Meeting the Eligibility Criteria for the US Coast Guard
Joining the US Coast Guard is a prestigious opportunity to serve the country and be part of an elite force that protects the nation’s coastlines and waterways. However, it requires meeting specific eligibility criteria to be considered for enlistment. Here are the 7 key requirements to join the US Coast Guard:
Requirement 1: Age
To be eligible to join the US Coast Guard, you must be between the ages of 17 and 27. If you are 17 years old, you will need to obtain parental consent to enlist. If you are over 27, you may still be eligible to join, but you will need to meet specific exceptions, such as having prior military service or being a veteran.
💡 Note: Age requirements may vary depending on the specific job or rating you are applying for.
Requirement 2: Citizenship
You must be a US citizen to join the US Coast Guard. If you are not a US citizen, you may be eligible to join through the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program, which allows certain non-citizens to enlist in the military.
Requirement 3: Education
You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to join the US Coast Guard. If you have a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), you may be eligible, but you will need to meet additional requirements.
Requirement 4: Physical Fitness
You must meet the US Coast Guard’s physical fitness standards, which include:
- Body fat percentage: 22% or less for men, 33% or less for women
- Push-ups: 27 or more for men, 19 or more for women
- Sit-ups: 31 or more for men, 24 or more for women
- 1.5-mile run: 12 minutes or less for men, 14 minutes or less for women
Requirement 5: Medical Standards
You must meet the US Coast Guard’s medical standards, which include:
- Vision: 20⁄40 or better in each eye, with or without correction
- Hearing: able to hear sounds at a level of 30 decibels or better in each ear
- Blood pressure: 140⁄90 or less
- Body mass index (BMI): 19-30
Requirement 6: Moral Character
You must demonstrate good moral character to join the US Coast Guard. This includes:
- No felony convictions
- No serious misdemeanors
- No dishonorable discharges from previous military service
- Passing a background check
Requirement 7: ASVAB Scores
You must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and score well in the areas required for your chosen rating (job). The minimum ASVAB score required for the US Coast Guard is 40.
| Rating | Minimum ASVAB Score |
|---|---|
| Aviation Maintenance Technician | 50 |
| Boatswain's Mate | 45 |
| Information Systems Technician | 55 |
Meeting these 7 requirements is just the first step in joining the US Coast Guard. You will also need to complete the enlistment process, which includes taking the ASVAB test, passing a physical fitness test, and completing boot camp.
In the end, joining the US Coast Guard requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to serving the country. If you are up for the challenge, you will be rewarded with a sense of pride, camaraderie, and purpose that comes with being part of an elite force.
The journey to becoming a US Coast Guardsman is not easy, but with perseverance and determination, you can achieve your goal and serve with honor and distinction.
What is the minimum age to join the US Coast Guard?
+
The minimum age to join the US Coast Guard is 17 years old.
Do I need to be a US citizen to join the US Coast Guard?
+
Yes, you must be a US citizen to join the US Coast Guard.
What are the physical fitness standards for the US Coast Guard?
+
The physical fitness standards for the US Coast Guard include body fat percentage, push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run.
