Jim,

I'm an old Navy Hospital Corpsman, and while there's a traditional rivalry between the Navy and the Coast Guard, I have to tell you that I respect the hell out of a lot of work the Coasties do. It's a very varried service, which includes lifesaving missions, customs duties, and even drug trafficing interventions.

If you've a mind to serve, you could make much worse choices than to join the Coast Guard.

There are enough rates that you can find something that suits your interest. If you think you might do something else after you get out, you might choose your rate with an eye towards future usefulness -- a Gunners' Mate, for instance, may have a lot of fun with large-bore weapons onboard, but what does he do in the civilian world?

Whatever you decide, I wish you luck, and salute your interest in serving.

Oh, as to kilts... don't expect to wear one with your uniform, but I'd be surprised if your command's policies kept you from wearing one with your civilian clothes on liberty.