Author: Debra Flax

In choosing the next steps of his career and life, Storekeeper 2nd Class Petty Officer Andrew Barile found that the U.S. Coast Guard was the best fit for his interests and expertise.

“I found out that of all the branches, the Coast Guard is where I can utilize my skills regarding finance,” he said. “More importantly, I wanted to be part of something greater than myself. Our branch expands beyond military assignments, working alongside various private and public organizations involved in shipping ports, shipping containers, rescue, and safety to name a few.”

Barile recently shared his experience in the Coast Guard with a mixture of 9-12^th grade student athletes from Brunswick High School in Brunswick, Ga., speaking specifically of leadership opportunities and teamwork qualities.

“I think it had a very positive impact on all the students that attended,” said Garrett Grady, head football coach at Brunswick High School. “There was excitement; students were asking great questions. I think they were very engaged to learn about the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Grady continued, stating that having Coast Guard servicemembers visit the school to speak with students is an invaluable resource.

“I think it gave some of them career options after high school. We are always trying to develop leaders on the field as well,” he said. “They have information now regarding the U.S. Coast Guard as a career path option and since we now have developed a relationship with the Coast Guard, their questions can be answered.”

Barile echoed the sentiment, noting that high school partnerships, such as the one he participated in at Brunswick facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Coast Guard partner for marketing and local engagement, are able to dispel common misconceptions about military service and reach a new pool of recruits with solid information.

“By us attending high schools and talking to young students, we’re able to paint a bigger picture of what it is that we do and why it’s worth the hard work to get there, he said. “Sharing experiences underway, YouTube videos of current jobs, and talking about a day in the life builds up excitement and genuine interest.”

During his visit at Brunswick, Barile told students about the benefits of a career in the Coast Guard, including tuition assistance, medical coverage, skills cross-training, and building incomparable interpersonal relationships along the way. He also asked them to think about what they want from their life after graduation to help determine the best path for them.

“Yogi Berra once said: ‘If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.’ That quote resonates with me when I speak to young adults at schools. Taking a four-year contract of Active-Duty Service is not the rest of your life,” Barile said. “After a few years in, you can reevaluate where you are and where you want to go. Do you want to attend college afterwards? Do you want to start your own business? Do you want to reenlist and try to make rank? Or apply to be an officer? These are the questions that gets young adults thinking and start to take life a little more seriously.”

Weber High School in Pleasant View, Utah, recently welcomed two representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard to speak with student athletes about career development opportunities within the military after graduation.

“The Coast Guard offers all the same great benefits as any other military branch,” Operations Specialist First Class Adam Knapper said. “Our missions primarily keep us domestic – the 50 states and American territories. Even four years of service gives you the GI bill, the four-year, full-ride scholarship. The difference with our branch is quality of life and leadership approach.”

Machinery Technician Petty Officer First Class Michael Madden spoke about the strengthened working skills and life experiences he has collected throughout his career and how he never would have encountered them without his service.

“After graduating high school, enlisting in the Coast Guard provides a unique pathway to not only earn college credits but also to cultivate invaluable work experience and skills, positioning you ahead of your peers in both personal and professional development,” he said.

Knapper and Madden spoke with Weber’s football team and other students through a leadership program facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Coast Guard partner for marketing and local engagement, that allows cross-communication between the military branch and high schools across the country.

“Establishing partnerships with high schools can be instrumental in addressing these challenges,” Madden said. “By collaborating with high schools, the Coast Guard can increase awareness of the opportunities it offers among young people.”

Knapper added that many people are not fully aware of what Coast Guard missions and culture entail.

“The current job market is tough,” he said. “The military is affected by this like every other industry. I hope establishing better relationships with high schools improves understanding on who we are and what we do.”

Additionally, Knapper and Madden agree that continuing to spread information about military service and encourage diversity and integration can only make the Coast Guard stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive.

“I joined the Coast Guard in 2011 looking for a better job. I planned on trying it for four years but have stayed in for 13 years,” Knapper said. “The Coast Guard has allowed me to become debt free, as well as live and work in places I really love.”

Madden similarly noted that he loved the financial and educational benefits his time in the Coast Guard has afforded him.

