Join the Coast Guard

Interested in how to join the Coast Guard?  While there are many opportunities in the United States Coast Guard, not every member wants to go through the rigors of military training. Depending on your level of education and experience, this may not be something you will have to go through. The direct commission program allows you to join the US Coast Guard as an officer if you have the kind of education and experience which is in demand.

Which Areas Qualify

The areas which will allow you to join the US Coast Guard without having to go through any kind of military training are few. They include areas in which you will not have to deal with any kind of military situation. People who will be in a courtroom or work on the base will not have to go through these kinds of military training programs in order to put their skills to use. Lawyers, engineers, and aviators are just a few of the career fields which qualify for this program.

Other Qualifications

Another way in which you can go through the direct commission program is if you are a graduate of the Coast Guard Academy or if you were previously in another branch of the military. The reason for this is that you will have already gone through the military training you will need in order to take your post. Click on the link above to find out even more about how to join the US Coast Guard.

What’s Next? Click here to find your nearest Coast Guard recruiter.

Citizenship and residency

U.S. citizens and some non-citizens can join the military. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must:

• Have a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Speak, read, and write English fluently

You cannot join the military to enter the U.S. or to get a visa.

Age limits

Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty:

• Air Force: 17 – 39
• Army: 17 – 35
• Coast Guard: 17 – 31
• Marine Corps: 17 – 28
• Navy: 17 – 39
• Space Force: 17 – 39