How to join the United States Coast Guard Reserve
The United States Coast Guard Reserve is unlike any other part-time job. The U.S. Coast Guard is the smallest of the five branches of the U.S. military, and the Coast Guard Reserve is its part-time component. The Coast Guard Reserve is a multi-mission maritime force whose primary functions are maritime homeland security, domestic and expeditionary support to national defense, and response to domestic disasters, both natural and man-made. Most reservist work one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer and remain available throughout the year for worldwide deployment in support of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
- Good physical conditioning to pass both the medical tests and boot camp
- High school diploma or GED
Instructions
-
-
1
Graduate from high school (GEDs are acceptable in rare circumstances).
-
2
Be sure you are between the ages of 17 and 39. If you are 17, you will need parental permission to join.
-
-
3
Visit the Coast Guard recruiting website through the link in the References section.
-
4
Contact your nearest recruiter and set up a time to meet with him or her.
-
5
Your recruiter will make arrangements for you to take the Armed Forces Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The Coast Guard requires a score of 45 or higher on the ASVAB.
-
6
After passing the ASVAB, your recruiter will make arrangements for a medical physical.
-
7
A credit and criminal background check will be conducted by the Coast Guard.
-
8
Prepare for the rigors of Coast Guard Basic Training, also known as boot camp. To graduate from boot camp male recruits must complete 29 push ups in one minute; 38 situps in one minute; a 1.5 mile run in under 12:51; and sit-and-reach of 16.5 inches. Female recruits must complete 15 push ups in one minute; 32 situps in one minute; a 1.5 mile run in under 15:26; and sit-and-reach of 19.29 inches. All new recruits also need to pass a swim test, consisting of jumping off a five-foot platform into the pool, swimming 100 meters, and treading water for five minutes. If you currently cannot swim, or you are a poor swimmer, there are swimming lessons available while in boot camp.
-
9
Attend and graduate from the Coast Guard's eight-week boot camp in Cape May, New Jersey.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
All Coast Guard enlistments are for eight years. This may include six years active reserve, and two years inactive reserve. Your recruiter will be able to answer any questions you have regarding enlistment times.
You should work to meet or exceed the physical fitness and swimming requirements before heading off to boot camp, it will make your time there much easier.
Make sure that all bonuses and guarantees are in writing in your contract before signing anything.
References
- Photo Credit U.S. Coast Guard
