United States Coast Guard Requirements

Introduction to the United States Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a unique branch of the military that operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and can be transferred to the Department of the Navy during wartime. The USCG is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, marine safety, and environmental protection. To join the USCG, individuals must meet specific requirements, which are outlined below.

Basic Requirements

To be eligible for enlistment in the USCG, applicants must meet the following basic requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be between the ages of 17 and 27 (with some exceptions for older individuals with prior military service)
• Be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate
• Score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
• Pass a physical fitness test and meet body fat percentage standards
• Undergo a background check and obtain a security clearance

Physical Requirements

USCG recruits must meet strict physical fitness standards, which include:

• Passing a 1.5-mile run in a certain time
• Completing a set number of push-ups and sit-ups within a specified time frame
• Meeting body fat percentage standards, which vary by age and gender

Recruits who do not meet these standards may be eligible for a physical fitness remedial program to help them achieve the required levels.

Medical Requirements

USCG applicants must also meet specific medical requirements, including:

• Passing a medical examination to ensure they are fit for duty
• Meeting vision and hearing standards, which include requirements for visual acuity and color vision
• Being free from certain medical conditions that could interfere with their ability to perform their duties

Applicants who have certain medical conditions or take specific medications may be disqualified from service or require a waiver to join.

Training and Education

Once enlisted, USCG members undergo basic training at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May in New Jersey. This training includes:

• Classroom instruction on topics such as leadership, ethics, and Coast Guard history
• Physical fitness training to prepare recruits for the demands of their duties
• Practical skills training in areas such as first aid, seamanship, and navigation

After completing basic training, USCG members may attend advanced training in their specific rating (job specialty) or pursue higher education through the Coast Guard’s tuition assistance program.

Rating Requirements

The USCG has a variety of ratings (jobs) that require specialized skills and training. Some of the most popular ratings include:

Rating	Description
Boatswain’s Mate	Responsible for deck maintenance, navigation, and small boat operations
Machinery Technician	Responsible for maintaining and repairing shipboard machinery and equipment
Aviation Maintenance Technician	Responsible for maintaining and repairing Coast Guard aircraft

Each rating has its own set of requirements and qualifications, which are outlined in the Coast Guard’s rating manual.

💡 Note: Meeting the basic requirements for enlistment in the USCG does not guarantee acceptance into a specific rating or job specialty. Applicants must also meet the requirements for their desired rating and be selected through a competitive process.

Officer Requirements

To become an officer in the USCG, individuals must meet additional requirements, including:

• Earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Completing officer candidate school or a commissioning program
• Meeting physical fitness standards and passing a medical examination
• Obtaining a security clearance and undergoing a background check

USCG officers can pursue a variety of careers, including aviation, cutters, and shore-based assignments.

To summarize the key points, joining the USCG requires meeting basic requirements such as age, education, and citizenship, as well as physical and medical standards. Recruits must also undergo training and education, and may pursue specialized ratings or officer careers. By understanding these requirements, individuals can make informed decisions about their eligibility and career paths in the USCG.