Enlisted
"I love the ocean – I love to be out at the beach, on the water, Scuba diving. It’s really like I am doing something to protect that environment, as well as other people."
— Melissa Sprout
Petty Officer 1st Class | Coast Guard
Spotting an Opportunity
“I got to talking to the crew, and they all had great things to say about it [the Coast Guard], so I became really interested,” Melissa says. “I wanted to go back to school and get my master’s but didn’t want to take out any more student loans.”
Melissa quickly discovered that the Military could assist with her tuition through the GI Bill and other additional educational benefits, and everything seemed to align perfectly. Around the same time, a friend of hers mentioned an ideal job opening in the Coast Guard, her dream role in fact—marine science technician. Her mission? Protect the environment.
Protectors of The Tides
In her role, Melissa and her team work to keep the waterways of West Central Florida clean and safe for marine life. They combat pollution with a two-pronged approach: prevention and response.
On the prevention side, the team inspects boats to confirm they’re meeting all pollution prevention regulations. This includes checking that foreign vessels aren’t expelling oil overboard and that all hazardous materials traveling through the waterways are packaged correctly to prevent a spill.
The response side includes detecting pollutants in the water and coordinating a proper response. “We’re first on the scene for oil and HAZMAT spills to ensure prompt and efficient cleanup,” she says.
Part-Time Service, Full-Time Ambitions
After her first daughter was born, Melissa decided to switch from active duty full-time service to the Coast Guard Reserve. She now works as a marine science technician one weekend a month during training drills and for a two-week program each year.
In her civilian life, Melissa is working toward a master’s degree in school counseling. She hopes to become an elementary school counselor in the coming years.
Melissa credits the Military with helping prepare her for paths ahead, especially in her civilian life. “I’m definitely a lot more organized than I was before, and a lot more punctual, too,” says Melissa. “The Coast Guard has opened up so many doors for me.”
In Sync
What sets Melissa’s military experiences apart are the connections she’s made. “The best thing about the job, for me, is that the Coast Guard is like a family. I have felt that way at every unit, even in boot camp. I truly have made friendships that will last a lifetime.”