The U.S. Coast Guard Recruitment process opens the door to one of the most distinctive branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The United States Coast Guard uniquely combines military operations, law enforcement, maritime safety, humanitarian response, national defense, and environmental protection—all within a single mission.
If you are seeking a meaningful and rewarding path through U.S. Coast Guard Recruitment, this service offers the chance to defend America’s coastlines, save lives at sea, enforce maritime laws, and develop valuable technical and leadership skills.
This 2026 U.S. Coast Guard Recruitment Guide covers everything you need to know, including:
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Eligibility and requirements
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Step-by-step application process
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Coast Guard boot camp
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Jobs, ratings, and career paths
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Officer pathways
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Benefits, salary, and allowances
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Tips to maximize your chances of acceptance
1. Overview: Why Join the U.S. Coast Guard?
The U.S. Coast Guard stands out because it operates under the Department of Homeland Security (during peacetime) and can shift to the Department of the Navy during wartime.
Top Reasons Applicants Choose the Coast Guard
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Life-saving missions (search and rescue)
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Law enforcement authority on water
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Drug interdiction and anti-smuggling operations
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Environmental and marine safety enforcement
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High-tech navigation, helicopter, aviation, and maritime roles
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Smaller force = more specialization and mentorship
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Competitive pay, bonuses, and strong career advancement
Unlike other branches, the Coast Guard is highly selective, making preparation essential.
2. Coast Guard Requirements (2026 Eligibility Criteria)
To join the U.S. Coast Guard, you must meet the following:
Basic Requirements
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Age:
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Enlisted: 17–31 years (17 with parental consent)
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Officer: Usually 21–36 years
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Citizenship:
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Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
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Education:
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High school diploma or GED (some roles prefer college credits)
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ASVAB Test:
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Minimum AFQT score: 40+
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Higher scores required for competitive ratings
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Background Check:
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Clean criminal and drug history
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Physical Fitness:
– Must pass Coast Guard physical screening
Medical Requirements
Includes:
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Vision 20/20 (corrective lenses allowed)
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No major chronic medical conditions
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Meet height/weight standards
3. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Coast Guard Recruitment Process (2026)
Your recruiter will:
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Review eligibility
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Collect documents
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Schedule ASVAB
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Prepare you for MEPS
Step 2: Take the ASVAB Exam
Your score determines which Coast Guard jobs you qualify for.
Step 3: Attend MEPS
This includes:
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Medical examination
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Background screening
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Fingerprints
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Career/job listing selection
Step 4: Choose Your Rating (Job)
Depending on your ASVAB score, you may receive multiple job options.
Step 5: Enlist and Take the Oath
You will be given a ship date for basic training.
4. Coast Guard Boot Camp: What to Expect
Location:
Training Center Cape May, New Jersey
Duration:
8 weeks
What You Will Learn
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Military discipline
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Coast Guard history & customs
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Physical fitness
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Water survival
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Maritime law enforcement
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Firearms training
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Teamwork & seamanship
Physical Fitness Standards (Minimums)
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1.5-mile run: 15:00–16:00 minutes
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Push-ups: 29 in 60 seconds
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Sit-ups: 38 in 60 seconds
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Swim: 100-meter swim test
5. Coast Guard Ratings (Jobs & Career Fields)
The Coast Guard has several career specialties known as ratings.
Top In-Demand Coast Guard Ratings
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Maritime Enforcement Specialist (ME) – Law enforcement
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Boatswain’s Mate (BM) – Boat operations
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Aviation Survival Technician (AST) – Helicopter rescue swimmer
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Health Services Technician (HS) – Medical care
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Electronics Technician (ET) – Communication systems
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Damage Controlman (DC) – Safety & repair
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Operations Specialist (OS) – Command center operations
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Marine Science Technician (MST) – Environmental inspection
Elite Coast Guard Jobs
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Rescue Swimmer Special Operations
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Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET)
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Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT)
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Cybersecurity Operations
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Helicopter Pilot (Officer)
6. Coast Guard Officer Programs (For College Graduates)
1. Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT)
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4-year bachelor’s program
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Full scholarship
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One of the most selective federal academies
2. Officer Candidate School (OCS)
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17-week program in New London
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Requires a bachelor’s degree
3. Direct Commission Officer Program
For professionals in:
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Law
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Medicine
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Engineering
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Cybersecurity
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Maritime law enforcement
4. College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI)
For students pursuing degrees in:
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STEM
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Criminal justice
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Maritime studies
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Environmental science
7. Coast Guard Pay, Benefits & Allowances
Base Pay (2026 Estimate)
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E-1: ~$2,100/month
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E-5: ~$3,000–$4,000/month
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O-1 Officer: ~$4,700/month
Monthly Allowances
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Housing (BAH)
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Food (BAS)
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Sea Pay
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Aviation bonuses
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Selective reenlistment bonuses (up to $50,000 for some ratings)
Other Benefits
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Full medical and dental
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Tuition assistance
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GI Bill (college funding)
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Retirement pension after 20 years
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Travel and family benefits
8. Life in the Coast Guard
Where You May Be Stationed
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Coast Guard cutters
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Small boat stations
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Air stations
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Maritime safety units
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Ports and coastal regions
Daily Work Includes
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Search and rescue
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Law enforcement patrols
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Environmental protection
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Port security
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Emergency response
9. Coast Guard Reserve (Part-Time Service)
Reserve Requirements
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Age 17–40
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U.S. citizen
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ASVAB score 36+
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Prior-service waivers available
Benefits
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Part-time service
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Monthly drill pay
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Annual training
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Eligible for TRICARE Reserve health plans
10. Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Accepted
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Score 55+ AFQT on ASVAB
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Stay in excellent physical condition
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Prepare documents early
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Choose jobs strategically (high-demand roles increase acceptance)
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Build a clean legal and medical history
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Practice for recruiter interviews
11. Coast Guard Recruitment Link (Official Portal)
👉 Apply Here: https://www.gocoastguard.com
This is the official U.S. Coast Guard recruitment portal for enlisted and officer applicants.
12. Final Thoughts
The U.S. Coast Guard is a unique and elite service offering a blend of military duty, humanitarian service, maritime law enforcement, and national defense. Whether you aspire to be a Rescue Swimmer, Boatswain’s Mate, Aviation Technician, Marine Science professional, or Officer, the Coast Guard provides world-class training and meaningful careers.
If you’re ready to serve with purpose, protect America’s waterways, and save lives, now is the perfect time to begin your Coast Guard journey.