“The Coast Guard enabled me to purchase a house at 26 while pursuing my environmental science degree,” he said. “This opportunity not only allowed me to gain valuable work experience but also sets me up for future job prospects post-retirement.”

CSC Andrew Rupp has served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 19 years and has found that there are multiple paths people travel to reach a career in the Coast Guard.

“I joined for direction in life and no immediate need to continue to college without a goal. I was drawn to the Coast Guard because of its unique mission of maritime safety, security, and stewardship,” Rupp said. “[But] personal experiences, family tradition, and a sense of duty can all play a role in someone’s decision to join the Coast Guard.”

Rupp recently visited T.C. Roberson High School in Asheville, N.C., to share his experiences in the Coast Guard and discuss the benefits and opportunities of a career in the military.

The Coast Guard and most branches of the military have faced challenges with increasing the number of young adults who choose to enlist. “One major challenge is competition with other career options available to young individuals, ranging from higher education to private sector jobs, Rupp said. “Additionally, misconceptions about military service, lack of awareness about the Coast Guard’s mission and opportunities, and concerns about the demands and lifestyle associated with military life can all deter potential recruits.”

One common misconception about the Coast Guard is that it primarily focuses on maritime search and rescue operations.

“While search and rescue is a critical aspect of its mission, the Coast Guard is also involved in a wide range of other activities, including maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, port security, icebreaking, and humanitarian assistance,” he said.

Rupp met with 9^th-12^th grade students from the school’s track, football, volleyball, and basketball teams through a leadership program facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Coast Guard partner for marketing and local engagement.

Partnerships with high schools can be invaluable in terms of helping students explore their career options after graduation.

“By collaborating with high schools, the Coast Guard can increase visibility and awareness among young people about the opportunities available in the service,” Rupp said.

Edward Solomon, head track coach at T.C. Roberson, said the young men listening to Rupp’s presentation were surprised by the number of possibilities available through the Coast Guard, ranging from salaries to career options.

“The Coast Guard is not thought about and or compared to all the other branches of the military, though they have some similarities, the atmosphere is quite different,” he said. “[Our students] were given information about commitment and the options after high school and have the ability to acquire experience and still be able to go to college if need be.”

Solomon, who served in the U.S. Army right after high school, said that he would have given the Coast Guard a closer look if he had today’s information about service.

“[The] impact of Coast Guard service… varies from person to person,” Rupp said. “For some, it instills a strong sense of camaraderie and purpose, as they work alongside fellow service members to protect lives and the environment. It can also provide valuable skills and experiences that translate to civilian careers, whether in maritime industries or other fields. Additionally, serving in the Coast Guard can foster personal growth, resilience, and leadership qualities that last a lifetime.”

Rupp told students considering joining the Coast Guard after graduation who are still facing doubts to research the branch, talk openly with recruiters and mentors, evaluate goals and values, address concerns, and, above all, trust yourself.

“Remember that joining the Coast Guard is a significant commitment that offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth,” he told the students. “By approaching the decision thoughtfully, seeking guidance, and staying true to yourself, you can make a choice that aligns with your goals and sets you on a fulfilling path forward.”

After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years and seeing other branch operations, Yeoman First Class Michael Clark believes that a career path in the U.S. Coast Guard is the best path.

“In my opinion, the Coast Guard has the best quality of life with military benefits. We serve our community directly and protect the United States,” Clark said, emphasizing the lifesaving missions that the Coast Guard works in every day.

Clark recently visited Greenwood Community High School in Greenwood, Ind., to talk to student athletes about the benefits and opportunities beyond graduation in the Coast Guard.

“One of the biggest advantages of the Coast Guard is that you can job shadow before choosing a career all while being enlisted,” he said. “The Coast Guard is a branch where you can truly make an educated decision on what career suits you best.”

Clark met with 9^th-12^th grade student athletes from the school’s track and field, football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, cross country, and bowling teams.

Lindsey Glaze, athletic assistant at Greenwood Community High School, said the key aspects of the information session, facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Coast Guard partner for marketing and local engagement, were encouraging leadership in a team environment and taking accountability.

“I think it was nice that they shared stories about their high school days and the different activities that they were a part of and what decisions led them to enter the Coast Guard,” Glaze said of the visit.

