How to Join the Coast Guard Reserve

The United States Coast Guard protects waterways and shores.

The United States Coast Guard Reserve is the part-time arm of the Coast Guard. This branch of the military is tasked with protecting and patrolling the U.S. coast and waterways as well as conducting water rescues and taking part in law-enforcement activities. Reservists generally work only two days a month at a base close to their home and attend one two-week training period a year. To be eligible to join the Coast Guard Reserve you must a high school graduate who is physically fit and between the ages of 17 and 39 who does not have any felony convictions or pending criminal charges, which includes traffic tickets.

Things You'll Need

• High School Diploma
• Drivers License
• Social Security Card
• Birth Certificate
• College Transcripts

Instructions

1. Find a Coast Guard recruiter in your area. You can do this by visiting: gocoastguard.com and clicking on "Find a Recruiter." This will allow you to input your zip code and see a list of recruiting offices in your area. You can also call: 1-877-NOW-USCG.

2. Contact a recruiter once you have located your nearest recruiting office. Call them to set up an appointment. They will have you come in to meet with them in person and begin the paperwork process.

3. Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This is a standard military test, which will be scheduled for you by your recruiter. You will need to score a minimum of 36 on the ASVAB to be eligible to join the Coast Guard. Your score on the test will determine the Coast Guard jobs for which you are qualified.

4. Take a military physical, which will be scheduled by your recruiter and will take place at the nearest Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). Transportation to and from the physical will be provided by your recruiter.

5. Prepare yourself for Basic Training. All applicants to the Coast Guard Reserve must pass a seven-and-a half-week boot camp at their facilities in Cape May, New Jersey. The training is strenuous both mentally and physically. Before passing, you will have to meet the requirements for push-ups, sit-ups, a 1.5 mile run and swimming. Visit gocoastguard.com and click "Basic Training" for more info on the current performance requirements in each area (see Resources).

6. Attend Basic Training. Your recruiter will schedule your training and provide transportation to the MEPS, from where you will ship out. Once you pass Basic Training, you are in the Coast Guard Reserves.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have all your paperwork together before you see your recruiter.

• Review the Coast Guard website and thoroughly explore your options.

• Make sure that the Coast Guard lifestyle is a good fit for you before you commit. You have until you step onto the bus for basic training to back out.

References

• U.S. Coast Guard & Coast Guard Reserve: Home

Resources

• U.S. Coast Guard & Coast Guard Reserve: Basic Training
• Military.com: Coast Guard Fitness Requirements