- Like other military members, the Coast Guard offers its enlisted personnel and officers a steady pay, significant allowances, and job security
- Members also receive tax-free housing allowance or free government-provided housing and food allowances
- They are offered comprehensive health care
- Ability to select your desired carrier path, although this is limited only by your physical abilities, aptitude, and security clearance
- You get an opportunity to serve your country
Why should I join the Coast Guard?
Typically, the factors that involve priority of assignments are the following:
- Has the individual previously been assigned to a sea duty position as a rated individual?
- Has the individual been in the same geographic area?
- What is the individual’s rank?
Does it cost money to join the Coast Guard?
Yes. The Coast Guard Reserve is a part-time force of about 8,000, specially trained people who serve with the Coast Guard one weekend a month and two weeks every year. Coast Guard Reservists work ...
What are the benefits of being in the Coast Guard?
Top 10 Perks of Being a Coast Guard Spouse
- We are small, but we are mighty. I love that quote from Margaret Mead that says “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the ...
- Mastering hurricane preparedness. Coast Guard spouses are experts at preparing for hurricanes and other natural disasters – alone. ...
- Three degrees of separation. ...
How can I join the US Coast Guard?
Highly Selective
- Proven academic accomplishment, particularly in math and the sciences
- Leadership skills
- An unwavering desire to serve the country and humanity
- Physical fitness and athleticism
- Well-rounded interests and experiences
- Commitment to achieve one’s full potential
See more
:brightness(10):contrast(5):no_upscale()/2b57d08bd491e88c80c98c37c8192c31-5ba03ad1c9e77c002cf54ca5.jpeg)
Is joining the Coast Guard worth it?
Well, one of the greatest benefits you will get is that you have a wonderful opportunity to serve your country. You will save lives, protect US's waterways and coastline, etc. You will learn new skills, and you can get trained in any of the Coast Guard's 20+ job listings.
What benefits do you get after 4 years in Coast Guard?
College tuition assistance, housing and meal allowance, free health, dental and eye care, and 30 days paid vacation are just the beginning of the benefits offered.
Is it hard to get into Coast Guard?
The Coast Guard is one of the more difficult branches to join because it accepts far fewer new recruits than the other branches of the military, and qualifying requirements are strict. You will have to undergo a credit check and pass a security clearance check.
What happens when you join the Coast Guard?
Most boot-camp graduates receive orders to a ship. You will start to perform the duties of a crewman at your unit. You must learn everything about your ship and/or small boats at your station. You may go on rescue missions, assist with law enforcement, work aids to navigation or other missions.
How long is a Coast Guard contract?
How long am I required to serve? Enlistment contracts are for 8 years. The most common contracts consist of 4 years active duty and 4 years in the inactive reserve component. Three, four or six year active duty contracts may be offered in some cases.
How hard is Coast Guard boot camp?
Coast Guard boot camp is mentally and physically demanding. It is not uncommon for a recruit to be reverted during their time at training. When a recruit is reverted, they are sent to the Recruit Aptitude and Motivation Program (RAMP).
Does Coast Guard go to war?
As one of the country's six armed services, the U.S. Coast Guard has deployed to support and fight every major U.S. war since 1790, from the Quasi-War with France to the Global War on Terrorism. As of December 2021, the U.S. Coast Guard's authorized force strength is 44,500 active duty personnel and 7,000 reservists.
How long is Coast Guard boot camp?
Coast Guard boot camp is run just like any other military boot camp. Expect to spend a total of 53 days in Cape May.
Can you quit the Coast Guard?
While "quitting" isn't an option, there are some ways you can be discharged from active duty, but they are rarely voluntary. It's especially important to note that early separation or discharge from the military is different from military retirement and even disability or medical separations.
Does the Coast Guard pay well?
The salaries of Us Coast Guards in the US range from $18,264 to $483,218 , with a median salary of $87,569 . The middle 57% of Us Coast Guards makes between $87,570 and $219,121, with the top 86% making $483,218.
Which is better Navy or Coast Guard?
In the battle of Navy vs. Coast Guard, the Navy wins the heavyweight title. The Navy boasts 325,000 active duty and 107,000 reserve sailors, while the Coast Guard has just over 40,000 active duty personnel and 7,600 reservists.
What is the best job in the Coast Guard?
