Before anything else, confirm you meet the basic eligibility requirements:
- Age 17–42 (17 needs parental consent; age limit was raised to 42 in 2022)
- U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- High school diploma (GED accepted, but diploma is strongly preferred)
- No serious criminal history (minor stuff is case-by-case)
- BMI must be between 19–27.5; vision and hearing standards also apply
- Drug-free — the USCG tests at MEPS and has a zero-tolerance policy
This is your single most important first move. A recruiter will walk you through everything else and help you find the nearest MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station).
- Go to gocoastguard.com → "Find a Recruiter"
- Nearest offices to Sutton, MA will likely be in Worcester or Boston
- You can also call the national line: 1-877-NOW-USCG
- Be honest with your recruiter — surprises later are always worse
- Heads up: from first recruiter contact to ship date typically takes 6–12 months due to MEPS scheduling, job availability, and background checks
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a standardized test that determines what jobs ("ratings") you're eligible for. It covers math, reading, science, and mechanical aptitude.
- Minimum score to enlist: 36 (AFQT)
- Higher scores = more job options
- Study with free tools: ASVABpracticetest.com, Khan Academy
- You can retake it if needed — ask your recruiter about wait times
MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) is where you go for your official physical and medical screening. This is non-negotiable for every branch.
- Hearing, vision, blood work, urinalysis, physical exam
- Mental health and medical history review
- Nearest MEPS to Sutton: Boston, MA
- Be upfront about any prior medical conditions — they usually find out anyway
- The USCG is particularly strict on asthma, ADHD, and certain mental health diagnoses. Waivers exist but are not guaranteed and require strong documentation
The Coast Guard calls enlisted jobs "ratings." Your ASVAB score and physical results determine what's available to you. Popular options include:
- BM (Boatswain's Mate) — deck seamanship, search & rescue
- ME (Maritime Enforcement Specialist) — law enforcement at sea
- HS (Health Services Technician) — medical
- IT (Information Systems Technician) — tech/networking
- AM (Aviation Maintenance Technician) — aircraft
Full list at gocoastguard.com/about/enlisted-ratings
All applicants go through a background investigation. Some ratings require a higher-level security clearance (like IT or intelligence roles), which takes longer.
- This covers criminal history, finances, references, and social media
- Clean up your social media now — recruiters and investigators look
- Be consistent and honest across all forms
Boot camp is 8 weeks at Cape May, NJ. The fitter you arrive, the easier it is. The Coast Guard updated its fitness standards in 2025 — here's what to train for:
- Push-ups — timed, 60 seconds. Build to 50+
- Forearm plank — sit-ups were replaced by a timed plank hold in 2025
- Cardio — choose one: 1.5-mile run, 12-minute swim (distance-based), or 2,000m row. Train all three if possible.
- 100m swim — boot camp includes a mandatory swim circuit. This is non-negotiable — start pool training now if you're not already a strong swimmer
- A servicewide fitness test rolls out across all members in 2026 — the standard is higher than it used to be
Once everything clears — ASVAB, MEPS, background check — you'll sign your enlistment contract at MEPS and receive a ship date for basic training.
- Boot camp: Training Center Cape May, New Jersey — the only Coast Guard boot camp
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Covers seamanship, firefighting, first aid, marksmanship, and military customs
- After graduation: report to "A-School" for your rating-specific technical training