Transferring Your Skills to the US Coast Guard
As a prior service member, you already possess valuable skills and experience that can be leveraged to join the US Coast Guard. The Coast Guard offers various paths for prior service members to transition into its ranks, each with its own set of benefits and requirements. In this article, we will explore the six ways prior service members can join the US Coast Guard.
1. Direct Entry Petty Officer (DEPO) Program
The Direct Entry Petty Officer (DEPO) program allows prior service members to enter the Coast Guard at a higher rank, based on their previous military experience and qualifications. To be eligible, you must have served in a specific rating or Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) that is equivalent to a Coast Guard rating.
👉 Note: You must have served in a rating or MOS that is directly equivalent to a Coast Guard rating, and have at least 12 months of service time to be eligible for the DEPO program.
2. Enlisted Personnel (ENLISTED) Program
The Enlisted Personnel (ENLISTED) program is open to prior service members who want to join the Coast Guard as an E-3 (Seaman) or above. This program allows you to use your previous military experience to advance your career in the Coast Guard.
- Must have served in the military for at least 12 months
- Must be a US citizen
- Must meet the Coast Guard’s enlistment requirements
3. Officer Candidate School (OCS)
Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a training program for prior service members who want to become officers in the Coast Guard. To be eligible, you must have a bachelor’s degree and meet the Coast Guard’s officer commissioning requirements.
- Must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Must be a US citizen
- Must meet the Coast Guard’s officer commissioning requirements
4. Direct Commission Officer (DCO) Program
The Direct Commission Officer (DCO) program allows prior service members to become officers in the Coast Guard without attending OCS. To be eligible, you must have a bachelor’s degree and meet the Coast Guard’s officer commissioning requirements.
- Must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Must be a US citizen
- Must meet the Coast Guard’s officer commissioning requirements
5. Coast Guard Reserve (CG Reserve)
The Coast Guard Reserve (CG Reserve) is a great option for prior service members who want to continue serving their country on a part-time basis. As a member of the CG Reserve, you will drill one weekend a month and participate in two weeks of annual training.
- Must have served in the military for at least 12 months
- Must be a US citizen
- Must meet the Coast Guard’s enlistment requirements
6. Prior Service Transfer (PST) Program
The Prior Service Transfer (PST) program allows prior service members to transfer their service time from another branch of the military to the Coast Guard. To be eligible, you must have served in the military for at least 12 months and meet the Coast Guard’s enlistment requirements.
- Must have served in the military for at least 12 months
- Must be a US citizen
- Must meet the Coast Guard’s enlistment requirements
| Program | Requirements | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| DEPO Program | 12 months of service time, equivalent rating or MOS | Enter at higher rank, based on previous experience |
| ENLISTED Program | 12 months of service time, US citizen, meet enlistment requirements | Advance career in Coast Guard, use previous experience |
| OCS Program | Bachelor's degree, US citizen, meet officer commissioning requirements | Become an officer in Coast Guard, leadership opportunities |
| DCO Program | Bachelor's degree, US citizen, meet officer commissioning requirements | Become an officer in Coast Guard, leadership opportunities |
| CG Reserve | 12 months of service time, US citizen, meet enlistment requirements | Part-time service, drill one weekend a month, annual training |
| PST Program | 12 months of service time, US citizen, meet enlistment requirements | Transfer service time from another branch, advance career in Coast Guard |
As a prior service member, you have a unique opportunity to join the US Coast Guard and continue serving your country. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or become an officer, the Coast Guard has a program that’s right for you.
In wrapping up, transitioning to the US Coast Guard can be a smooth process for prior service members. By understanding the different programs available, you can make an informed decision about your future in the Coast Guard.
Can I join the Coast Guard if I have prior service in another branch?
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Yes, the Coast Guard offers several programs for prior service members to join its ranks, including the DEPO program, ENLISTED program, and PST program.
What are the requirements for the DEPO program?
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To be eligible for the DEPO program, you must have served in a specific rating or MOS that is equivalent to a Coast Guard rating, and have at least 12 months of service time.
Can I become an officer in the Coast Guard with prior service?
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Yes, the Coast Guard offers several programs for prior service members to become officers, including OCS and DCO programs.
