The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is one of the most unique branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. It blends military service, law enforcement, maritime safety, humanitarian missions, national defense, and environmental protection—all in one.

If you are looking for a fulfilling career that allows you to serve your country, protect America’s coasts, save lives, enforce maritime laws, and gain advanced skills, the Coast Guard offers tremendous opportunities.

This 2026 Coast Guard Recruitment Guide gives you everything you need to know, including:

• Eligibility and requirements

• Step-by-step application process

• Coast Guard boot camp

• Jobs, ratings, and career paths

• Officer pathways

• Benefits, salary, and allowances

• 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

• Life-saving missions (search and rescue)

• Law enforcement authority on water

• Drug interdiction and anti-smuggling operations

• Environmental and marine safety enforcement

• High-tech navigation, helicopter, aviation, and maritime roles

• Smaller force = more specialization and mentorship

• 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

• Age:

  • Enlisted: 17–31 years (17 with parental consent)

  • Officer: Usually 21–36 years

• Citizenship:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident

• Education:

  • High school diploma or GED (some roles prefer college credits)

• ASVAB Test:

  • Minimum AFQT score: 40+

  • Higher scores required for competitive ratings

• Background Check:

  • Clean criminal and drug history

• Physical Fitness:
  – Must pass Coast Guard physical screening

Medical Requirements

Includes:

• Vision 20/20 (corrective lenses allowed)

• No major chronic medical conditions

• Meet height/weight standards

3. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Coast Guard Recruitment Process (2026)

Step 1: Contact a Coast Guard Recruiter

Your recruiter will:

• Review eligibility

• Collect documents

• Schedule ASVAB

• 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:

• Medical examination

• Background screening

• Fingerprints

• 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

• Military discipline

• Coast Guard history & customs

• Physical fitness

• Water survival

• Maritime law enforcement

• Firearms training

• Teamwork & seamanship

Physical Fitness Standards (Minimums)

• 1.5-mile run: 15:00–16:00 minutes

• Push-ups: 29 in 60 seconds

• Sit-ups: 38 in 60 seconds

• 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

• Maritime Enforcement Specialist (ME) – Law enforcement

• Boatswain’s Mate (BM) – Boat operations

• Aviation Survival Technician (AST) – Helicopter rescue swimmer

• Health Services Technician (HS) – Medical care

• Electronics Technician (ET) – Communication systems

• Damage Controlman (DC) – Safety & repair

• Operations Specialist (OS) – Command center operations

• Marine Science Technician (MST) – Environmental inspection

Elite Coast Guard Jobs

• Rescue Swimmer Special Operations

• Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET)

• Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT)

• Cybersecurity Operations

• Helicopter Pilot (Officer)

6. Coast Guard Officer Programs (For College Graduates)

There are four main paths to becoming a Coast Guard officer:

1. Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT)

• 4-year bachelor’s program

• Full scholarship

• One of the most selective federal academies

2. Officer Candidate School (OCS)

• 17-week program in New London

• Requires a bachelor’s degree

3. Direct Commission Officer Program

For professionals in:

• Law

• Medicine

• Engineering

• Cybersecurity

• Maritime law enforcement

4. College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI)

For students pursuing degrees in:

• STEM

• Criminal justice

• Maritime studies

• Environmental science

7. Coast Guard Pay, Benefits & Allowances

Base Pay (2026 Estimate)

• E-1: ~$2,100/month

• E-5: ~$3,000–$4,000/month

• O-1 Officer: ~$4,700/month

Monthly Allowances

• Housing (BAH)

• Food (BAS)

• Sea Pay

• Aviation bonuses

• Selective reenlistment bonuses (up to $50,000 for some ratings)

Other Benefits

• Full medical and dental

• Tuition assistance

• GI Bill (college funding)

• Retirement pension after 20 years

• Travel and family benefits

8. Life in the Coast Guard

Where You May Be Stationed

• Coast Guard cutters

• Small boat stations

• Air stations

• Maritime safety units

• Ports and coastal regions

Daily Work Includes

• Search and rescue

• Law enforcement patrols

• Environmental protection

• Port security

• Emergency response

9. Coast Guard Reserve (Part-Time Service)

Reserve Requirements

• Age 17–40

• U.S. citizen

• ASVAB score 36+

• Prior-service waivers available

Benefits

• Part-time service

• Monthly drill pay

• Annual training

• Eligible for TRICARE Reserve health plans

10. Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Accepted

• Score 55+ AFQT on ASVAB

• Stay in excellent physical condition

• Prepare documents early

• Choose jobs strategically (high-demand roles increase acceptance)

• Build a clean legal and medical history

• 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.