Making Marines - Get Ready For Marine Boot Camp

By toecutter on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply

for the Coast Guard? spend 6 weeks at the bar! HA!

By Leogirl0804 on Feb 18, 2009 | Reply

If you already know how to swim that puts you ahead of the game. If not, I’m sure they will teach you (but you may not care for their methods). Best of luck to you.

By Michael M on Feb 19, 2009 | Reply

The only thing boot camp does is change your way of thinking from civilian to milatary.

By paki708 on Feb 20, 2009 | Reply

get used to mind games and taking orders, that is most important thing, having someone else give you an order and not question it.

By rockandroll58-79 on Feb 20, 2009 | Reply

What you’re doing now is fine, just keep the exercises up until you report to their basic training.

By gracecaptive on Feb 21, 2009 | Reply

Boot camp is designed to prepare those who aren’t prepared–quickly. I would say you are ahead of the game as far as fitness goes…there are of course elements you can’t prepare for, but you’ll be fine

By a99blkdog on Feb 24, 2009 | Reply

You give up to easly. When I was in jail we used a5 gal. bucket with what ever water you could lift. do push ups. Go to library for books and workout tapes.

By ROB. B on Feb 24, 2009 | Reply

Try saying yes sir andno sir to people..Dont worry about all the work-outs as long as your not a wimp, thats all you’ll need. go to the labrary and get a book called nights modern seamanship and read it , alot of it you”ll need to know in time..Its not hard, and remember alot of people have done it before you so you”ll have no trouble..Once you get in, be smart get all the schooling you can, its free..Be proud and be mr clean they like it..and it will count on your quartley marks that you will need to be promoted…Your Friend Comander ROB. sorry for the spelling and typing getting old..

By the_groom2006 on Feb 27, 2009 | Reply

What is the United States Coast Guard?

The U.S. Coast Guard is one of five branches of the US Armed Forces, and falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard is the nation’s oldest continuous seagoing service with responsibilities including Search and Rescue (SAR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), Aids to Navigation (ATON), Ice Breaking, Environmental Protection, Port Security and Military Readiness. In order to accomplish these missions the Coast Guard has 38,000 active-duty men and women, 8,000 Reservists, and 35,000 Auxiliariy personnel who serve in a variety of job fields ranging from operation specialists and small-boat operators and maintenance specialists to electronic technicians and aviation mechanics. The Coast Guard, during an average day, will:

Conduct 109 search and rescue cases
Save 10 lives assist 192 people in distress
Protect $2,791,841 in property
Launch 396 small boat missions
Launch 164 aircraft missions, logging 324 hours
Board 144 vessels
Seize 169 pounds of marijuana and 306 pounds of cocaine worth $9,589,000
Intercept 14 illegal migrants
Board 100 large vessels for port safety checks
Respond to 20 oil or hazardous chemical spills totaling 2,800 gallons
Service 135 aids to navigation

What are the qualifications to join the Coast Guard?

Following are the basic requirements for becoming a member of the Coast Guard:

You must be a US citizen or a Resident Alien.
Be between the ages of 17-27 for Active Duty. (If you are 17, you’ll need parental consent.)
Reservists must be between 17-39. Prior service personnel should contact their local recruiter for specific programs.
Have a high school diploma. GEDs are accepted in special circumstances.
Have no more than two dependents.
Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
Pass a military entrance medical exam.
Be the type of person who wants to serve the public on or around the water.

What are some benefits of joining?

Steady Income:
You are paid twice a month, on the 1st and 15th, every month, based on your pay grade. Salary based pay.

Advancement:
You are promoted based on your knowledge of your chosen career field, your performance, time in pay grade and service requirements.

Paid vacation:
You earn 2.5 days paid vacation per month for a total of 30 days each year.

Training:
You choose your career path based on your aptitude, physical abilities, security clearance, motivation and determination. Unlike other military services, the Coast Guard offers all specialties to both men and women equally - including combat roles.

Health Care:
While on active duty, you will receive complete medical and dental care at no cost.

Life Insurance:
As an active duty member, you are covered for $400,000 in term life insurance at a cost of less than $26 a month. You may select a lower amount of coverage.

Allowances:
You’ll receive additional tax-free money for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) if government housing is not available in the area you are stationed; Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), if government dining facilities are not available in the area you are stationed; and a uniform allowance (for enlisted personnel only) to help maintain your uniform. Tax Advantage:
All existing allowances for food, housing and clothing are not subject to Federal or state income taxes.

