U.S.

Coast Guard
Will it be a part of your future?

Topics of Interest

Commissioning Programs

First, a little intro into the opportunities you as a potential Junior Officer may experience in the Guard

Coast Guard Roles

Maritime Security Maritime Safety Protection of Natural Resources Maritime Mobility National Defense

Maritime Safety Missions

Search and Rescue Marine Safety (a.k.a. Prevention & Compliance) Recreational Boating Safety International Ice Patrol

Search and Rescue

Marine Safety
Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety

Prevention & Compliance

Vessel Inspection Prevention through People

Prevention & Compliance

Port State Control

Maritime Mobility Missions

To Ensure an Efficient and Effective U.S. Marine Transportation System: Aids to Navigation Domestic Icebreaking Waterways/Vessel Traffic Management

Marine Transportation System

Aids to Navigation

Waterways/Vessel Traffic Management

First Year Assignments

For a MARGRAD (Maritime Academy Graduate) accessing into the Guard, the following assignments are open to you: Marine Inspector/Port State Control Officer Deck Watch Officer in Training (DWOIT) Engineering Watch Officer in Training (EWOIT) Other assignments may become available depending on the needs of the service.

So you want to join? Three/four selection boards per year:

MARGRAD KP (early December) MARGRAD Fall (late December) MARGRAD Spring (February)

*36 slots were available to these three programs for FY07-08.

MARGRAD-KP REQUIREMENTS
100% sure want to come into the Coast Guard. Limited number accepted (competitive interview process). Upon acceptance, receive an assigned billet in January. Only compete against other KPers. If ANY desire to sail on a cutter this is your BEST chance. MUST HAVE 2.5 or higher GPA AND MAINTAIN UNTIL GRADUATION. MUST GRADUATE ON TIME NO DEFERREDS DUE TO SEA/SCHOOL, etc. Must pass ALL medical requirements prior to commission. Attend DCO course 1 week after graduation.

MARGRAD-DCO Requirements (Fall and Spring)

MARGRAD Fall for those who are 65%-99.9% sure they want to go in the Guard. Panel meets in early December. Minimum GPA is 2.25 Compete against other MARGRAD applicants nation-wide (Cal M. MASS, Maine M, SUNY, License applicants with sail time). Find out if selected around Jan/Feb timeframe. Find out assignment in April/May during assignment season. MARGRAD Spring for the Late-bloomers. Minimum GPA is 2.25 Disadvantage, if any snags (medical, etc.) can hold you from being commissioned at graduation. MUST PASS ALL MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS BEFORE COMMISSION Attend either DCO course following graduation or in late summer.

Other Accession Possibilities

Selective Reserve Direct Commission (SRDC)
For those with interest in joining CG Selected Reserves. Competitive, going up against anybody interested in joining Reserves (Police Officers, CBP, ICS, FBI, etc). Apply in late winter panel. (more opportunities on the West coast). SAT scores are considered. Minimum GPA is 2.5

Officer Candidate School (OCS)

Another route to join if MARGRAD doesnt work out. (17 week indoc prior to entry) Cannot apply until after received degree. Competing against all college graduates wanting to join the CG. Minimum GPA is 2.5

The Shield of Freedom