This is an excellent article on the US Coast Guard.

If you did not know I am a second class petty officer in the Coast Guard with almost 6 years in. While they screw me out of more than they should and I hate the military-ness of it all I am proud to be part of it all and will look back on it fondly in the future. Nothing compares to going out in high seas and saving someone from a boat wreak. Nothing. Please give it a read if you get the chance.