5 Best Coast Guard Jobs For 2022Avionics Electrical Technician.Boatswain's Mate.Information Systems Technician.Rescue Swimmer.Direct Commission Aviator (Helicopter Pilot) Conclusion.
How much is a Coast Guard pension?
Your retirement benefit is determined by your years of service. It's calculated at 2.5% times your highest 36 months of basic pay.
Do Coast Guard get VA benefits?
The answer is yes. The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces. They are a small military service with approximately 38,000 active duty and 12,000 reserve personnel. All the qualifications for applying for VA disability are the same as if with any other branch.
Will the Coast Guard pay for a masters?
What Does Coast Guard TA Cover? Tuition Assistance is available for undergraduate & graduate courses up to Master's Degrees. TA covers tuition up to $250 per semester hour, $166.66 per quarter hour, or $16.67 per clock hour.
Does Coast Guard get housing allowance?
Housing Allowance Coast Guard members on active duty entitled to Basic Military Pay may be authorized a monthly Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) based on a member's pay grade, dependency status (with or without dependents) and duty station location.
What is the US Coast Guard's role in the sea?
Image: uscg.mil. However, the scope of its mission has expanded over the years, and today it consists of 11 legal components including drug interdiction, aids to navigation, marine safety, search and rescue, and environmental protection. To execute these missions, the Coast Guard acts as both a regulatory agency ...
Why is the Coast Guard so hard to join?
When it comes to joining the Coast Guard, it is one of the hardest branches of military to join because of the fewer spots available for recruits. You will have to undergo different rigorous tests before you qualify to be a Coast Guard personnel.
What is the role of a Coast Guard shipmate?
Coast Guard shipmates play a crucial role in interdicting drugs, border protection, and executing marine patrol functions.
What is the cons of the Coast Guard?
Con: The Coast Guard Has To Do More With Less. The Coast Guard is one of the military branches that receives low funding. This means they have to do more with less personnel. And considering the increase in the number of maritime threats, this makes their job more dangerous.
How long is the Coast Guard contract?
As a Coast Guard, you are enlisted to their contracts for 8 years. You will serve 4 years as an active duty member and 4 years as an inactive reserve member. However, they can offer 3, 4, or 6-year active duty contracts in some cases.
When was the Coast Guard founded?
It is one of the oldest branches of the US military, having been founded in 1790. It has built a reputation of being an efficient branch by doing more with less personnel. This makes it one of the most cost-efficient branches of the United States Military. Related Article: How To Join The Coast Guard.
Is the Coast Guard in danger?
If you are a Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer, you are more in danger especially when you are trying to save someone in windy water, and he is panicking while using you as a floater.
How often do you get paid in the Coast Guard?
You are paid twice a month, on the 1st and 15th of every month, based on your pay grade. An established salary chart defines salaries for both increases in rank and increased tenure in the Coast Guard. For more information, download the most recent military pay scale.
What is the Coast Guard training?
Training: You choose your career path based on your aptitude, physical abilities, security clearance, motivation and determination. Unlike other military services, the Coast Guard offers all specialties to both men and women equally - including combat roles.
How much life insurance do you get for active duty?
Life Insurance: As an active-duty member, you have the option to be covered up to $400,000 in term life insurance at a minimal monthly cost. You may select a lower amount of coverage. For more information, view exact insurance coverages.
What are the pros and cons of joining the Coast Guard?
List of the Pros of Joining the Coast Guard. 1. You will have access to 20 different enlisted jobs (ratings), divided into 4 categories. When you decide to join the Coast Guard, then your skills and education will help to determine your ratings. The four categories which are available include deck and ordinance, hull and engineering, aviation, ...
Why did the Coast Guard reduce its fleet?
At this current time, the Coast Guard has seen a reduction in its fleet due to the cost of maintaining icebreakers and budget sequestration.
How long is the Coast Guard contract?
You are required to complete a longer commitment of service. When you successfully enlist as a member of the Coast Guard, then you are given a contract for 8 years in most situations. This structure includes four years of active duty, and then the other time is served as an inactive reserve member.
How much is the cost of Coast Guard insurance in 2014?
Current premiums are still at 2014 rates, which means it is $0.07 per $1,000 of insurance. 7. You get to be in control of your rating when you enlist in the Coast Guard. For some who enlist, the chance to choose your job when you join the military is a privilege that isn’t always experienced outside of the Coast Guard.
