Joining Us Coast Guard With Prior Military Service

If you're considering joining the United States Coast Guard with prior military service, you're likely aware of the many benefits that come with serving in the armed forces. Not only will you have the opportunity to serve your country, but you'll also gain valuable skills, training, and experience that can benefit you throughout your life. In this article, we'll explore the process of joining the Coast Guard with prior military service, including the benefits, requirements, and steps you need to take.

Joining Coast Guard with Prior Military Service

Benefits of Joining the Coast Guard with Prior Military Service

Joining the Coast Guard with prior military service can provide you with a number of benefits, including:

Advanced rank: Depending on your prior service and qualifications, you may be eligible for advanced rank in the Coast Guard.
Specialized training: The Coast Guard offers a range of specialized training programs, including aviation, maritime law enforcement, and search and rescue.
Career opportunities: The Coast Guard offers a range of career opportunities, including careers in homeland security, marine safety, and environmental protection.
Education benefits: The Coast Guard offers education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Coast Guard Tuition Assistance Program.
Healthcare benefits: The Coast Guard offers comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and pharmacy coverage.

Types of Prior Military Service

The Coast Guard recognizes prior military service in a number of different branches, including:

Active duty: If you have prior active duty service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, you may be eligible to join the Coast Guard.
Reserve: If you have prior reserve service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, you may be eligible to join the Coast Guard Reserve.
National Guard: If you have prior National Guard service, you may be eligible to join the Coast Guard or the Coast Guard Reserve.

Requirements for Joining the Coast Guard with Prior Military Service

To join the Coast Guard with prior military service, you'll need to meet certain requirements, including:

Age: You must be between the ages of 17 and 27 to enlist in the Coast Guard. However, if you have prior military service, you may be eligible to enlist at an older age.
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen to join the Coast Guard.
Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to join the Coast Guard.
Physical fitness: You must meet the Coast Guard's physical fitness standards, which include passing a physical fitness test and meeting body fat percentage requirements.
Background check: You must undergo a background check and obtain a security clearance.

Steps to Join the Coast Guard with Prior Military Service

If you're interested in joining the Coast Guard with prior military service, here are the steps you need to take:

Meet with a recruiter: The first step is to meet with a Coast Guard recruiter to discuss your qualifications and determine if you're eligible to join the Coast Guard.
Take the ASVAB test: You'll need to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, which measures your aptitude in a range of subjects, including math, science, and language.
Pass the physical fitness test: You'll need to pass the Coast Guard's physical fitness test, which includes a 1.5-mile run, push-ups, and sit-ups.
Undergo a medical examination: You'll need to undergo a medical examination to ensure you're physically qualified to serve in the Coast Guard.
Complete the enlistment process: If you're eligible to join the Coast Guard, you'll need to complete the enlistment process, which includes signing an enlistment contract and taking the oath of enlistment.

Coast Guard Careers for Prior Military Service Members

The Coast Guard offers a range of careers for prior military service members, including:

Aviation: If you have prior aviation experience, you may be eligible to fly for the Coast Guard.
Maritime law enforcement: If you have prior law enforcement experience, you may be eligible to serve as a maritime law enforcement officer in the Coast Guard.
Search and rescue: If you have prior search and rescue experience, you may be eligible to serve as a search and rescue specialist in the Coast Guard.
Homeland security: If you have prior homeland security experience, you may be eligible to serve in a homeland security role in the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard Reserve Opportunities

The Coast Guard Reserve offers a range of opportunities for prior military service members, including:

Drill weekends: As a member of the Coast Guard Reserve, you'll be required to attend drill weekends, which typically occur one weekend per month.
Annual training: You'll also be required to attend annual training, which typically lasts for two weeks.
Specialized training: The Coast Guard Reserve offers a range of specialized training programs, including aviation, maritime law enforcement, and search and rescue.

Conclusion

Joining the Coast Guard with prior military service can be a rewarding and challenging career path. With a range of benefits, including advanced rank, specialized training, and career opportunities, the Coast Guard is an excellent choice for prior military service members. By meeting the requirements and following the steps outlined in this article, you can start your career in the Coast Guard today.