About the United States Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard officially formed in 1915, although its history dates back prior to that. The Coast Guard protects U.S. waters and acts as the fifth branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Those who join may join on a part-time or full-time basis, as long as they meet the requirements. Those who join part time may be required to serve during a state of national crisis.
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Early History
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The Coast Guard officially formed in 1915. The U.S. Coast Guard was first introduced on Aug. 4, 1790, although at the time it was referred to as the Revenue Marine and the Revenue Cutter Service. In 1915, the Life-Saving Service merged with the Revenue Cutter Service to form what we now know as the U.S. Coast Guard. Until the creation of the Navy department in 1798, the U.S. Coast Guard acted as the only armed force for the nation’s seas.
Purpose
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The U.S. Coast Guard prevents illegal drugs from entering our country. One aspect of the Coast Guard is to protect against the illegal trafficking of drugs into the United States by cutting off maritime routes to smugglers in what is known as the Transit Zone. The Transit Zone includes the Gulf of Mexico, the Eastern Pacific, and the Caribbean and covers a 6 million-square-mile area. Working together with other federal agencies, the Coast Guard has seized more than 806,000 lbs. of cocaine and more than 333,000 lbs. of marijuana since 1997. In general, the Coast Guard protects U.S. waters, preforms rescue missions, conducts search and seizures of ships, and maintains the safety of the coastline.
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Requirements
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Any individual interested in joining the Coast Guard must first meet certain requirements. For starters, all applicants must be U.S. citizens or a resident alien and be between the ages of 17 and 27. Anyone who is 17 must obtain parental consent before joining. Applicants must have a high school diploma and no more than two dependents. Lastly, anyone wishing to join must pass a Military Entrance Processing Station medical exam as well as an Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
Military Branch
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The Coast Guard is the fifth branch of the United States Armed Forces and all active members are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Under Title 14 of the United States Code, the Coast Guard shall operate under the authority of the Department of the Navy when war is declared, or when the president orders it as such for any other reason. In 2003, the U.S. Coast Guard was transferred to the Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard Academy is located in New London, Connecticut.
Service
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Both part-time and full-time positions are available in the Coast Guard. Those looking to join the Coast Guard can either become part-time or full-time members. The Coast Guard Reserve is designed for those who want to join on a part-time basis. Reservists serve the Coast Guard for two weeks every year, as well as for one weekend per month, and typically serve within 100 miles of where they reside. Full-time member serve active duty while enlisted. Reservists may be required to become full-time members, or active duty members, during times of national crisis.
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References
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- Photo Credit Coast Guard Helicopter image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com german coast guard image by Lars Koch from Fotolia.com marijuana leaf in a "no smoking" symbol on white background image by Nataliya Galkina from Fotolia.com coast guard image by Sean Gladwell from Fotolia.com
