Intro
Explore the top 10 Coast Guard enlisted jobs, from Aviation Maintenance Technician to Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist. Discover the best careers for your skills and interests, with insights into job duties, requirements, and growth opportunities. Find your perfect fit in the US Coast Guard and serve with pride.
The United States Coast Guard is a unique branch of the military that operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, but can be transferred to the Department of the Navy during wartime. With a wide range of responsibilities, including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and environmental protection, the Coast Guard offers a diverse array of career opportunities for enlisted personnel. Here, we'll explore the top 10 Coast Guard enlisted jobs, highlighting their responsibilities, requirements, and growth opportunities.
1. Aviation Machinist's Mate (AMT)
As an Aviation Machinist's Mate, you'll be responsible for the maintenance and repair of Coast Guard aircraft, including helicopters and planes. Your duties will include inspecting and testing engines, propellers, and other aircraft components, as well as performing routine maintenance tasks.
Requirements:
- ASVAB score: MM 60, EI 60
- Security clearance: Secret
- Training: 28 weeks at the Coast Guard's Aviation Technical Training Center
2. Boatswain's Mate (BM)
Boatswain's Mates are responsible for the deck maintenance and upkeep of Coast Guard cutters and small boats. Your duties will include standing watch, handling lines and anchors, and performing routine maintenance tasks.
Requirements:
- ASVAB score: VE 50, MC 40
- Security clearance: Secret
- Training: 14 weeks at the Coast Guard's Training Center in Yorktown, VA
3. Damage Controlman (DC)
As a Damage Controlman, you'll be responsible for maintaining the watertight integrity of Coast Guard vessels. Your duties will include inspecting and repairing hull damage, operating damage control equipment, and responding to emergencies.
Requirements:
- ASVAB score: VE 55, MC 45
- Security clearance: Secret
- Training: 14 weeks at the Coast Guard's Training Center in Yorktown, VA
4. Electronics Technician (ET)
Electronics Technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of electronic equipment on Coast Guard vessels and shore-based facilities. Your duties will include troubleshooting and repairing electronic systems, as well as performing routine maintenance tasks.
Requirements:
- ASVAB score: EI 75, MM 60
- Security clearance: Secret
- Training: 28 weeks at the Coast Guard's Electronics Technical Training Center
5. Health Services Technician (HS)
As a Health Services Technician, you'll be responsible for providing medical care to Coast Guard personnel and their families. Your duties will include administering medications, taking vital signs, and assisting medical officers with exams and procedures.
Requirements:
- ASVAB score: VE 50, MC 40
- Security clearance: Secret
- Training: 20 weeks at the Coast Guard's Health Services Training Center
6. Information Systems Technician (IT)
Information Systems Technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of computer systems and networks on Coast Guard vessels and shore-based facilities. Your duties will include troubleshooting and repairing computer systems, as well as performing routine maintenance tasks.
Requirements:
- ASVAB score: EI 75, MM 60
- Security clearance: Secret
- Training: 28 weeks at the Coast Guard's Information Systems Technical Training Center
7. Machinery Technician (MK)
As a Machinery Technician, you'll be responsible for the maintenance and repair of Coast Guard vessels' propulsion systems, including engines, gears, and other equipment. Your duties will include inspecting and testing engines, performing routine maintenance tasks, and troubleshooting and repairing mechanical systems.
Requirements:
- ASVAB score: MM 60, EI 60
- Security clearance: Secret
- Training: 28 weeks at the Coast Guard's Machinery Technical Training Center
8. Marine Science Technician (MST)
Marine Science Technicians are responsible for supporting Coast Guard marine safety and environmental protection missions. Your duties will include conducting marine inspections, investigating marine casualties, and providing technical expertise to Coast Guard personnel.
Requirements:
- ASVAB score: VE 50, MC 40
- Security clearance: Secret
- Training: 20 weeks at the Coast Guard's Marine Science Training Center
9. Operations Specialist (OS)
As an Operations Specialist, you'll be responsible for supporting Coast Guard operations, including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and environmental protection. Your duties will include plotting navigation charts, tracking vessel movements, and communicating with other Coast Guard units.
Requirements:
- ASVAB score: VE 55, MC 45
- Security clearance: Secret
- Training: 14 weeks at the Coast Guard's Operations Specialist Training Center
10. Port Security Specialist (PSS)
Port Security Specialists are responsible for supporting Coast Guard port security and maritime law enforcement missions. Your duties will include inspecting vessels and cargo, conducting security patrols, and responding to emergencies.
Requirements:
- ASVAB score: VE 50, MC 40
- Security clearance: Secret
- Training: 14 weeks at the Coast Guard's Port Security Training Center
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We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the top 10 Coast Guard enlisted jobs. Whether you're interested in a career in aviation, electronics, or maritime law enforcement, the Coast Guard has a wide range of career opportunities available. Remember to consider your skills, interests, and qualifications when choosing a career path, and don't hesitate to reach out to a recruiter for more information.