Why You Should Join the U S Coast Guard. Now is the Time! 

I joined the Coast Guard in 1996 as a legal immigrant, l gained a lot of knowledge and skills. I became a US citizen in 2000 then, l got out in 2003 my last unit was TACLET SOUTH down in MIAMI. I Became a cop in Texas got several instructor certificates now l work as a consultant making 170k a year only working 4 days a week, the Coast Guard was a stepping stone into something bigger.

Out of all 5 branches, I'd consider CG and AF the most

The Coast Guard is a great organization. It also is often recognized as having the second hardest boot camp, with the Marines being the most difficult. If you are going to join the Coast Guard I highly recommend that you work hard to prepare for what you will encounter at Cape May. If there is a 1.5 mile run requirement you should train to run 3 miles. If you must be able to do 50 pushups train and be able to do 100. If you need to do 40 timed sit-ups make sure you can do 80. The same goes for swimming. You do NOT want to be put into what is called the RAMP (previously called PEP and RED BELTS) program at Cape May which is actually a disciplinary torture unit where they will brutally hammer on under-performers and disciplinary problem recruits 24/7. Also, before the MEPS medical screening practice the "Duck Walk" as it is the most frequently failed physical test in all branches of the U.S. military. Arrive at Cape May ready for success. I wish you all the best in the USCG.

Joined the Coast Guard right out of high school in 1977 and served for 20 years. Loved my time and I seriously miss the family and community of the Coast Guard. Semper Paratus!

I’m actually working with a coast guard recruiter now! After coming from 300 pounds to 208 I’m now physically qualified. Now it’s just the mental, hoping I get the IT technician

Hello, my 19yo son is at cape may in his 4th week. I was in the Marine Corps, I couldn't be prouder of him.

Thank you for your service!

I have been thinking about joining the coast when I finish college, and this video helped me better understand what I will be getting into. Thank you for the amazing video. I feel more confident about the career path I want to take.😎

I am 33 years old living in Orlando was thinking about the army until saw your video thanks 🙏 for the info

Had my mind made up to Join Marines or Navy the Night before going to a Recruiter a Friend who we hadn't seen in years after going away to College showed up on my doorstep heard from another Friend I was going into the Service we sat talking about the Coast Guard and didn't sugar told me the positive and negative positives out wayed negatives well never regret going in Stayed 20 years

EM2 joined in 2017. Have done almost all aspects of the CG

I worked in Silicon Valley tech for a while and just quit to do something more fulfilling. I’m either going to enlist in the Coast Guard or join CalFire. Thanks for this informational video!

I have been thinking about joining coast guard. Thank you 😊

Nice! That's my photo from Hurricane Ian! Good to see that it's still getting some visibility. Great video btw 5:40

I’m 32 single mom and considering my enlistment to the coast guard. I have a few minor set backs, but I’m hoping to receive a waiver. My main goals are to gain a stability in areas bettering the life of my son and I. I do appreciate you making this video. I have hopes of getting the waiver! Thank you for your service

I really want to join I think it's the best way to serve because you do the most amazing stuff

I just turned 25, this coming year I want to join! I been holding back for too long and civilian workforce isn’t it…

My dad suggested I look into joining the coast guard, this video is quite informative!

Thank you for the information

Great video! I will say, the air force has its own version of the coast guard auxiliary called civil air patrol. They don't perform missions side by side with active duty though, so that's a cool part of the USCG.

Thanks, I'm considering joining right now.

Hey brother, just wanted to say, that the air force also has a volunteer component, the Civil Air Patrol is the volunteer force of the air force with headquarters in Maxwell AFB. I've been a coastie for 14 years and also been a CAP member for about 20 and the CAP does actual SAR missions as required. Great content as always, keep up the awesome work shipmate!

Kinda cool, Im in that pic of the 29. It's been great for me, I've been in 18.5 years and looking at retiring soon. It hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows but it's been a good ride so far. I've learned and experienced a lot. Stuff that I will take with me the rest of my life, some good, some bad.

Retired from USCG in 1988. 21years of active duty. Best time of my life. Great retirement benefits. Would do it all over again.

Super cool! Recruiter stephenson is working on my application, still waiting on MEPS! Hopefully everything goes smoothly.

