Last Updated: April 11, 2026
Coast Guard Reserve Application Guide (2025): How to Enlist and Join
Coast Guard Reserve at a Glance
- Total Strength: ~7,000 reservists — smallest reserve force in the U.S. military
- Command: Coast Guard Reserve Force Readiness Command (FORCECOM), Martinsburg, WV
- Primary missions: Port Security Units (PSUs), maritime law enforcement, search and rescue support, aids to navigation, disaster response (hurricanes, oil spills)
- Unique status: The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security (not DoD) in peacetime; transfers to Navy command in wartime
- Training: Coast Guard basic training (Cape May, NJ) is 8.5 weeks — same for active and reserve
- High minimum ASVAB: AFQT minimum of 40 (higher than Army/Navy/Marine Corps reserves minimum of 31)
How to Join the Coast Guard Reserve
Step 1: Contact a Coast Guard Recruiter
Visit gocoastguard.com and click “Join” to find a Coast Guard recruiting office. The Coast Guard has fewer recruiting offices than other branches, so your nearest office may be 30–60 minutes away. The Coast Guard is also more selective — the recruiter will conduct a thorough preliminary screening before scheduling MEPS.
Step 2: ASVAB and MEPS
The Coast Guard requires a minimum AFQT of 40 (higher than Army, Navy, Marine Corps minimum of 31). This screening reflects the Coast Guard’s smaller size and higher personnel quality standards. Additionally, Coast Guard rating (job) qualification depends on specific subtest composite scores. Complete your MEPS medical evaluation — the Coast Guard has specific vision, hearing, and physical standards.
Step 3: Coast Guard Basic Training (Cape May)
All Coast Guard enlists attend the same 8.5-week basic training at Training Center Cape May, New Jersey — the only Coast Guard boot camp facility. Cape May is considered one of the more rigorous BCTs, with a strong emphasis on seamanship, swimming, and rescue skills in addition to standard military training. After Cape May, attend A-School for your rating at a Coast Guard technical training center.
Coast Guard Reserve Pay Rates (2025)
| Rank | Title | Weekend Pay | Annual Training (14 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Seaman Recruit | $244/weekend | $856/2 weeks |
| E-3 | Seaman | $288/weekend | $1,008/2 weeks |
| E-4 | Petty Officer 3rd Class | $319/weekend | $1,120/2 weeks |
| E-5 | Petty Officer 2nd Class | $419/weekend | $1,451/2 weeks |
| O-1 | Ensign | $485/weekend | $1,697/2 weeks |
Requirements
- Age: 17–39 for enlisted. Officer: 21–36 (stricter age range than other branches).
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required — permanent residents are NOT eligible for Coast Guard service (unlike other branches).
- Education: High school diploma required (GED not accepted for most programs).
- ASVAB: Minimum AFQT of 40.
- Swimming ability: All Coast Guard members must pass a swim test. You don’t need to be an expert swimmer before joining, but you must be comfortable in the water.
- Background: Clean record — Coast Guard has stricter background standards than most military branches.
Benefits
- TRICARE Reserve Select — health coverage for reservists and families.
- GI Bill — Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve ($439/month) + Post-9/11 GI Bill on qualifying active orders.
- Retirement — 20-year pension at age 60.
- Unique missions — Port Security Unit deployments, maritime law enforcement boardings, and disaster response create hands-on experiences not found in other reserve branches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Coast Guard Reserve require a higher ASVAB score?
The Coast Guard is the smallest of the five military branches, with the strictest selection standards. A minimum AFQT of 40 (vs. 31 for Army/Navy/Marine Corps) reflects the Coast Guard’s need for personnel who can independently handle complex, multi-task missions at sea with minimal supervision. Coast Guard Petty Officers regularly perform law enforcement, rescue, and navigation duties that require strong problem-solving and communication skills. The higher ASVAB floor is part of the Coast Guard’s quality-over-quantity approach to personnel.
Is U.S. citizenship required for the Coast Guard Reserve?
Yes — unlike the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, which allow lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to enlist, the Coast Guard requires full U.S. citizenship for all applicants. This includes the Coast Guard Reserve. If you are a green card holder interested in military service, the other four branches are your options. Coast Guard is exclusively for U.S. citizens.
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