She added that she really enjoyed watching the students interact with Clark and his partner as they were friendly and relatable. In fact, the program was so engaging for her students that she recommends the presentation to other schools.

“The military is all about leadership, respecting others, taking accountability and many other important factors that can later play a huge role if they then choose to enter the workforce,” Glaze said. “College is a great option for certain students but it’s not the only option and I think that is important to understand.”

Clark added that a lack of information and preconceived notions about life in the military has led to several challenges in recruitment efforts among high school students.

“One of the biggest challenges is that kids in our [area of responsibility] (AOR) are dead set on going to college and not interested in serving even after being told about tuition assistance, etc…” he said. “As far as preconceptions go, there is very little known about the Coast Guard in our AOR.”

Clark continued that acknowledging these gaps and meeting with students face-to-face can only bolster the next class of servicemembers.

 “It is important to increase the diversity in the Coast Guard to provide a level of comfort and ease to the new generation joining,” Clark said.

After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years and seeing other branch operations, Yeoman First Class Michael Clark believes that a career path in the U.S. Coast Guard is the best path.

“In my opinion, the Coast Guard has the best quality of life with military benefits. We serve our community directly and protect the United States,” Clark said, emphasizing the lifesaving missions that the Coast Guard performs every day.

Clark recently visited Perry Meridian High School in Indianapolis, Ind., to talk to student athletes about the benefits and opportunities beyond graduation in the Coast Guard.

“One of the biggest advantages of the Coast Guard is that you can job shadow before choosing a career all while being enlisted,” he said. “The Coast Guard is a branch where you can truly make an educated decision on what career suits you best.”

Clark met with freshman and sophomore student athletes from almost every sport representing the school, including the baseball, basketball, track, softball, soccer, wrestling, football, and cheer teams.

Paul Douglass, assistant athletic director at Perry Meridian High School, said the casual, student-led leadership program, facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Coast Guard partner for marketing and local engagement, allowed the students to ask a lot of questions and connect with someone who was able to provide a first-hand account of service.

“Michael Clark was an excellent ambassador for the Coast Guard,” Douglass said. “He was able to provide personal relevance to the life changing opportunities that exist through the Coast Guard. By being young, energetic, and not a school employee, his advice about having a plan post high school, and setting up one’s future connected with students that otherwise might tune out the same information.”

Clark added that a lack of information and preconceived notions about life in the military has led to several challenges in recruitment efforts among high school students.

“One of the biggest challenges is that kids in our AOR [area of responsibility] are dead set on going to college and not interested in serving even after being told about tuition assistance, etc…” he said. “As far as preconceptions go, there is very little known about the Coast Guard in our AOR.”

Clark continued that acknowledging these gaps and meeting with students face-to-face can only bolster the next class of servicemembers.

 “It is important to increase the diversity in the Coast Guard to provide a level of comfort and ease to the new generation joining,” Clark said.

Machinery Technician Petty Officer First Class Michael Madden did not start his career path in the U.S. military, but he is happy with the direction it has taken him.

“I was working construction living at home and wanted something better,” he said. “The Coast Guard allowed me to gain work experience, attain my bachelor’s degree in environmental science and buy my first house after only being in for three years.”

Madden recently met with the Utah Military Academy’s Raider Military Fitness Team and the Marksmanship Team to share his experience in the Coast Guard and discuss the benefits of military service.

“Most high school kids think if they join the military their life will be over and they will not have freedoms,” he said. “Partnerships [like this] will allow an actual discussion to happen to put applicants fears to rest.”

Angi Snyder, athletic director of Utah Military Academy Camp Williams, said Madden was very interactive with the cadets during the leadership program, which was facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Coast Guard partner for marketing and local engagement. He was able to present information about the Coast Guard that is not normally conveyed, she said.

“[The Coast Guard] doesn’t get a lot of representation, and they are a really good option for students that want to be part of the military. Sports teams and shooting are available through the Coast Guard and that was a big draw [for our students],” Snyder said. “One cadet who has already signed with the USMC asked about the possibility of joining the Coast Guard after his time with the Marines.”

Madden shared that the opportunities in the Coast Guard are outstanding and wouldn’t be possible without integration and diversity allowing for various viewpoints.