How long do you have to swim in the Coast Guard?
All personnel enrolled in the Coast Guard must have the capability of jumping off of a five-foot platform into a pool, be able to swim for at least 100 meters, and then tread water for a minimum of five minutes. 2. There is no choice as to where you will be stationed.
How much life insurance does the Coast Guard have?
When you are an active-duty member of the Coast Guard, then you have the option to select a life insurance policy in increments of $50,000 that go to a maximum amount of $400,000.
Can you get a living stipend through the GI bill?
Living stipends through the GI Bill can be earned fairly quickly. When you enlist in the Coast Guard, then your contracted time is often the length of service that is necessary to earn a living stipend through the GI Bill.
What was the purpose of the Coast Guard?
4 Its first purpose was to collect customs duties in the nation's seaports.
Why is the Coast Guard so difficult to join?
The Coast Guard is one of the more difficult branches to join because it accepts far fewer new recruits than the other branches of the military, and qualifying requirements are strict. In addition to basic citizenship and physical fitness prerequisites, the Coast Guard sets academic standards as will.
What is the Coast Guard's Maritime Security Response Team?
The Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT) is the SWAT Team of the Coast Guard and the only unit within the Coast Guard capable of counterterrorism efforts. The MSRT is trained in direct action missions, and to be the first response to potential or actual terrorist threats. Enlistees who wish to join the MSRT must endure additional combat, warfare, ...
How long does it take to swim at Coast Guard boot camp?
In addition to strength an endurance requirements (push-ups, sit-ups, distance run or swim), all Coast Guard personnel must be able to demonstrate decent swimming skills; at boot camp you can expect to jump off a 5-foot platform into a pool, swim 100 meters , and tread water for five minutes. 12.
What is a Coast Guard helicopter rescue specialist?
A Helicopter Rescue Specialist (or Search and Rescue Swimmer ) engages in high-stakes, potentially dangerous, and often difficult search and rescue operations in heavy seas.
What is enlisted commissioning?
Enlisted Commissioning Programs in the Coast Guard. Like the other services, the Coast Guard offers a chance for qualified enlisted sailors to finish college and earn a commission as a Coast Guard Officer. The advancement programs can change over time as they need more or fewer of different officer specialties. 18.
What is the Coast Guard?
The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the U.S. military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission, with jurisdiction in both domestic and international waters, and a federal regulatory agency mission as part of its jurisdiction. 1. Currently, the Coast Guard operates under the Department ...
What happens to dependents when you retire from the Coast Guard?
Eligible dependents are fully covered while you are on active duty. If you separate rather than retire from the Coast Guard, your medical and dental benefits end. When you retire, you have the option to enroll in Tricare, an affordable military medical and dental plan.
Does the military offer pensions?
Retirement Benefits. The military is one of the few employers in the United States to offer a true pension. This means that after you complete 20 years of service and retire, you receive a monthly annuity (payment) for the rest of your life.
What is the Coast Guard?
The Coast Guard is a specialized branch of the military tasked with the responsibility of protecting the public, environment, and U.S. security and economic interests in the maritime region including international waters and America’s ports, coasts, and inland waterways.
How long do you serve in the Coast Guard Reserve?
Coast Guard Reserve: In this field, you will be serving for 2 days a month and report to a base near your locality two weeks a year. As a reservist, you will receive valuable benefits including earning extra income and training in different fields.
How long does it take to become a Coast Guard?
You need to have a passion for serving your country. Some of the requirements include being a U.S. national or a resident alien, be between 17-31 years for active duty Coast Guard or 17-40 for reservists. You also need to have a high school diploma and not have more than three dependents.
Do enlisted officers have a clear advancement system?
Enlisted members have a clear advancement system; they know what they need to do to advance. However, on the part of officers, guarantee for promotions is complicated although promotions from ENS to LTJG is guaranteed.
Do you have to be a resident alien to join the Coast Guard?
For you to join the Coast Guard, you need to be either a U.S citizen or a resident alien . A person born in the United States is a U.S. citizen, same as U.S. citizen’s children born overseas. Also, if you earned your citizenship through naturalization (passing tests in English and civics), you can qualify as well.
Is the Coast Guard a military service?
However, the Coast Guard is a military service since, in the event of war, the President of the United States can order the transfer of any or all of the assets owned by Coast Guard to the Navy.
