6 Requirements For Coast Guard

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. To be eligible to join the Coast Guard, there are specific requirements that must be met. In this article, we will discuss the six main requirements for joining the Coast Guard.

Meeting the Basic Requirements

Before we dive into the six main requirements, it's essential to understand the basic qualifications for joining the Coast Guard. These include being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 27 (with some exceptions for older candidates), and being in good physical health.

Requirement 1: Citizenship

To join the Coast Guard, you must be a U.S. citizen. This means you must have been born in the United States or have become a naturalized citizen. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may still be eligible to join the Coast Guard through the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program, which allows certain non-citizens to join the military in exchange for expedited citizenship.

Education Requirements

The Coast Guard requires a high school diploma or equivalent. If you have a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, you may still be eligible to join. However, if you have a GED, you will need to score higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test to be eligible for certain jobs.

Requirement 2: Education

In addition to a high school diploma or equivalent, the Coast Guard requires a minimum score on the ASVAB test. The ASVAB test measures your aptitude in various subjects, including math, reading, and science. The Coast Guard uses these scores to determine which jobs you are eligible for.

Physical Fitness Requirements

The Coast Guard requires its members to be in top physical condition. This means you will need to pass a physical fitness test, which includes push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run.

Requirement 3: Physical Fitness

To pass the physical fitness test, you will need to meet the following standards:

• Push-ups: 27-30 (depending on age and sex)
• Sit-ups: 30-35 (depending on age and sex)
• 1.5-mile run: 10:30-12:00 (depending on age and sex)

Moral Character Requirements

The Coast Guard requires its members to have good moral character. This means you will need to pass a background check and have no felony convictions.

Requirement 4: Moral Character

To meet the moral character requirement, you will need to:

• Pass a background check
• Have no felony convictions
• Have no convictions for domestic violence or child abuse
• Not have any pending charges

Background Check Requirements

The Coast Guard requires its members to undergo a thorough background check. This includes a review of your credit history, employment history, and any past convictions.

Requirement 5: Background Check

To meet the background check requirement, you will need to:

• Pass a credit check
• Pass an employment history check
• Have no past convictions that would prevent you from joining the Coast Guard

Security Clearance Requirements

The Coast Guard requires its members to have a security clearance. This includes a review of your background and a check of your credit history.

Requirement 6: Security Clearance

To meet the security clearance requirement, you will need to:

• Pass a background check
• Pass a credit check
• Have no past convictions that would prevent you from joining the Coast Guard

Coast Guard Image Gallery

Coast Guard Image Gallery

By meeting these six requirements, you can join the Coast Guard and start a rewarding career serving your country. Whether you're interested in search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, or environmental protection, the Coast Guard has a job for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to serve your country and make a difference in your community.