“The Coast Guard is the only branch that gives you more freedoms when picking a career field. This will allow an applicant to have ownership in their career and more likely to stay in,” Madden said, adding that he puts interested students and cadets in touch with his previous recruits to have another voice to hear and relate to when making their decision about joining the Coast Guard.

Snyder also noted the importance of partnerships between the U.S. military and high school institutions, coming from a military family herself.

“My dad, uncles and grandpa all served in the military,” she said. “It has given our family a unique perspective and sense of patriotism and pride other families don’t have.”

Integration and diversity are crucial to moving the military forward in its strength, Air Force Master Sgt. Lisa Miller said, adding that, as such, today’s U.S. Air Force is an excellent career choice for women.

“We all come from different backgrounds, social experiments and family but with that brings a different skill set and a different perspective to the team,” she said.

Miller, who has served in the Air Force for more than 17 years, recently visited Bennett High School in Bennett, Colo., to share her experiences in the military and empower female student athletes to explore the opportunities and benefits that the Air Force has to offer.

“I decided to join the Air Force after not really wanting to go to college, but wanting to get out of my hometown and make something of myself,” Miller shared. “The Air Force has provided me with lifelong skills to use after I retire in a couple years, and free education. Not to mention the healthcare to take care of my family.”

While serving in the Air Force Miller has held various positions and has traveled the world. “Going from Southern Georgia to working in the White House to making sure high clearance individuals could complete their mission down range,” were all part of her Air Force experience, Miller said, adding that now she supports her squadrons and their families “with anything they need.”

Brian Schipper, principal of Bennett High School, said that Miller’s presentation, as part of a leadership program facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Air Force partner for marketing and local engagement, was very beneficial for the students. He shared that he heard at least one student speak with Miller about college opportunities through the Air Force and how to pursue her chosen pathway through service.

“I feel the more recruiters can be in school the better,” Schipper said. “Female recruiters will be beneficial for female students as there will be an instant connection. Females need to know and understand there is a need for them in the Air Force, and all they can do while enlisted.”

Miller addressed the girls’ questions about military life and highlighted the work-life balance that she and her colleagues have experienced.

“You’ll receive exactly the same training, vocational development and promotion opportunities as your male colleagues,” Miller said. “Most Air Force jobs have regular hours, giving you plenty of opportunities to socialize, spend time with your family, play sports and make the most of the extensive fitness and leisure facilities on base. You’ll make friends for life, at work and at play, plus through amazing shared experiences such as supporting peacekeeping and disaster-relief missions.”

According to the 2022 Demographics Profile of the Military Community released by the U.S. Department of Defense, the percentage of active-duty military women has increased 2.9 percent while the women in the selected reserve has risen by 4.4 percent since 2005.

“The opportunities that exist in the Air Force for women are amazing. You could come in and do an enlistment if you’re not sure about it and come out with an Associate’s degree, many skillsets to use on the outside, lifelong friends, and an experience many of your friends would never be able to get,” Miller told the girls. “And if you want to keep going in your career in the Air Force, you can make your own way. This is your path and nobody can change the trajectory of your career but you!”

Tech. Sgt. Melissa Davis has spent the last 10 years serving in the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserves, and Air National Guard and describes herself as an “all-around resource” for individuals interested in an Air Force career.

“This experience has given me the knowledge and capability to be adaptable to anything that is thrown at me. I initially joined just for school and only wanted to do a four-year contact,” Davis said. “[But] I have stayed as long as I have in the Air Force as it’s pushed me so much more then I could ever imagine as a person. I honestly wouldn’t be the person I am today without the Air Force. From a shy and reserved high school girl, to becoming a subject matter expert in my field, a leader, and a follower.”

Davis, who is currently an Air National Guard Recruiter for Minnesota, recently met with female students at White Bear Lake Area High School in White Bear Lake, Minn., as part of a leadership program facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Air Force partner for marketing and local engagement. She shared her experiences in the Air Force as well as the overall benefits and opportunities that young women can receive through military service.

“I think the Air National Guard and Air Force as a whole do a fantastic job of bringing you out of your shell,” Davis said. “If you don’t know how to public speak, we will get you the experience and help you become good at it. You may not be the best leader in directing others to do things. We teach you how to be a respectful and effective leader. Or you may have a hard time learning to ask for help when you have too much on your plate. We teach you to learn when to ask for help and let you know you’re not alone. In order to have a strong Air Force, we have to have strong guardsman in every single rank.”

