Service / Veterans / Merchant Marines

[James Shaw]

I was recently asked by someone interested in the CAP about the "makeup" of the CAP members. They were under the impression that you had to be a Veteran of the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marines in order to join. I explained to them how it is, and it sparked a question in my mind.

[Al Sayre]

Your poll is messed up, you can only choose 1 block...

[MIKE]

Your poll is messed up, you can only choose 1 block...

Fixed.  Go ahead and edit your votes as necessary.

[davedove]

I was in the Army for three years active and two years reserve.  I was in the reserves during Desert Storm, but my unit was never activated, although a few members with special skills were.

[AlaskanCFI]

Mine is a strange mix. Active Navy followed by some reserve navy, followed by reserve Army which turned into some more active time, then Air Force reserve (guard) time which sometimes had spats of active time...

[afgeo4]

Although I was USAFR, I'd appreciate it if Air Nat Guard and Army Nat Guard were added since they are separate services from the Reserve.

[davedove]

Mine is a strange mix. Active Navy followed by some reserve navy, followed by reserve Army which turned into some more active time, then Air Force reserve (guard) time which sometimes had spats of active time...

Your ribbon rack must really confuse people!  Now you just need some Marine and Coast Guard time.

[sandman]

I have a good mix as well: AD Navy (current); AD Public Health Service; GS Civil Service; AD, RES, & NG Army. Started the journey in '84.

If you count time in the Young Marines, Sheriff's Explorers (BSA), and currently USCG Auxiliary & CAP, that leaves two uniforms out....I have not been in the NOAA commissioned corps (although I am considering it using my science degree) or the uniformed Merchant Marine.

Did I miss any?

[AlaskanCFI]

My oldest son is a Kings Point N.Y. (US Merchant Marine Academy) grad.  He is currently the second officer on a container ship.  But their uniform seems to be shorts, flip-flops and Hawaiian shirts.  But he is also a Navy reserve 0-3, so he occasionally has to get a haircut...

The oldest daughter (U of Hawaii) is an Iraq vet Army Res E-6 combat engineer.

Youngest son (Iraq vet too) is a helo avionics tech in the Alaska Army Guard.

Don't forget the Public Health Service, they actually have some cool looking uniforms...



xx

[James Shaw]

I inadvertantly forgot to list the NOAA they also have a uniformed area. Hats off to them as well.