USCG and USAF are the best branches from a QOL standpoint.

if they are able to, I think 42 year olds should serve. It gives people who got screwed over from college another chance to help make ends meet.

I retired from the reserve in 2014 as a BM. I spent six years activated and miss it dearly. If I had nine lives I would love to come back in and train in a different rate. Now is the time for a young person to enter the Coast Guard. I would recommend active duty to get access to the most broad range of rates and training. ❤

I’m ready

Correction sir. The USCG is not the only one with an Auxiliary. The oldest one is the USAF Civil Air Patrol dating back before WWII. Also the largest Auxiliary component in the US military.

Did 10 years as Army Reservist seriously considering active CG. Going to the recruiter next week.

I ship off to bootcamp on Tuesday! I’m extremely nervous and anxious but know I can make it through if I don’t quit, quitting is not an option

22 years, 10 months, and 23 days here. I would do it over and over again if I could. Semper Paratus, shipmates!

6 years active USCG here, great video! My one addition to anybody wanting to go active for the job opportunities with small boat stations and more local shoreside work, is that the CG has a nationwide (and beyond) FLEET off cutters (ships). Going underway on a cutter is nigh unavoidable in your career, regardless of your rating. Cutter life isn't to say WORSE than other jobs that are seen more in the media, however it is very different, and I hardly ever see people talk about it. Just something to look into to manage your expectations, especially out of basic training where you have little to no bearing on where you get stationed first.

In my teens I was a sailor on a USCG weather ship out of Portland Maine . Mid 60's . Winter North Atlantic Ocean Station duty prepared me for a life at sea as a commercial fisherman . Looking back after 77 yrs I realize my Coast Guard service was the best thing I ever did in my life - unbelievable benefits : Tier 1 VA Healthcare ( I get everything at no cost to me ) , $ 3,738 monthly disability payments from Dept of Veterans Affairs [ + SSA retirement ] , life insurance , a house ( no down payment or private mortgage insurance required ) , a degree in science education , and much more ...

I tried to join they denied my waiver but I’m trying again now juvenial trouble from 5 years ago would love to be a boatswains mate currently 21yrs of age

I went in 1974 spend most of my time at sea 13 yrs. Best time

Semper Paratus! USCG when I joined was told was less than the 40,000

tried to join coast guard when i was 18 in 1967, albuquerque . was told, by recruiter sitting at his desk, with his feet resting on the desk, "Unless your dad is in the coast guard, or is a congressman forget about it. joined the navy.

I’m thinking about joining the Coast guard by receiving training at a college seems like a job I would enjoy

Thank you for this great requirements video. What is the AGE limit on the Coast Guard reserve. What is the OLDEST in age limits the Coast Guard Reserve requirements.

The National Guard has a volunteer force too. They are the State Military Reserves, jokingly called the SMRs(Smurfs). SMR were featured in the movie Delta Farce with Larry the Cable Guy. They actually have an Army, Air Force and Maritime units. By the way, I am not just trolling here. My son is trying to join the Coast Guard.

As a US Navy vet, we used to raz the US Coast Guard guys. We called them "Coasties" or "puddle pirates", but I have the utmost RESPECT for what they do! When everyone else has either headed into port or already there, the USCG is heading out to save lives. Who else would have the BALLS to take a 40 foot boat into 40 foot seas? MUCH RESPECT!

I joined the US Coast Guard as an Auxiliarist and I get to do things with the Active and reserve. It also adds alot to my resume and I have plenty of Contacts

I want to say “ITS A TRAP” but I cant. As much as being underway can really suck its also one of the best experience I ever had. Plus, I cant wait to get that pension

I'm looking into join the coast guard because I'm in the navy I'm into cross branching from the navy to coast guard it seems alot easier

I know I'm a late commenter but something has had me confused for a while. I'm not joining the coast guard but my boyfriend is. He going be join when he turns 18 this coming late August. The truth is I have no idea what to get him for his birthday. He said it will be four years in the coast guard and I don't want to get him something with good intentions and find out he can't bring it with him and has to wait for 4 years to use it. I was thinking of maybe one of those projection necklaces where when you hold the small gem to your eye there's a photo inside and maybe a contact book so he can right down all of his family and friends information so he can keep in touch. If you don't know what a projection necklaces is then you might have better luck just quickly looking it up yourself. I may have explained it wrong. Sorry, if this is a somewhat off topic question and I hope you have a nice day wherever you are.