Davis said that many of the stereotypes that she has fielded fall in line with people thinking that military service is masculine with no room for individuality.

“Honestly, I think that stereotype comes from people who think the uniform is so masculine and makes the woman masculine,” she said. “Yes, we do wear the uniform but that doesn’t take away our individual identity. There are all different types of personalities in women that are valuable assets that the Air Force has learned from.”

And while Davis acknowledges the constant need for more diversity and integration in today’s military, she does not believe there is a current challenge of underrepresentation of women in the Air Force and is proud to be a part of that change.

“In the time I have been in, I have seen a huge rate of women joining,” Davis said. “We have made big strides as women in the military, and I believe that holds perfect representation for having these partnerships with high schools. Young women can see how far we have come.”

According to the 2022 Demographics Profile of the Military Community released by the U.S. Department of Defense, the number of service members in all military branches dropped by 2.7 percent over the previous year. However, the percentage of women increased, with those actively serving in the military rising to 17.5 percent from 17.3 percent the year prior and those in the selected reserve rising from 21.4 percent to 21.6 percent over the same period.

“Making a difference in history under the Air Force [is crucial] to show how a strong military includes women,” Davis said. “This is just the beginning for us women representing what we can do and bring to the table with our fellow men.”

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Dana Fernkas recounts that she was still trying to find her path in life when the world was thrown into turmoil following the September 11 attacks in New York.

“During my second year of college, I dropped my major with no replacement in mind. In the wake of 9/11, I decided it was time to contribute to a bigger picture and enlisted into the Air Force,” Fernkas said. “Since then, it’s been engrained in me that learning and development is always a continuous process that’s never finished, and you should also try to inspire those around you to strive to be the best version of themselves and never settle for mediocracy.”

Fernkas, who currently serves as a Senior Enlisted Leader and is responsible for the career development of 65 servicemembers, recently met with female student athletes at Chancellor High School in Fredericksburg, Va., as part of a leadership initiative facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Air Force partner in marketing and local engagement. She spoke to members of Chancellor’s girls tennis, junior varsity and varsity soccer, softball, and track teams.

Fernkas shared that in her experience growing up, military service options were not as “well-advertised” in specific regions of the country.

“I feel like there was a stigma that people who joined the military after high school did so because they were too stupid to go to college which is completely untrue,” she said. “Some of the smartest people I know in the military joined right after high school.”

She added that while there are certain combat roles that are still not open to female soldiers, “it’s simply not true that women are never at the tip of the spear.”

“For women specifically, I think there were stereotypes [when I first joined] that the only jobs available to them were support roles and the men had the important jobs,” Fernkas said. “I think it’s great that the military is doing a better job of reaching out to wider audiences, and its especially beneficial to speak directly to women so obsolete or misinformation is dispelled from the start.”

Len Carlson, athletic director at Chancellor High School, said Fernkas did a great job presenting her story as well as the options and opportunities that young women can experience in the military.

“[The presentation was] very beneficial for our female athletes to hear and know that all opportunities are open to them after high school with the Air Force,” said Carlson, who served in the Army National Guard and took advantage of the education support after his service. “[The girls were] excited about the opportunities the Air Force offers [and there were] many questions by the students about daily life, jobs, and more in the military.”

Fernkas shared the wide range of roles available in almost every avenue within the Air Force and noted that an individual can train in several professions and disciplines if they so choose.

“Prior experience isn’t even required when picking a profession, the Air Force will train you and get you certified,” she said. “The main takeaway is you will learn how to be outside of your comfort zone and those skills will carry over into all aspects of your life.”

According to the 2022 Demographics Profile of the Military Community released by the U.S. Department of Defense, the percentage of active-duty military women has increased 2.9 percent while the women in the selected reserve has risen by 4.4 percent.

“Four years of high school feels like an eternity, but after graduation, four years goes by in the wink of an eye. A four-year enlistment will give you job experience, exposure to life outside of your hometown, and free education and health benefits,” Fernkas said. “Bottom line, if you serve your enlistment honorably, you will have more advantages in life than not joining the military.”