Good stuff, thank you.

Don't the Coasties have a special rescue unit? I doubt if they would fall under SOCOM, but I seem to remember hearing about it somewhere, sort of on the same line as the Parajumpers.

Yea they do, but I dont really think they are SOF.

The Coast Guard falls under the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) now, they transfered over from Transportation about a year ago.

The ASTs "Aviation Survival Technicians" are the Coast Guards rescue swimmers. I've had a chance to paddle around with some, and the lads are very good, but they aren't SOF. They more comparable to a Law Enforcement/Fire Department rescue unit, but with bigger budgets and cooler toys.

Sounds fun, thank you for the information Sir. I was unaware that the Coasties weren't under the DoD, how did that Department of Transportation designation work with their being sent to the Mekong Delta in the Vietnam War? Sorry for hi-jacking your topic, I'm going to split it off.

edit: As soon as I get some power in here, don't have moderator status in this forum yet.

The Coast Guard can fall under the DoD (if the DoD wants) during time of war, but I don't see that happening again since the shift to DHS.

I do know that USCG still works closely with the DoD. The USCG has a permanent detachment in the US Transportation Comm. They provide all of the Harbor Security both home and abroad for US Forces. The CG just formed their own QRF-type unit. for Harbor Security. They have a Det. in NYC Harbor.

Does the Coast Guard do combat operations? I know they do a lot of stuff with drug runners and stuff.

Does the Coast Guard do combat operations? I know they do a lot of stuff with drug runners and stuff.

Naval combat, yes .. but you won't see any line dogs in the CG. They are considered a Law Enforcement agency and armed force, so they are responsible for homeland security and homeland defence. You're looking more towards raids and interdictions as well as providing security and rescue resources. VBSS, maybe GOPLAT in conjunction with the Navy, NEO if necessary .. they have very capable lads, and their LE Dets are some of the best around for VBSS. Good, professional people.

As it stands, the last members of the CG to recieve a CAR (Combat Action Ribbon) were from Vietnam.

And Jaeger is right about them performing harbor and waterway security OCONUS in support of US Forces, I can't remember how many they sent to OEF - close to 700, IIRC. But I don't think you'll see the CG being pulled completely under control of the DoD again, for the simple fact that they now fall under DHS, so they will work more in conjunction with, instead of under.

They also sent some of their Strike Teams (HAZMAT) out for OEF.

Thank you for the information, I appreciate it.
Always thought being a Coastie would be a kick in the pants.

I think the bigger question is qhether or not Merchant Marines ever see a lick of combat