How to Enlist in the Coast Guard Reserve
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a branch of the military dedicated to protecting America's shores. Reservists in the USCG can take on many roles, saving lives, safeguarding the environment or even working with Homeland Security. According to the USCG, anyone ages 17 to 30 who meets certain mental and physical qualifications can join the United States Coast Guard Reserves. However, all reservists must attend and complete basic training.
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Things You'll Need
- Identity information
- High school and college transcripts or diplomas
- Military service information
Instructions
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Contact the United States Coast Guard Reserve Recruitment center at 877-NOW-USCG. Enter in your zip code when prompted to speak to a recruiter in your area.
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Work with your recruiter to determine your best position in the United States Coast Guard Reserves. Provide your recruiter with your personal identification, high school or college transcripts and information on any military service you have performed already.
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Complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) with a score of 45 or higher. The test consists of Arithmetic Reasoning, Math Knowledge and Verbal Composite sections and is available to take at a local high school or at a military recruiter's office.
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Attend basic training. The USCG offers different basic training courses depending on the reservist's qualifications. Reservists with a high school diploma attend an eight-week course in New Jersey. Reservists attending college, or with a college degree, attend a 17-week course in Connecticut. Reservists with prior military experience attend a two-week condensed basic training course in either New Jersey or Connecticut.
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Pass all physical requirements during basic training, including muscular tests, running and swimming.
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Tips & Warnings
Potential reservists who do not have a high swimming ability work directly with trainers to improve their swimming skills. Reservists should not consider this as a reason not to join the United States Coast Guard.
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