I don’t know if I want to join the Air Force or a Coast Guard pilot

I wanna do something action-y, but for family reasons, I don't want to deploy outside of training. I was thinking ME, but not at a PSU.

I am joining the coast guard. I am 26 and joining for some direction Just got an 82 on my asvab and passed meps

... but the blended retirement plan.....good if less than 20 years is your goal. Not so good if you go over. Still better than most companies, but so many complicated variables.

I wish more service members and non-recruiters would preech the good word like yourself. All branches are in a recruiting defecit. Thank you.

Ha. I see they improved the look of the working blues. I looked like a custodian back in the early 90's lol. First off military duty is a dedication, no matter what the service. If you can't dedicate yourself to pull 100% for the duration of your enlistment don't bother enlisting anywhere. One of the Coast Guards biggest missions is saving lives. SAR missions and the like. Law enforcement is another. You have to be at the top of your game to do these things as in any service you have to know your job and pull your weight. I met to many people that slipped past the recruiting process, to many officers and chiefs that threw their rank in your face. These people are fewer than the good ship mates of course. I guess that could maybe be said about all services? The Coast Guard is a military service so you will be called upon to do things that obviously are dangerous. I've been in the Atlantic in a hurricane on a 270. Been pinned between a ships hull and MSB when the engine died, tied down helicopters, air refuled helos that are above you. Gave cpr to a drowning victim and hoisted him to a rescue helo. Hoisted a gangrene man from the bow of a 270 because the flight deck was full of migrants we picked up at sea. Trained for amputations, fire, chemical warfare, nuclear warfare and whatever else. Does that make me special? No, of course not. I'm just pointing out that there is a lot to enlisting in the Coast Guard that people may not think about before joining this or any service. You have to live up to the motto: You have to go out but you don't have to come back. Because not only your life matters but your shipmates as well. Overall I liked the Coast Guard. Should of just done my 20+.

I am US Army active duty E5 Petroleum supply specialist I am thinking about joining CG reserve

Hey so I’m younger, can’t join yet but wanting in the future. What do you feel would genuinely be best for me? I want to join the military and coast guard seems the best choice, but it also seems like training is harder. What should I train for? Like getting stronger wise. (Sorry if this is dumb)

I am a United States Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist

I’m currently 15, I wanna join the coast guard for my parents green card. I’m currently a C student but use to be A b student and my GPA was close to a 3 is there any early camps I can join for the summer to have early experience? Thank you.

Thanks for this video. Do you know if the Coast Guard will do 3 year enlistments?

Any advice for an Army Warrant who’s looking to transfer from flying 60’s in the Army to the Coast Guard?

Hi! I’m in San Diego, (born and raised) I would like to volunteer, however, I never graduated nor got any sort of diploma. Am I still able to volunteer by any chance?

The main reason I want to join the coast guard is to gain personal physical and mental growth, and I also want to see the world. I want to feel freedom and still have free time to do stuff though. And I've been looking at the coast guard reserve. Does anyone know if the coast guard reserve will truly fit my goals? Is the coast guard reserve right for me? (also im 17 and graduate high school as class of 2024 if that helps answer my question)

thanks for the info. can I connect with you to ask a few personal questions?

What role in the Coast Guard is responsible for patrolling and inspecting fishing vessels and commercial vessels?

If I was in the airforce reserves 8 years , army national guard 6 years. And get out of guard in a month. Can I join the coast guard reserves @36 years old? Reserves. Not active

Do you ever went to war im taking the test next week to see what job is available for me as a cost guard

Hows pay compared to other branches? Tried to get my son to go coast guard, he decided 6 years with marines. Hoping my youngest will go coast guard

What’s the route line to become a PSU member? Curious how accessible it is

Its a shame they top out at 42. My brother is extremely fit, is trained as a commercial diver and has graduated from fire school... i think he would be a great candidate. 13:45

it's not what it was when you were in, my man (assuming you joined quite a while ago). best decision I ever made, but don't make it out to be this fantastical life. we need to give them the pros AND the cons - such as the budget issues, the fact they're offering 2 year contracts because they're so top heavy, etc. etc. forgive me because i've been drinking, but I'm a disabled CG aviator, and i've spent time on a cutter, so I'll never not fight to make sure you know the realities of service. TBI, back injuries, hearing loss, etc. aren't a joke, nor are they something that isn't a risk. some of the best years of my life, but let's make sure we aren't hiding anything. (also, auxillary can't do aviation, either)

Do I have to go through boot camp if I already served another military branch?

