Coast Guard Officers serving full time in active duty receive a competitive salary increasing with grade and longevity, a comprehensive benefits package that includes free medical, dental and eye care; life insurance; 30-days paid vacation; GI Bill (Montgomery & Post 9-11); and tuition assistance. As someone entering the Coast Guard as an officer, you’ll gain both tangible and intangible benefits.
First, you’ll hone your leadership and management skills. You’ll also become proficient at administrative and supervisory duties as you’ll take on important responsibility quickly.
Coast Guard Officers make a good starting salary, receive allowances for meals and housing, and are given comprehensive medical and dental plans at no charge. You’ll also have access to money for education and eligibility for retirement benefits.
Coast Guard Officer Benefits
Steady Income
You are paid twice a month, on the 1st and 15th of every month, based on your pay grade. An established salary chart defines salaries for both increases in rank and increased tenure in the Coast Guard.
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. One more thing you should note, all existing allowances for food, housing and clothing are not subject to federal or state income taxes.
Education
Through the Montgomery GI Bill, we’ll help you pay for college or vocational technical training. To find out more and also get up to date official information about the new Post 9-11 GI Bill.
Coast Guard members, both active-duty and Reserve, also can take advantage of the tuition assistance program to help pay for higher-level education.
Additional Benefits
There are exchange and commissary privileges, moving allowances, temporary lodging expenses, travel, survivor benefits, Veterans Administration home loans and more.