comments.

Semper Paratus. (And thanks for the feedback on the original cover, I had someone make me one, and it's indeed better.)

As the title suggests, trying to figure out how to deal with a subordinate that is a pathological liar and will do anything to cover their mistakes or anything to make others look worse. In the beginning i thought it was just to be included in conversations but then it turned into lies that ended up getting me investigated ( as expected nothing was found). My old command knew the issues and never believed it but also never fixed the problem either. We have a new command now and they believe every thing that comes out of their mouth.

For example; such subordinate failed their first coxswain board but then proceeded to tell everyone they passed. Thats a tame one but im just trying to paint a picture without airing everything out.

Im not trying to start a which hunt but im also tired of finding out something new about myself every time i come on duty.

I recently received a Letter of Commendation and wanted to get some help with the requirements for wearing the ribbon on my uniform, at my unit we do funerals and events locally in trops/bravos a lot and would like to wear it. Since the letter states that it is authorized, am I able to wear the ribbon using the letter as documentation, or is there an additional step required? If so, would that involve? Thanks!

Wanna know something funny? A bunch of command people at HQ didn’t get parking passes so they’re redoing the lottery now. 😒

Hey everyone, I'm a 26-year-old single mom and currently a nonrate in the Coast Guard. I'm looking for advice from anyone who's been in a similar situation.

I'm required to stand JOOD, which is a 0730–0730 watch, and I'm struggling with the childcare aspect. I don't have any family in the area or anyone reliable who can keep my daughter overnight. The babysitters I've found charge around $200 per night, and with three watches a month, that's $600 just for overnight childcare. I genuinely cannot afford that on top of my regular expenses.

I'm not trying to get out of doing my job or avoid my responsibilities. I understand that duty is part of being in the military, but I'm trying to figure out how to make this work as a single parent without putting myself in a financially impossible situation or compromising my daughter's care.

Has anyone dealt with something similar? Were you able to work something out with your command, adjust your duty rotation, or find any childcare resources specifically for military families? How did your command handle it, and is there anything I should know before bringing this up?

I'd really appreciate honest advice from other Coasties, especially other single parents or anyone who's been in a similar position. Thank you!

For all of you guys doing independent duty as an FS/CS what are your thoughts? I was on a 140’ with a snake ass XO, a BMC that would on ocassion throw out “you people” and a CO that used to be obese and wanted to control the weekly menu because HE wanted to eat healthy and so the rest of the crew needed to be such. Also had the XO call in from home an hour after breakfast was secured to make an order. What have your experiences been?

I've been trying to forward a few document attachments for the last few weeks to my personal gmail...they're nothing remotely close to confidential, something basic like pre-board questions for ERI so I can work on them at home after work. Again, nothing close to compromising any type of secret or confidential information. Each time, it gets blocked because I'm trying to send an email "outside of my organization". The other document was a flow chart for required notifications that is literally a public-facing document.

Aside from DODSafe, does anyone have any other work arounds?

19y/o son is going through the enlistment process, took all tests and health eval- He's being told that due to an episode last year in high school where he used cannabis and vomited (CHS) in health records, he's permanently disqualified? Passed drug screen and all other tests. I can't find any info on this and there how to move forward if theres even a way, but hes super bummed so any info is appreciated!

Been at the PSU my whole career. I have topped out at my billet. I want to experience what the regular Coast Guard Reserves is like however I like challenges and a lot to do so I am hesitant to leave because of the chance of being stagnant. Any advice?

Hi! I’m a spouse and looking for all info on geobaching or people’s experiences. I’ve been putting my career on hold for almost 10 yrs now and am going to start a 2 yr nursing program next year. About 1 yr into it we are due for a PCS. Station already let people know that they are not going to be able to accommodate extensions for the year we are PCSing (for valid reasons I’m not sure I’m allowed to mention) my spouse will still try to extend but little to no chance. Anyways I’m not willing to give this opportunity up again so we are planning on geo batching. He’s working on getting more info on it but I’d love to hear others experiences. It would only be a year and some change. We have 3 kids and I will have my family around to help. Are we allowed to join him after I’m done with school? Will we have to move ourselves?

BM1 in the Coast Guard Reserve interested in joining an Expeditionary Cutter Squadron (ECS).

For those with experience:
Can reservists pick up ECS orders, and what’s the process?
What’s the mission like for reservists?
Are there opportunities for orders under a year?
Are these typically Title 10 orders?

I’m looking for something operational and high-tempo. Any firsthand experience or advice would be appreciated!

Just wondering around what number on the list should I expect to get my pick list

Do you get a choice when given orders to go IRR or is it a you shall go?

I have in my possession the elusiveness of the best commandant ever coin.

I signed a 4 year contract and just plan to do my 4 and get out. Nothing wrong with the coast guard or anything just my plan. I’m curious if the coast guard will make me expand my contract past the 4 years or will I get out on my original date that I signed?

Hello everyone I have a question no one in my unit as an answer for.

Since changing the PT standards is it now optional to do the run at ME-A or can it be substituted for the row?

Any help would be appreciated since my run times aren't amazing but my rows are!

im currently in Southeast, ombudsman is a command members wife. WTAF! who the freak thinks this is acceptable? she is awful, she singled out someone bc she doesn’t like her. she excluded two others. clearly not a leader! if I got a problem with her than I have to worry about blowback from the command! I can’t complain to another person bc she is friends with her. She seems to think ombudsman is a command position

I know some people like weekend duty and some hate it, but either way, I've been there and I get it. Your country thanks you. May your watch be "the Q word" and your relief be on time.

Hello all, I live a few minutes away from the Birmingham Southern campus that was bought by the USCG and was wondering if anyone knows what the plans are for it over the next couple of years.

It was a big deal when the college closed so I was just wondering if anyone inside the service knows what the Coast Guards plans for the campus are beyond the vague statements made in press releases.

Does anyone take ashwagandha for stress and/or relaxation? Particularly those in aviation?

Hello there! I am a 19m nonrate and I’m wondering if I should choose YN or HS for my rate. The thing is, I love YN because of the consistent schedule and being able to come home every day. But at the same time, I want to be able to have some kind of job outside of the military that isn’t a desk job in case I decide to leave. I hear that YN’s don’t really have any other kind of job outside of the military that isn’t a desk job. I’m also very passionate about being able to help people and first aid is something that has really caught my interest recently. I plan on pursuing a degree in some kind of business field, either while I’m in and if I decide to leave with the G.I. Bill. I also would love to pursue that passion of taking care of people while in college, maybe like some courses and certifications on the side for things like EMT. I know I want to be wealthy in life but I can’t decide what would be more worth it in the long run.
YN so I can focus on business degree in college? Or HS so I can have a head start on any job hunting in the medical field while pursing business on the side? Does HS even do first responder work in terms of life saving? Would that even be worth it? Any advice or help is appreciated. Thank you :)

Hi everyone! my boyfriend recently graduated from coast guard BMT, and he went into RAMP and passed through it. He says going to RAMP is the best thing to ever happen to him and that it’s the only reason he graduated on time. He was hoping to get a challenge coin from it because it meant so much to him, but wasn’t able to order it. If anyone could help me find one that someone is willing to sell so I can gift it to him that would be really amazing. thank you so much:))