Join the Coast Guard
Maritime rescue, drug interdiction, and port security — the only armed service outside the Department of Defense.
- Founded
- 1790
- Active duty
- ~39,500
- Min AFQT
- 32
- Aviation test
- ASTB-E
- Boot camp
- 8 weeks
Why Join the Coast Guard?
What makes the Coast Guard unique, and who it's best for.
The U.S. Coast Guard is one of the smallest armed services (roughly 39,500 active duty, ahead of only the Space Force), but it plays a unique dual role: it's both a military branch and a law enforcement agency. That means Coast Guard members protect homeland security, conduct search and rescue, enforce maritime law, respond to environmental disasters, and lead drug interdiction missions. Unlike other branches, most Coast Guard bases are in the United States, so you'll stay close to home.
The culture is built on "Semper Paratus" (Always Ready): readiness for any mission, from rescuing stranded boaters to intercepting drug smugglers at sea. The Coast Guard is best for those who want to serve without long overseas deployments, care deeply about protecting U.S. waters and coastlines, and prefer a smaller, tight-knit community. If you're drawn to law enforcement and humanitarian missions at home, the Coast Guard may be your path.
Coast Guard Enlistment Requirements
What you need to qualify for enlistment.
Age: 17–41. The Coast Guard raised its maximum enlistment age from 34 to 41 in 2023. Applicants who are 17 need parental consent to enlist.
Citizenship: U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
Education: High school diploma strongly preferred. GED holders face additional requirements.
ASVAB: Minimum AFQT score of 32 for high school graduates, 50 for GED holders — lowered from 36 in 2023. Higher scores unlock more rating options. Aim for 50+ to maximize your choices at MEPS.
Medical: Pass MEPS medical screening. Certain conditions require waivers.
Legal: No felony convictions. Be honest on your paperwork.
Height/Weight: Must meet Coast Guard body composition standards. Your recruiter can provide the exact charts for your age and gender.
The Coast Guard is competitive: as one of the smallest services it has relatively few enlistment slots each year. Waivers are available but competitive. If you're unsure, talk to a recruiter. Learn more in our enlistment process guide.
Top Coast Guard Ratings
Popular rating options: check our job selection guide for full strategy.
Boatswain's Mate (BM)
Deck operations, vessel handling, and small boat missions. The backbone of Coast Guard surface operations. You'll be at the helm and in the action.
Machinery Technician (MK)
Engineering and propulsion: maintain and repair engines, electrical systems, and damage control equipment. Critical for keeping cutters mission-ready.
Health Services Technician (HS)
Medical care for Coast Guard members: sick call, emergency care, and preventive medicine. Strong civilian transfer value in healthcare.
Operations Specialist (OS)
Command center operations and communications: track vessels, manage radar, coordinate missions. The nerve center of Coast Guard operations.
Marine Science Technician (MST)
Environmental protection and pollution response: investigate oil spills, inspect vessels, and enforce environmental regulations. Unique and mission-driven work.
Aviation Survival Technician (AST)
Rescue swimmers: the elite of the Coast Guard. Pararescue-style training; you'll jump from helicopters into the water to save lives. Extremely demanding physically and mentally.
Coast Guard Boot Camp
8 weeks at TRACEN Cape May, New Jersey — the Coast Guard's only recruit training center.
Coast Guard boot camp is 8 weeks at TRACEN Cape May, New Jersey, the only recruit training center for the entire Coast Guard. Every enlisted member passes through Cape May before heading to rating-specific "A School" and the fleet.
Structure: Training follows a disciplined progression: discipline phase, academics, fitness, seamanship, firefighting, and the final assessment. Expect physical training, classroom instruction on Coast Guard history and customs, swim qualification, and hands-on seamanship skills.
Swim test: As a water-based service, swimming is critical. All recruits must pass the swim qualification. Practice before you ship.
Coast Guard boot camp is not as physically intense as the Marines, but it's highly structured and demanding. You'll be broken down and rebuilt as a Coast Guardsman. For more details on all branches, see our boot camp guide.
Tips from the Field
Practical advice from those who've been there.
The Coast Guard has a long enlistment queue due to its small size and high demand. Start the process early. You may wait months for a ship date.
This is a water-based service. If you're not a strong swimmer, practice before arriving. Tread water, float, and swim laps until you're confident.
With limited slots, your preferred rating may not be available. Know your top choices and backup options. See our job selection guide for strategy.
The Coast Guard conducts rigorous drug testing. Be clean and stay clean. Any positive result is an instant disqualification.
Boot camp is demanding. Build your cardio, strength, and swim endurance during DEP. It's easier when you arrive fit.
Compare the branches
Joining the Coast Guard, quick answers
Is the Coast Guard really military?
Yes, it's one of the 6 armed forces of the United States. The Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in peacetime and transfers to the Department of Defense (DOD) during wartime.
Does the Coast Guard deploy overseas?
Rarely. Most Coast Guard missions are domestic (protecting U.S. waters, ports, and coastlines). However, some deployments do exist for drug interdiction and international cooperation missions.
How hard is it to get into the Coast Guard?
Competitive. With roughly 39,500 active duty members it is one of the smallest services, so there are relatively few enlistment slots each year. Its AFQT floor is not the obstacle: 32 for high school graduates, close to the other branches.
Do Coast Guard members get the same benefits?
Yes. Coast Guard members receive the same benefits as other branches (GI Bill education benefits, military pay scale, healthcare (TRICARE), and retirement), identical to the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
Build your test-day method
- Exam-aligned drills under deliberate time pressure
- Instant explanations after every item
- Your score estimate, tracked drill after drill