If you want to join a dedicated group of women and men, who serve to United States by protecting its coastlines and waterways, then you can make your career in Coast Guard. Coast Guard has a mission of rescue and search, national security, illegal migrant interdiction, marine resource management, maritime commerce and environmental protection. When joining the United States Coast Guard (USCG), there are many things that you should do to prepare.
Before Joining
- Make sure that you understand all of the purposes and functions of the USCG.
- Discuss your decision with your friends and family.
- Talk to people who have joined the USCG. Ask them about factual information rather than their opinions, but also listen what they have to say about USCG.
- Joining Coast Guard means being away from family and friends for an extended period of time.
- You must be between 17 – 23 years old and physically fit.
How to Join
- Visit and talk to a Coast Guard Recruiter. You can find a recruiter via the Internet.
- Ask him about joining the USCG.
- Also ask him about the special career choices, special training, and about training in the Coast Guard, which will help you in making decisions.
- Specify your desired assignment clearly to the recruiter.
- Ask for literature or pamphlet, and study it carefully. If you have any doubt, then clear it with the recruiter.
- Take thorough notes, which will help you in the future.
- Ask the recruiter to arrange the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
- ASVAB consists of four sections: Mechanical, Administrative, General and Electronics.
- You will need a certain minimum scores in order to qualify for the job of your choice.
- After ASVAB, you will need to undergo medical examination.
- Read the contract carefully before signing it. If you don’t understand any part of the contract, then ask the recruiter what it means.
After signing the contract, you will become the member of the United States Coast Guard.
