The enourmous sense of satisfaction I had at the end of each day. Even on those really bad FTG days, I still was proud to be a Coastie. I always felt like I accomplished something useful each and every day.
We weren't just training or practicing or drilling. We were active duty 24/7/365. You may be chipping away at a bulkhead that you just painted last month and 30 seconds later be underway on a SAR mission. You could be doing the 42nd routine fishing inspection of the week and have a firefight with drug smugglers erupt in a split second. We were cop, fireman, game warden, sailor and airforce all in one. You had the respect of anyone at sea. Don't forget the fact that if the Navy went to war, we would be right there leading the way as escort.
The chow was first rate. Duty stations all over the world, and beyond (a Coastie has flown the shuttle). A tradition long and proud. For anyone thinking about joining the military, I can not recommend a better service. Semper Paratus.
