5 Steps to join US Coast Guard
Joining the US Coast Guard
Being part of the US Coast Guard is a rewarding and fulfilling career path. Here we are going to look at five steps that you can take on the US Coast Guard. Before we look at these five steps though, let us take a look at what a US Coast Guard is.
The US Coast Guard is not a part of the Department of Defense, instead, the US Coast Guard was under the Department of Transportation. Now the US Coast Guard is under the Department of Homeland Defense. Making it an important and significant job, one which is part of the US military.
The role of the US Coast Guard
The role of US Coast Guard is a vital part of the US military. It is a part of the US military service because it is a role which is active during times of military war and conflict. Also, any United States President while serving as President can transfer the duties of the Coast Guard to the Department of the Navy.
The President transferring Coast Guard roles and duties to the Department of the Navy has happened during almost all recent US conflicts. The US Coast Guard is led by and commanded by a 4 star admirable, known as the Coast Guard Commandant.
What is the role of a US Coast Guard?
The US Coast Guard employees thousands of people. At any time, there are around 40,000 US Coast Guards active. While there are almost 10,000 US Coast Guards as reservists. The US Coast Guard is a highly skilled job which has the responsibility of several duties. These are just some of the duties of the US Coast Guard:
. To seize illegal drugs such as cocaine and marijuana
. They are in control of law enforcement at borders
. They inspect commercial vessels
. Check all vessels at borders
. Deal with illegal immigrants
These are just some of the main duties that a US Coast Guard will do. Now that you know what a US Coast Guard is and the duties that they perform while on duty, let us look at how you can become a US Coast Guard. Here are five steps that you can take to become a US Coast Guard.
1. Get the right qualifications
Like many professional careers, having the right qualifications is an essential step to securing the right job, the US Coast Guard is no different. The first step to joining the US Coast Guards is to have the right qualifications. What are they?
You do not need to go to college or university to join the US Coast Guard. Instead, you just need to have a high school diploma. Therefore, it is essential that you successfully complete high school, if you want to be a Coast Guard.
Further to this, you have to be a US citizen. It's not just enough that you have the right education qualifications to be a Coast Guard. You also have to meet the citizenship qualification, that citizenship qualification is in being a US citizen.
2. The right candidate
Make sure that you are the right candidate to be a Coast Guard, this goes beyond just being a US citizen. You also have to meet the age requirements of the Coast Guard application. What is the age requirement? You have to be between the ages of 17 and 27, no older or younger than that.
While those 18 years old and above can apply on their own to be a Coast Guard, those who are 17 years older cannot. If you are 17 years old and want to be a Coast Guard, you are going to have to get permission from your parents or guardians. If you do not get that permission, then you will not be able to be a Coast Guard until you reach 18 years old. Then you can apply on your own, without the consent of a guardian.
3. Get your ASVAB
The next step to being a Coast Guard is to get your ASVAB. How do you get this? You get your ASVAB by taking the tests.
This is something that you will have to study for and will have to prepare for if you want to pass. The test will measure how suitable you are for the role as a Coast Guard. There are ten tests which will cover a wide range of topics. These topics include science, knowledge and maths. The aim is to ensure that you are an all rounded individual, who has the skills to be a Coast Guard.
4. Get physically fit
You will have to get physically fit for this job. Like most military jobs, this role is an active role which can be and is physically demanding. Therefore, it is best to make sure that you are physically fit before you apply. If you are not physically fit, then you will not be able to train at boot camp.
Boot camp training lasts for eight weeks. During this time, you will prepare for the role you will serve in the military. Boot camp is physically tough. It is mentally tough. So you are going to have to be physically and mentally strong if you are to make it as a Coast Guard. It sounds like a tough gig, however, it is a tough gig which is ultimately worth it.
5. Read the training books
Before you go to boot camp, you will be given books to study and prepare you for your time at boot camp. And your time as a Coast Guard. If you want to successfully complete boot camp and successfully become a US Coast Guard, then reading the books you are given after your tests in mandatory.
Getting ready to be a Coast Guard
Don't wait until you get there to study and read these books. Do it before you get there. If you do, you will feel prepared and ready for your eight weeks at boot camp. While at boot camp, you won't have a lot of free time to read these books, so it is advisable that you read them before hand.
If you prepare yourself mentally and physically for boot camp, then you will successfully pass boot camp and become a proud member of the US Coast Guards.