Explore the 5 ways to join the US Coast Guard and start a rewarding career serving Americas maritime interests. From enlistment to officer training, discover the requirements, benefits, and opportunities for both military and civilian roles. Learn about the Coast Guards missions, ASVAB testing, and more to kickstart your journey to serving in the USCG.
Joining the United States Coast Guard can be a rewarding and challenging career choice, offering opportunities to serve and protect the country's coastlines, waterways, and interests. With a variety of roles and specializations, there are several ways to join the Coast Guard, each with its own requirements and qualifications. In this article, we will explore five ways to join the US Coast Guard, including the benefits and requirements of each.
Enlisting in the Coast Guard
The most common way to join the Coast Guard is through enlistment. This involves applying to join the Coast Guard as an enlisted member, typically for a period of four to six years. To be eligible, you must be a US citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 27, and meet certain physical and educational requirements.
Requirements for Enlistment
- Be a US citizen
- Be between the ages of 17 and 27
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Score well on the ASVAB test
- Pass a physical fitness test
- Pass a background check
Enlisted members in the Coast Guard can choose from a variety of ratings, or jobs, including deck and engineering, aviation, and administration. Enlistment typically involves attending boot camp, followed by specialized training in your chosen rating.
Coast Guard Academy
Another way to join the Coast Guard is through the Coast Guard Academy, located in New London, Connecticut. The academy offers a four-year degree program, leading to a commission as an officer in the Coast Guard. To be eligible, you must be a US citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 22, and meet certain academic and physical requirements.
Requirements for the Coast Guard Academy
- Be a US citizen
- Be between the ages of 17 and 22
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Score well on the SAT or ACT
- Pass a physical fitness test
- Pass a background check
Graduates of the Coast Guard Academy receive a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as an ensign in the Coast Guard. The academy offers a variety of majors, including engineering, sciences, and humanities.
Officer Candidate School (OCS)
Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a 17-week training program for individuals who have a bachelor's degree and want to become officers in the Coast Guard. To be eligible, you must be a US citizen, be between the ages of 21 and 35, and meet certain educational and physical requirements.
Requirements for OCS
- Be a US citizen
- Be between the ages of 21 and 35
- Have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Score well on the ASVAB test
- Pass a physical fitness test
- Pass a background check
Graduates of OCS receive a commission as an ensign in the Coast Guard and can choose from a variety of officer specialties, including aviation, engineering, and administration.
Coast Guard Reserve
The Coast Guard Reserve offers opportunities for individuals who want to serve part-time and balance their military service with civilian careers. To be eligible, you must be a US citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 39, and meet certain physical and educational requirements.
Requirements for the Coast Guard Reserve
- Be a US citizen
- Be between the ages of 17 and 39
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Score well on the ASVAB test
- Pass a physical fitness test
- Pass a background check
Reservists in the Coast Guard typically drill one weekend a month and attend annual training for two weeks. They can choose from a variety of ratings and officer specialties.
Coast Guard Auxiliary
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a volunteer organization that supports the Coast Guard in a variety of roles, including boating safety, marine safety, and environmental protection. To be eligible, you must be a US citizen, be at least 17 years old, and meet certain physical and educational requirements.
Requirements for the Coast Guard Auxiliary
- Be a US citizen
- Be at least 17 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pass a background check
Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary can choose from a variety of roles and specialties, including boating safety, marine safety, and environmental protection.
Coast Guard Image Gallery
Joining the US Coast Guard can be a rewarding and challenging career choice, offering opportunities to serve and protect the country's coastlines, waterways, and interests. Whether you choose to enlist, attend the Coast Guard Academy, or join the Coast Guard Reserve or Auxiliary, there are many ways to serve and make a difference.