Education · 1 of 4

The path

There is no degree to finish first. The Coast Guard trains you and pays you while it does.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   A diploma is the standard. Swimming ability and fitness matter more here than in most services.

2. 2

   Talk to a recruiter and test

   Weeks to months

   You take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), the military entrance test, plus a medical exam and a background check. Your score decides which jobs are open to you.

3. 3

   Basic training

   8 weeks

   Eight weeks at the recruit training center in Cape May, New Jersey. Physical training, seamanship, firefighting, weapons and water survival.

4. 4

   Your first unit, then job school

   Months to a year

   Many recruits go to a cutter or a small boat station first, then to the school for their rating, which is what the Coast Guard calls a job specialty.

5. 5

   Qualify, advance, re-enlist or leave

   4 years per contract

   You advance by time served, exams and performance. A first enlistment is usually four years.