What is the United States Coast Guard?

The U.S. Coast Guard is one of five branches of the US Armed Forces, and falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The Coast Guard is the country’s oldest continuous seagoing service with responsibilities including Search and Rescue (SAR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), Aids to Navigation (ATON), icebreaking, Environmental Protection, Port Security and Military Readiness.

In order to accomplish these missions the Coast Guard’s 38,000 active-duty men and women, 8,000 Reservists, and 35,000 Auxiliarists serve in a variety of job fields ranging from operation specialists and small-boat operators and maintenance specialists to electronic technicians and aviation mechanics.

How do I apply to the Coast Guard Academy?

Applications are accepted on-line.

Start a Coast Guard Career that will last a lifetime!

Coast Guard Reservists spend an average of one weekend a month and two weeks a year performing duties vital to our nation’s security. Reservists work alongside the 40,000 active duty Coast Guard men and women ensuring the safety of local communities. Reserve support is critical to meeting Coast Guard missions. Homeland Security, including maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, search and rescue, aids to navigation and port security are among the many missions the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve do best.

The Coast Guard Offers Incredible Job Opportunities … Including selected signing bonuses up to $12,000 and a college fund up to $30,000 for all recruits. Minimum age of 17 and maximum age of 27 for enlistment. Officer Candidate School minimum age of 21 with college degree or military experience and some college. The Coast Guard also offers 2,3,4 and 6 year enlistments and some direct commissions for officer applicants.

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There are dozens of job assignments available to you. Here is a brief overview of career fields in the U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve:

• Safety And Law Enforcement. Coast Guard teams are responsible for both enforcing our nation’s laws and rescuing people in trouble on our waterways. And when it comes to safety, the Coast Guard is the primary maritime organization in the United States for search and rescue (SAR) operations.
• Maritime Patrols. From the largest tanker to the smallest watercraft, people depend on the Coast Guard to help them navigate through waterways. The Coast Guard also inspects ships to ensure they are seaworthy and comply with our laws.

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