I'm currently 33 and considering putting my current IT skills to some use in the Military. Would the coast guard be a good place for me to continue my IT career? I browsed the website and saw Intelligence Specialist under the IT section. I saw the 3 weeks of training in VA and got a bit discouraged. What's the process like if you are married? Does your spouse get to travel with you or must they stay back for the 3 months of training?

If I joined would I be able to stay in my hometown Miami FL?

I was thinking of joining coast guard at 33 that too old?

I don’t know what to choose navy or coast guard🤷🏻‍♂️

I’m leaving June 27 for coast gaurd I wanna do msst

what opportunities does the CG have for fixed wing pilots?

i have wanted join the coast guard when i was 15 i am 34 now

For a recruiter I’d expect her to know more about what she is selling. MEPS doesn’t stand for Medical Entrance Processing Station, it’s “Military Entrance Processing Station.” Also in the USCG there aren’t any rates called Electrical Mates. There are Electrician’s Mates and Electronics Technicians.

Is now still the time? I want to join!

I’m a army vet with service connection. Am I able to join?

Can the Coast Guard Reserves deploy or join aanything that is active duty service? If volunteered?

Can a DACA recipient join the Coast Card?

What is the age cut off for reserves?

Attempted to contact recruiter, they DONT seem very receptive.

How long after boot camp do you have to wait to pick rate

I heard a lot about what we can give to the Coast Guard Auxiliary and that it's all volunteers with no pay and no benefits. But, I didn't hear anything about what the Coast Guard will give to us for all of our hard and sometimes dangerous work. It sounds like they get our free labor and we get nothing except the self-satisfaction of volunteering. That's not a very good sales pitch, especially in today's tight job market where good employees and volunteers are worth their weight in gold. If we can give $100+ Billion dollars to Ukraine and help pay for the Ukrainians’ pensions maybe the U.S. government should provide some pay and benefits to the Coast Guard Auxiliary members who are getting paid nothing.

Anyone know if ME is still way backed up

Is 23 years old too late?

Well now I'm sure what you just stated at the I don't know a little over a minute Mark. What can a puke civilian 54-year old man dude sport Coast Guard? Please and thank you I don't understand this technology and I'm looking for some simple stuff. Thank you for your service ❤️🍀🥰💯☠️🆘🐕‍🦺🙏🧐🇺🇲

I like coast guard bt I don't like their uniform

Do you take 54 yr olds, with a hip replacement and a jacked up back? Seriously, I did Army in 88. If I had it to do over, I would have gone to the coast guard.

3 things about the coast guard: 1.) I've never met a Coast Guard Recruiter 2.) Unlike other branches it's training is the most top secret. 3.) Is it mostly white, kind of like the Yale/ Harvard of the military wherein you have to no someone to get "selected to join"???😅

HARD pass lol served from 2012-2022 and i dont miss it

Sad to see tattoos allowed that extend beyond the uniform. Male or female.

@dannywallace1358 I grew up in Cali and spent 10years in Coast Guard. Believe me when I say this! You will get SO MUCH MORE out of the Coast Guard. You will se more places, do more cool crazy adventure stuff, build your resume intensely, have amazing benefits a ton more than Calfire believe me. It is the Military and the oldest Seagoing service in the United States. It is night and day compared to Calfire. If you want more career options, better benefits, more travel, better training you can use later in civilian life, and just all around better life I would strongly suggest USCG completely over CalFire just my two cents. I know a few people who have done CalFire and it’s not ALL it is advertised. Also you stuck in Cali and that is your only option? Want endless options and possibilities?…Join USCG!

Don’t do it