The U.S. Coast Guard is one of the six armed forces of the United States, and the only service that operates as part of DHS. We enforce our nation's laws at sea, protect our marine environment, guard our nation's vast coastline and ports, and perform vital life-saving missions.
No experience required.
When a crisis comes, our military enlisted operators are there to enforcement laws and respond to emergencies. With on-the-job training and opportunities for advancement and certification, you’ll become an expert in your chosen field. Examples of job specialties you might qualify for include:
- BM (Boatswain’s Mate): Navigate ships and boats as the Coast Guard’s preeminent mariners. You’ll experience the most command leadership opportunities of any specialty and have the chance to conduct maritime boardings.
- OS (Operations Specialist): Communicate with boaters in distress, develop search patterns, and deploy rescue assets.
- MST (Marine Science Technician): Inspect commercial vessels and facilities, and respond to disasters that affect the environment or waterway safety.
- ME (Maritime Enforcement Specialist): Lead and train law enforcement teams. You’ll train for situations from routine vessel checks to the highest-risk boarding tactics.
- CMS (Cyber Mission Specialist): Protect military and critical maritime networks by preventing, detecting, and disrupting adversary activities.
- IS (Intelligence Specialist): Use advanced technology and techniques to learn adversaries’ plans and actions to enable successful counter operations.
Salary and Benefits:
Your pay will be identical to that in any other military branch and will regularly increase through promotions and time in service. Additional non-pay benefits include:
- Free education and training through the GI bill and other opportunities.
- Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents.
- Location-based housing allowance and pay adjustments
- Retirement plan options and discounted life insurance.
- Potential signing bonuses.
Process:
A recruiter will guide you through military entrance processing and determine if you qualify for any hiring incentives, such as bonuses or guaranteed specialty training. If you qualify and accept, you’ll take the oath of enlistment, sign an enlistment contract for 2-6 years of active service, and be assigned a date to ship out to recruit basic training at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, NJ. Coast Guard training is tough–you’ll be pushed, tested, and worked hard. And you’ll go on to do amazing things.
Once you’ve completed your basic military and job specialty training, you’ll continue to gain skills and experience as you become a technical expert in your chosen field. As your career unfolds, you’ll find:
- Opportunities for in-depth training and certifications.
- Self-paced chances for advancement and greater responsibility.
- Paid relocation to new assignments and locations.
Eligibility:
All Coast Guard military jobs are subject to military eligibility requirements. These include:
- Must be aged 17-41
- Fitness and body composition standards
- Job-specific ASVAB test (job placement exam) scores
- Citizenship or lawful permanent resident (green card) status
- Background and credit checks
Additional Links:
- Pay & Benefits: https://gocoastguard.com/why-join/pay-benefits
- Hiring Incentives: https://gocoastguard.com/hiring-incentives
- Eligibility Requirements: http://gocoastguard.com/get-started/eligibility-requirements
Pay: $32,650.00 - $72,540.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Language:
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: On the road