GI Bill:
The Montgomery GI Bill will help pay for your college education or vocational technical training.
Additional Benefits:

There are exchange and commissary privileges, moving allowances, temporary lodging expenses, travel, survivor benefits, Veterans Administration home loans and more.

Do I have to join another branch of military service first?
No, there is no requirement that you join another branch of service before you join the Coast Guard.

Does the Coast Guard take people with prior military service?
The Coast Guard is hiring prior-service people. Call 1-877-NOW-USCG and speak with the recruiter nearest you to determine eligibility and pay grade upon entry.

What if I am not a US citizen?
Enlistment into the US Coast Guard, or any branch of the US Armed Forces, by citizens of other countries is limited to those foreign nationals who are legally residing in the United States and possess an Immigration and Naturalization Service Alien Registration Card, commonly known as a ‘Green Card’ (INS Form I-151/551). Applicants must speak, write and read English fluently.

Can the Coast Guard help me obtain US citizenship?
The US military branches cannot assist foreign nationals in obtaining admittance into the United States. Questions concerning immigration to the United States should be asked of the US Embassy. Only after immigration procedures are completed and an applicant is legally in the United States may an application for enlistment be accepted.

How long is boot camp?
8 weeks.

Where is boot camp?
Boot camp is located at the US Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey.

What is boot camp like?
Boot camp is tough, both mentally and physically! Its purpose is to prepare you for life in the Coast Guard. Much of your training will take place in a classroom where you will learn valuable skills such as first aid, fire fighting, weapons handling, practical seamanship, and general Coast Guard knowledge. You will have daily physical fitness classes and spend time at the pool learning water survival techniques. You will meet your Company Commander (CC), on the first Friday of your training. The CC has the responsibility to make a hard-working, efficient team out of 50 or 60 strangers. The CC will teach you military drill, which includes marching, handling the M-1 Garand rifle, and showing you the “ropes” of US Coast Guard life.

What are the minimum physical fitness requirements?
To meet minimum qualifications for graduation you must be able to perform the following:
PUSH-UPS: male: 29 female: 23 (in 1 minute)
SIT-UPS: male: 38 female: 32 (in 1 minute)
1.5 MILE RUN: male:12:51 female: 15:26 (minutes)
SIT AND REACH: male: 16.50 female: 19.25
COMPLETE SWIM CIRCUIT: Jump off a 5 ft. platform into the pool, swim 100 meters, and tread water for 5 minutes.

Should I do anything before I go to boot camp?
Yes. After you enter the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), you will receive a copy of the “Helmsman,” a recruit guidebook. Study the entire book. There is a lot of very important information in it. Pay particular attention to the list of items you cannot bring to boot camp, the 11 General Orders and the Position of Attention. Also prepare yourself for physical fitness training.

Do I have to know how to swim?
No, but you will be tested on your ability to enter a swimming pool from a 1.5 meter platform and safely swim 100 meters in 5 minutes without touching the side or the bottom of the pool and without any goggles. You’ll then have to tread water for 5 minutes without a life jacket. If you fail to complete this test, you’ll be required to get up earlier and attend an additional swim class in the morning before your regular classes.

This is a mandatory requirement for you to graduate from basic training. You should come prepared. The more abilities you have, the more comfortable you’ll be. The training staff at Cape May will help you but time is short.

If you are afraid of being in, on or near the water you are not eligible to apply.

Where can I get more information about boot camp?
Visit Training Center Cape May’s Web Site by clicking here.

Will I receive a bonus?
You will have to speak to your recruiter about bonuses.

How do I become an officer?
There are several ways to become an officer in the Coast Guard: By successfully graduating from the Coast Guard Academy, successfully completing Officer Candidate School (OCS), or through one of several Direct Commissioning Programs. You must have normal color vision for all officer programs.

What is the Coast Guard Academy?
The Coast Guard Academy is one of the five federal military service academies. Located in New London, CT, the Academy’s mission is to produce leaders of character for service to the nation. About 300 High School graduates enroll annually, leaving four years later with a Bachelor of Science degree and commission as an Ensign.

The Academy is one of the top ten academic experiences in America (Princeton Review 2003). Graduates experience much more than intellectual growth. The opportunity to develop physically, morally, and spiritually set the Academy apart. Two-thirds typically graduate in technical majors, which include Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Operations Research and Computer Analysis, and Marine Environmental Science. Seventy-five percent compete in Division I and III intercollegiate sports.

The Academy is tuition free. Cadets also earn a modest pay-check. Graduates are obligated to serve for five years upon graduation.

How do I apply to the Coast Guard Academy?
Applications are accepted on-line. The annual application deadline is March 1. There are no congressional nominations. We encourage you to talk personally with your Admissions Officer.

