🛟 Join the U.S. Coast Guard: Everything You Need to Know
From Enlistment to Benefits — A Complete Guide to America’s Maritime Guardian
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a unique military branch that operates under both the Department of Homeland Security and, during wartime, the Department of Defense. With missions focused on search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and national defense, the Coast Guard offers a powerful blend of military precision and humanitarian service.
Whether you're looking for full-time active duty or part-time service in the Reserve, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about joining the Coast Guard.
How to Join the Coast Guard
The Coast Guard is one of the most selective branches — with high standards and a strong focus on character, responsibility, and resilience.
How to Enlist:
✅ Connect with a Coast Guard Recruiter
✅ Take the ASVAB (minimum score: 40)
✅ Pass the physical and medical screening at MEPS
✅ Choose your Rating (job field)
✅ Take the Oath of Enlistment
✅ Ship to Boot Camp at Cape May, NJ
Eligibility Requirements:
Minimum Age: 17 with parental consent, 18 without
Maximum Age: 31 for enlisted, 27–35 for officer depending on path
Education: High school diploma or GED (some college preferred)
Citizenship: U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Background: Must pass background check and drug screening
🏋️♂️ What to Expect in Coast Guard Training
Basic Training (Boot Camp):
Location: Cape May, New Jersey
Duration: 8 weeks
Focus: Seamanship, physical conditioning, swimming, firefighting, law enforcement, Coast Guard history, and team building
A-School (Advanced Training):
Location & duration depends on your selected Rating
Focus: Specialized job training (aviation, engineering, intelligence, etc.)
Officer Programs:
Officer Candidate School (OCS)
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Direct Commission Officer (DCO) programs
⚙️ Coast Guard Jobs (Ratings)
The Coast Guard uses Ratings to describe enlisted job specialties. Many positions overlap with civilian roles — making career transition easy.
Career Fields Include:
🌊 Search & Rescue
🚔 Maritime Law Enforcement
🧰 Engineering & Electronics
✈️ Aviation Maintenance & Operations
📡 Telecommunications & IT
🧠 Intelligence
⚖️ Environmental Response & Pollution Control
📦 Logistics, Admin & Public Affairs
Examples of Ratings:
BM – Boatswain's Mate
ME – Maritime Enforcement Specialist
AST – Aviation Survival Technician (Rescue Swimmer)
EM – Electrician's Mate
IS – Intelligence Specialist
🧭 Active Duty vs. Coast Guard Reserve
🔹 Active Duty (Full-Time):
Full-time service at sea, on air stations, or shore commands
Serve domestically or internationally
Participate in rescues, patrols, and security operations
Eligible for full military benefits and long-term career paths
🔹 Coast Guard Reserve (Part-Time):
Serve one weekend/month + two weeks/year
Live and work in your community
Can be called to active duty for disaster response or national emergencies
Ideal for those balancing civilian careers or education
Eligible for GI Bill, tuition assistance, and VA benefits
💰 Pay, Bonuses & Financial Benefits
Base Pay (2025):
E1 starts at ~$2,017/month
Pay increases with rank, time in service, and special assignments
Other Financial Benefits:
💸 Selective Enlistment Bonuses: Offered for critical Ratings
🏠 Housing (BAH) and 🍽️ Food (BAS) Allowances (non-taxable)
🏥 TRICARE Medical & Dental: Full coverage for you, affordable for dependents
🧳 Special Pays: Sea pay, flight deck pay, hazardous duty
💼 Retirement: Blended Retirement System + TSP (military 401k)
🎓 Education & Advancement
While Serving:
🎓 Tuition Assistance – 100% for eligible college courses
📜 Coast Guard COOL – Credentialing programs aligned with your Rating
🧰 Certifications – Funded pathways for trades, IT, medical, and marine law
🧑🏫 Leadership Schools – Advance through enlisted or officer development tracks
After Service:
🎖️ Post-9/11 GI Bill – Full tuition, housing stipend, and books
🧰 SkillBridge Program – Civilian job training during last months of service
🤝 VA Career Support – Job placement, resume help, hiring events
🛡️ Life in the Coast Guard
Mission-Driven, Family-Oriented:
Smaller branch = tighter communities
Real-world humanitarian missions and high-impact responsibilities
Opportunities to work in small boat stations, cutters, air stations, and intelligence centers
Daily Life May Include:
Operating patrol boats or helicopters
Performing rescues, boarding ships, or enforcing maritime law
Participating in community events and disaster response
Living on or near the coast — from Alaska to Florida
Locations:
Bases in nearly every coastal U.S. state
Major hubs: San Diego, Miami, Seattle, Honolulu, Cape Cod, Kodiak, and more
Opportunities for international service and joint missions
🎖️ Life After the Coast Guard
✅ VA Healthcare & Disability Claims
✅ VA Home Loans – Zero down payment
✅ Veterans Preference for federal employment
✅ TAP (Transition Assistance Program) – Career coaching and resume prep
✅ CGMA (Coast Guard Mutual Assistance) – Continued support for members and families
✅ Certifications & Licenses – Civilian-ready training in most jobs
🔗 Ready to Serve and Save Lives?
The Coast Guard protects America’s waters, saves lives, and defends maritime interests — all with purpose, professionalism, and pride. If you're ready to serve both your country and your community, this may be the path for you.
👉 Visit GoCoastGuard.com to Learn More or Apply
Honor. Respect. Devotion to Duty. It starts here.