The United States Coast Guard Academy is a prestigious, steadfast military institution. The acceptance rate is 16%, which makes it difficult to get into. However, it takes integrity, patriotism, and dedication to become part of the Coast Guard. I was able to interview two bright, young cadets about their experience and what it means to serve.

Saranjoe Sukcha

Photo Reference: Cadet Reid Wiegleb

It is important to see how the U.S. Military looks through the eyes of a foreigner. Saranjoe Sukcha was only 16 years old when he joined the Royal Military College in Malaysia. Then, he joined the National Defense University in Malaysia as a cadet in the Royal Malaysian Navy. When he got selected to be at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Saranjoe was sponsored by the Royal Malaysian Navy and was one of only four international cadets that year to be chosen.

He picked the U.S. Coast Guard Academy because he wanted to learn more about them. Basically, it is a military academy that offers Bachelor of Science degrees and specializes in training the future Coast Guard officers. These officers will protect the country from drug smuggling and human trafficking. They will also conduct search and rescues for those stranded at sea.

As Saranjoe spent time with the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, he was surprised by how professionally well-oiled the United States military is. Even though he is an international cadet, Saranjoe enjoys it that Americans appreciate and consider him as part of their military. He also has multiple opportunities to improve himself and obtain more knowledge. Saranjoe is a pistol shooter and a singer for the Cadet Glee Club.

He feels grateful for all the opportunities provided at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. For four years, Saranjoe will study and undergo the same training as the American cadets. After graduation, he will bring these skills/knowledge to his country and will be placed as a Royal Malaysian Navy officer for at least 15 years.

Colin Fenster

The future of the military rests in the hands of this generation and the next. Colin is part of that future. Right now, he is attending the US Coast Guard Academy as a sophomore (Third Class) cadet. The third class cadets are role models and mentors for the younger, lower ranked cadets.

Colin is also into competitive swimming, majoring in electrical engineering, and participating in Model UN. For him, the US Coast Guard Academy is not the typical college experience. In addition to having homework and activities, you have the military aspect too. It is challenging trying to balance everything between your military, academic, and personal life. Also, US Coast Guard Academy graduates have a five year service requirement.

Service duties as a Coast Guard member include: navigating the ship, tracking down drug/migrant boats, and doing search/rescue missions. He chose this military school because, “I want to help people by being in the Coast Guard. It was the idea of serving something beyond myself. I always loved the ocean and being part of a family. At the US Coast Guard Academy, everyone is part of a family. I also like the opportunity of helping others.”

For those who want to enter the military, he says, “Number one: make sure if it is something you truly want. It is a lot of give and take, but know it is for the people and country you love."