Director of Admissions
US Coast Guard Academy (t)
15 Mohegan Avenue
New London CT 06320-9807 E-mail:

For more information about the Academy, please visit the Academy’s Web Site

Click here if you would like to go to the Academy web site for more information.

Click here to request more information through the mail.

What is Officer Candidate School?
Officer Candidate School (OCS) is 17 weeks of training in New London, Conn. Studies include nautical science, law enforcement, seamanship, and leadership. Competition for entry is stiff. When you graduate, you will be commissioned as an ensign, O-1, in the Coast Guard Reserve with a three-year initial active-duty obligation. Upon completion of your initial three years of active duty, you and the Coast Guard will decide if you can extend on active duty.

How do I apply for OCS?
If you have a four-year college degree from an accredited college and meet the age, physical and moral requirements, you may apply for OCS. Upon completion of your officer package, you will have an interview with three Coast Guard officers. The completed package will be submitted to a board, who will select the top candidates from the packages they receive. For more information, please visit the OCS Home Page or visit your local recruiter.

What about Direct Commissions?
As a professional lawyer, engineer, maritime graduate or environmental manager, you may also qualify for a Coast Guard Direct Commission. Successful applicants attend a four-week indoctrination school at New London, Conn., and receive a reserve commission as an ensign, lieutenant junior grade or lieutenant, depending on your education and experience. For more information on individual programs, please visit our Direct Commissions page.

What about promotions to officer rank within the Coast Guard?
Finally, you may also enlist in the Coast Guard for four years, obtain the rank of E-5 or above, and have a minimum of 30 college credits. You can then apply for the same OCS class as civilians with college degrees are applying. In addition, a Coast Guard enlisted person may also work up through the ranks to Chief Warrant Officer, and may then attend OCS or apply for the Coast Guard’s Warrant-to-Lieutenant program.

What if I’m a physician, dentist, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant or pharmacist?
The Coast Guard is also seeking qualified health professionals. If you are a physician, dentist, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant or pharmacist and would like more information about active duty positions for health care professionals, please contact:

Captain Mike Adess
Commandant (G-WKH-3)
USCG Headquarters, Room 5314
2100 2nd Street, SW
Washington, DC 20593-0001 Voice: (202) 267-0805
Fax: (202) 267-4685
E-mail:

What Reserve opportunities are in the Coast Guard?
The Coast Guard Reserve is a part-time force of nearly 8,000, specially trained people who serve with the Coast Guard one weekend a month and two weeks every year. Coast Guard Reservists work directly alongside active duty Coast Guard personnel and perform the same job as active duty personnel.

What are the qualifications to join the Reserve?
Generally: You must be between 17 and 40 years old. You must not be employed in a civilian occupation essential to US interests during time of war. You must not have served more than 13 years of active military duty. *Note, there are other requirements and restrictions. Qualification for certain Reserve programs may seem complex. For example, if you are less than 28, you may apply for all Reserve programs except RX; if you are 26 but less than 36, you may only apply for the RX program; and if you are 30 but less than 40, you may apply if you are prior service enlisting in pay grade E-4 or above. Please talk to your Recruiter for specific information applicable to you.

What is an RK, RP or RY?
Reserve Enlisted personnel who go to boot camp in Phase I of their Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT) are classified in one of these categories. Phase II of the training differs: RK
A student who returns home after boot camp and returns to a civilian school. During the first summer following boot camp you will usually attend a Class ‘A’ school. Between boot camp and A-school training, you’ll drill two days per month at a Coast Guard unit near your home. RP
Reports directly to an A-school after boot camp, and following school, begins monthly drills. RY
Reports directly to a Coast Guard unit after boot camp and serves 30 days active duty to complete IADT. You’ll then start your monthly drills.

What is a drill?
Drills are periods of Inactive Duty Training (IDT), under orders, scheduled for the performance of augmentation training, formal training, or unit training. No more than two drills can be performed on one calendar day, and each drill must be at least four hours long. Most units schedule multiple drills over one weekend each month (two drills Saturday and two drill Sunday).

What training will I receive?
Depending on the program, you will receive boot camp and maybe A-school training. Weekend or weekday drills are considered training. Active Duty for Training (ADT) is 12 days of active duty at a Coast Guard unit or Coast Guard school and is required annually.

