U.S. Coast Guard Officer Requirements
According to the United States Coast Guard, its main objectives include protecting American maritime borders, preserving trade conducted in the oceans and rescuing people trapped at sea. Different paths exist for individuals aspiring to work as a Coast Guard Officer.
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United States Coast Guard Academy
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Students in the United States Coast Guard Academy choose majors such as civil and mechanical engineering, marine environmental science and operations research, and computer analysis. Coast Guard Officers begin their service as ensigns after graduation from the Academy.
Officer Candidate School
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According to gocoastguard.com, Officer Candidate School trains college graduates to skillfully perform the duties of Coast Guard Officers over a 17 week period. Individuals enrolled in Officer Candidate School learn technical information conducive to employment as Coast Guard Officers.
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Direct Commissioning Programs
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Individuals possessing past military service or professional experience as attorneys, engineers, aviators, or environmental specialists may join the Coast Guard without enrolling in Officer Candidate School. People accepted into Direct Commissioning Programs may undertake diverse assignments depending on their background, such as supervising the creation and maintenance of ships used by the Coast Guard and capturing contraband.
Basic Requirements for Admission
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Regardless of the program chosen to work as a Coast Guard Officer, all individuals must possess United States citizenship and undergo a physical examination. A person cannot work in the Coast Guard if younger than 21 years old or older than 40 years.
According to uscga.edu, applicants to the United States Coast Guard Academy must graduate from high school and cannot marry or owe any money. An individual cannot enroll in the United States Coast Guard Academy if younger than 17 years of age or older than 22 years.
Considerations
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People serving in another branch of the United States military cannot work in the Coast Guard. Graduates of the United States Coast Guard Academy must work in the Coast Guard for five years while successful candidates of Officer Candidate School need to serve in the Coast Guard for three years.
Officer Candidate School graduates must realize that their initial responsibilities in the Coast Guard are determined by the United States Coast Guard's priorities. In addition, Officer Candidate School alumni must express willingness to work in any location worldwide.
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