Physical Requirements and Standards for the U.S. Coast Guard
Serving in the United States Coast Guard is a physically demanding job that requires a certain level of physical fitness and ability. To ensure that all personnel are capable of performing their duties safely and effectively, the Coast Guard has established a set of physical requirements and standards that all members must meet.
Body Fat Percentage Standards
The Coast Guard has strict body fat percentage standards that all personnel must meet. These standards vary based on age and sex, and are as follows:
| Age Group | Male Body Fat Percentage | Female Body Fat Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 17-20 years old | 22% or less | 33% or less |
| 21-30 years old | 24% or less | 36% or less |
| 31-40 years old | 26% or less | 39% or less |
| 41 years old and above | 28% or less | 42% or less |
🚨 Note: These body fat percentage standards are subject to change, and personnel are expected to maintain a healthy body fat percentage throughout their career.
Physical Fitness Test (PFT) Standards
In addition to meeting body fat percentage standards, Coast Guard personnel are also required to pass a Physical Fitness Test (PFT) every six months. The PFT consists of three events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. The standards for each event vary based on age and sex, and are as follows:
| Age Group | Push-ups (male) | Push-ups (female) | Sit-ups (male) | Sit-ups (female) | 1.5-mile Run (male) | 1.5-mile Run (female) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-20 years old | 38 or more | 19 or more | 38 or more | 29 or more | 10:45 or less | 13:30 or less |
| 21-30 years old | 36 or more | 18 or more | 36 or more | 28 or more | 11:00 or less | 13:45 or less |
| 31-40 years old | 34 or more | 17 or more | 34 or more | 27 or more | 11:15 or less | 14:00 or less |
| 41 years old and above | 32 or more | 16 or more | 32 or more | 26 or more | 11:30 or less | 14:15 or less |
🏋️♀️ Note: Personnel are expected to meet the minimum standards for each event, and are encouraged to exceed these standards to achieve optimal physical fitness.
Swimming Requirements
Coast Guard personnel are also required to meet certain swimming requirements, which include:
- Swimming 500 yards using any stroke
- Treading water for 5 minutes
- Swimming underwater for 25 yards
🏊♀️ Note: Personnel who are unable to meet these swimming requirements may be restricted from certain duties or units.
In summary, serving in the Coast Guard requires a high level of physical fitness and ability. Personnel must meet strict body fat percentage standards, pass a Physical Fitness Test (PFT) every six months, and meet certain swimming requirements. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and exceeding these standards, Coast Guard personnel can ensure that they are prepared to perform their duties safely and effectively.
What are the body fat percentage standards for the Coast Guard?
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The body fat percentage standards for the Coast Guard vary based on age and sex. For males, the standards are 22% or less for ages 17-20, 24% or less for ages 21-30, 26% or less for ages 31-40, and 28% or less for ages 41 and above. For females, the standards are 33% or less for ages 17-20, 36% or less for ages 21-30, 39% or less for ages 31-40, and 42% or less for ages 41 and above.
What events are included in the Physical Fitness Test (PFT)?
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The Physical Fitness Test (PFT) consists of three events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run.
What are the swimming requirements for the Coast Guard?
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The swimming requirements for the Coast Guard include swimming 500 yards using any stroke, treading water for 5 minutes, and swimming underwater for 25 yards.