What if I have a problem getting time off from my employer to fulfill my military service obligations?
By law, as a member of the Reserve, you must, upon request, be granted a leave of absence to satisfy a requirement for military training. The Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act says that employers are required to provide Reservists with time away from their jobs to perform military duty. However, you must notify your employer that you intend to take military leave. You must be reemployed after completion of your military duty and returned to your job within a reasonable time. You must be treated as though you had never left employment, including schedule pay raises, promotions or credit for longevity or vacation. Your employer only has to hold a job open for 60 months if you accept voluntary orders. For additional information, please visit the USCG Reserve Home Page.

How do I become a Coast Guard pilot?
To become a Coast Guard pilot, you must first become a Coast Guard Officer or be a graduate of another armed service’s flight school and have served on active duty as a military pilot. Prior military pilots may apply for Direct Commission Aviator positions that become available semi annually. Please contact your nearest recruiter to find out when the next opening will be announced. Commissioned officers in the Coast Guard apply for Flight School and are put on a waiting list for the next available class convening once they have been determined qualified for Flight School.

Qualifications for Coast Guard pilots:
A qualification for Flight School includes passing a Class 1 Flight Physical. Two big issues aside from being in good physical health are dental and vision requirements. The dental exam will check for cavities and other problems with teeth and gums that may be affected by changes in air pressure while engaged in flight. Basically you will be required to have no dental problems and no cavities. Vision requirements are also very stringent. Eyesight should be 20/20 if not, it must be correctable to 20/20, no exceptions. Uncorrected visual acuity must be better than 20/50 in either eye. There are other limitations imposed based on the type and strength of the lens prescription. In addition, normal color perception, depth perception and field of vision are also required.

What will I do at my first duty station?
It really depends on what type of unit you go to. Life at a small boat station is different than life on a ship. Most boot camp graduates will receive orders to a ship. One thing for sure is that if there is a galley, or kitchen, at your unit, you will be working as a mess cook for one to two months. You must remember that everyone in the Coast Guard has started at the bottom and worked their way up. It is very important that you maintain an excellent attitude during this time! Your supervisor will be watching to determine what type of worker you are. Opportunity and respect are given to those who deserve it. At this point, you will start to perform the duties of a crewman at your unit. You must learn everything about your ship and/or small boats at your station. You may be going on rescue missions, assisting with law enforcement, working aids to navigation, or whatever the mission of the unit may require.

How do I choose my Class A-School?
In the Coast Guard, you can attend any school you want, permitted you qualify for it. The results of your ASVAB will determine what schools you qualify for. Also, in order to enter into the aviation rates, your vision can be no worse than 20/100 uncorrected, corrected to 20/20. In addition, you need normal color vision to enter into the aviation rates and any rate that requires you to navigate or work with electricity. It is important to know that all of our schools have a waiting list. They range from a few months to over two years for some ratings. You must have a minimum of 30 months remaining on your enlistment before you can enter any Class A school. If the school you want has a very lengthy wait, you may need to extend your enlistment a number of months to bring the total left on your enlistment up to 30 months.

Is Class A-School like boot camp?
No. This is training for a specialty you have chosen. It may involve work details and duty, but the main focus is on technical and professional training.

Will I be paid while at Class A School?
Yes, you will be paid for every day you’re in the Coast Guard. You will receive pay according to published pay schedules for your pay grade, in addition to any Temporary Duty or travel allowances due you.

What should I ask my recruiter?
Coast Guard recruiters must present an accurate picture of Coast Guard training. You should be aware of all aspects of the Coast Guard environment. Be sure you fully understand the enlistment contract. If there are doubts or questions, find out more before you sign, because an important part of your future is at stake. You should ask about: Literature with details and qualifications for each specialty area. Films or videos which show training and duties in the Coast Guard. There is a boot camp video called “It’s Just 8 Weeks.”
How long your basic and technical training is, and where. Any special enlistment programs. If you have completed Junior ROTC, Naval Sea Cadet training or earned the Eagle Scout or Gold Award in the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, you may qualify for additional incentives. Remote assignments overseas and long duty tours.

Where do I get more information?
For recruiting literature please call 1-877-NOW-USCG, or simply fill out our Request Form and more information will be sent to you. See your local recruiter, to find a recruiter nearest you, go to our recruiter locator page. Or, to speak directly with your local recruiting office just dial our toll free number and you will be connected to the office near you.

By nobrows on Mar 1, 2009 | Reply

As long as you can swim you’ll have no problems. 4.2 miles is more than you will ever have to run in the Coast Guard and if you can do about 60 push ups and 60 sit up you can most likely pass the physical fitness test right now.

If you can’t swim you may want learn how before you arive at boot camp. They will teach you if you can’t but you would be better off knowing how to swim.