* Updated February 2016
The United States Coast Guard is a very selective service. With only 38,000 active duty and 12,000 reserve personnel the US Coast Guard does more with less than any other service. The US Coast Guard performs more missions than all the other services which requires all members to be versatile and hardworking.
- Age – You must be between 17 to 27 for active duty and 17 to 39 for reserve duty. 17 year old recruits require parental consent. Reservists must be between 17-39.
- Have no more than two dependents.
- Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
- Education – High School Diploma is required, however, sometimes a GED is accepted. There are also ASVAB minimum scores that must be met.
- Back Ground Check – Security, Financial checks must be passed.
- Personal Evaluation – The “whole person” evaluation considers your attitude, professionalism, honesty, respect, language proficiency, weight/physical abilities and work ethic.
- Physical Fitness Requirements – Recruits must be in good health and pass a physical fitness test at basic training. All recruits must know how to swim before completing basic training.
- Height and Weight Requirements – Members of the Coast Guard must remain fit for full duty by maintaining their Maximum Allowable Weight (MAW) according to specific guidelines.
Also Check Out Navy Requirements to Join 
