If you would like to save lives, secure borders, and help keep the coast clean, you may be ready to pursue a job with the United States Coast Guard. The USCG is a small military service that offers a wide range of opportunity and rigorous training to the right candidates. It’s important that you review the active duty opportunities that exist and then discover what it takes to get qualified in the eyes of the recruiters. Read on, and find out about these opportunities and then you can decide if you want to find a recruiter to apply.
Deciding on the Career Path You Want to Take
You should consider your interests and your strengths when you are mapping out the career path that you will take. The more technical the job, the more experience and training you will need to hold the title. This is why there is not really one straightforward answer regarding how to get a job with the branch. Here are the kinds of jobs in the USCG that you can apply for:
- Aviation Mechanical Technician
- Aviation Survival Technician
- Avionics Electrical Technician
- Boatswain’s Mate
- Damage Controlman
- Electrician’s Mate
- Electronics Technician
- Food Services Specialist
- Gunner’s Mate
- Health Services Technician
- Information Systems Technician
- Intelligence Specialist
- Machinery Technician
- Marine Science Technician
- Storekeeper
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Yeoman
Criteria That You Must Meet to Join the Coast Guard
As with all military branches, you must meet strict employment criteria before you will be taken on as a recruit. Because of this, you will need to go through several steps of the qualification process. When you fill out your application, the criteria will be verified before you will go through any other types of testing or screenings. Be sure you meet the following criteria before you start to fill out your application:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a resident
- Be at least 17 but under 28 years of age for active duty (17-39 for reservists)
- Be up to 32 when you are enrolled at an A-rated college or university
- Have a high school diploma
- Have a maximum of two dependents who require your support
What Types of Tests and Screenings Must You Pass?
If you meet the criteria, you are welcome to fill out an application to start the screening process. When you sign your application, you are agreeing that the military can check your credit, criminal history and background. If you have excessive debt or you have a very spotty record, you can be immediately disqualified. If you are cleared, you will then take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery written test. Once you have passed the vocational exam, the last step will be to get medically cleared at the Military Entrance Processing Station, where the doctors will check for medical disqualifications.
How to Apply
You can complete your application online, by email, or in person at a local recruiting office. If you would like to speak with a recruiter directly about the screening process or training, reference the Find a Recruiter search tool and you can get all of the contact information that you need.
Serving your country is an honor. If you would like to serve by protecting the coast, consider applying to become part of this small military branch. What you learn through the Coast Guard can definitely help you when you pursue a further education and then a civilian career.