Coast Guard Age Requirements

The United States Coast Guard is the branch of the United States military charged with enforcing the country's maritime laws. The Coast Guard operates under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

A vessell belonging to the United States Coast Guard.

U.S.C.G. Personnel Overview

The Coast Guard has over 40,000 active enlisted service members, 8,000 Reservists and 35,000 Auxiliary personnel staff operating in American ports, inland waters and in international waters.

Age Requirement

Coast guard enlistment applicants must be American citizens between the ages of 17 and 27 years of age. Some recruit and officer programs do allow older applicants.

Other Requirements

The Coast Guard official website states that enlistment applicants must "meet a set of mental and character standards." This is comprised of a general psychological evaluation administered to all incoming military recruits.

Former Military Personnel

The Coast Guard actively recruits former members of other United States military services branches. The Coast Guard even has stipulations in place that potentially allow former military personnel to maintain their previous rank.

Coast Guard Officers

Individuals seeking to achieve officer status in the Coast Guard must successfully graduate from the United States Coast Guard Academy, complete Officer Candidate School (OCS) programs or apply through one of the units' Direct Commissioning Programs.

References

• United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve