Coast Guard is concerned with America’s safety and the security of America’s coast, as well as waterborne commerce and natural resource protection. Coast Guard requires Coast Guard members be at least a certain level in physical fitness to carry out its mission. It is important that you have high levels of mental sharpness. Coast Guard administers both mental and physical tests to assess applicants’ ability to serve with the Coast Guard.
The Merchant Marine and Coast Guard physical exams are used to determine if a candidate is eligible for work as commercial sailors. All physical requirements are considered, including strenuous lifting or prolonged sitting.
What are the requirements for the physical examinations of Coast Guard or Merchant Mariner personnel?
Every applicant for Merchant Marine must have a complete physical exam. Before you can board a ship commercially, the Coast Guard will conduct thorough physical exams. The examination lasts two hours and includes a history, a physical exam, and a history
A DD214 Application is required before the Coast Guard will arrange your physical. You can request an older enlistment duplicate or apply again. For your DD-214 form to be valid, please provide service records and paytubs as well as any other supporting information that could support your medical history.
Coast Guard conducts a physical exam in order to determine whether you are physically fit for service. This includes a written test, a physical, and a detailed medical history. Your medical history is reviewed. If you have any health problems or injuries, the doctor will ask for details. The doctor will want to know about your current health, any medications you have taken, and any recent surgeries. The doctor will examine all areas of your body, including your head, arms, legs, hips, and neck.
Hooyah, future Coast Guardsmen! If you’re currently thinking about joining the Coast Guard, you’re going to have to pass through all the stages of Coast Guard basic training first. This is no easy task, as it requires peak physical fitness, intellectual sharpness, and strong morals.
If you think you’re ready to become a Coast Guardsman, keep reading to learn almost everything there is to know about Coast Guard basic training.
Want to know something specific about basic? You can use the links below to dive right into that information. Family members can find their information at the very end of the page.
A base level of physical fitness is expected of all recruits. Men and women have different physical fitness expectations.
29 push-ups in one minute 38 sit-ups in one minute 1.5-mile run in less than 12:51 16.50” sit and reach Complete a swim circuit Tread water for five minutes Swim 100 meters (~328 feet) after jumping off a 6-foot platform Women 15 push-ups in one minute 32 sit-ups in one minute 1.5-mile run in less than 15:26 19.29” sit and reach Complete a swim circuit Tread water for five minutes Swim 100 meters (~328 feet) after jumping off a 6-foot platform If you’re not an exceptionally strong swimmer, the Coast Guard does offer extra swim training to help you prepare for your career as a Coast Guardsman. However, you should probably make sure you can AT LEAST stay afloat before attempting to join the COAST GUARD. It’s common sense!
In addition to physical requirements, you must meet the following basic requirements to be able to join: You must be a U.S. citizen or full-time resident alien. You must be between the ages of 17 and 31. You must have a high school diploma (GEDs are only accepted in exceptional special circumstances). You can have no more than three dependents. You’ll need to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. You must pass the basic entrance medical exam. How Long Is Coast Guard Basic Training? Coast Guard basic training lasts for eight weeks. The process is full of both physical and mental conditioning, so you better be prepared!
Yep! All Coast Guard recruits do receive pay for Coast Guard basic training. You’ll usually be paid as an E-1, which would get you somewhere around $1,785 per month (just over $21,000 per year). That’s why you need to bring a direct deposit form from your bank on day one.
Coast Guard PhysicalYou NEED to bring a state-issued ID, like your driver’s license, and a direct deposit form from your bank.
There are a few items that you’re recommended to bring to Coast Guard basic training.
A multi-pack of white, V-neck shirts 10+ pairs of underwear Toothbrush & toothpaste A watch Up to $50 in cash to use at the exchange An address book with stamps Neutral-colored hair ties (for women) Feminine products (for women) Sports bras (for women) Shampoo/conditioner (for women)
The Coast Guard will provide many things for you at boot camp, so you don’t have to worry about packing them. These include:
Floss Soap Deodorant Towels Shower shoes Laundry bags Tennis shoes and socks Paper and pens Coast Guard Basic Training Phases
So, what is basic training like? We won’t lie; it’s tough. Before you hop into Coast Guard basic training, it might be a good idea to prepare yourself at home. You definitely don’t want to be that recruit who’s always falling behind or failing every physical fitness test. If you haven’t already, come up with a challenging workout routine for yourself. Throw in jogging, strength training, and swimming (DEFINITELY practice swimming before you get there).
Need to whip yourself into shape? Read tips straight from a Marine in this blog: 5 Secrets To Stop Being a Fat Civilian – Marine Approved
Don’t underestimate the importance of your local recruiter. They’ve quite literally been there, done that, so they can answer all your questions, small or large. Think about where you might want to serve after training, and look through a Coast Guard job list to see what kinds of careers in the Coast Guard might suit you best.
Week one is filled with paperwork and intake forms. You’ll go through your medical screening to make sure you’re in good shape, receive your official uniform, meet your Company Commander (CC), and get your Recruit Training Company assignment.
Week two is where physical conditioning really kicks in. You’ll be running a mile first thing in the morning, conducting your swim training, and be issued a nine-pound rifle for drills. You’ll also begin learning the basics of how to work as a team with your company. Finally, you’ll begin some classroom work learning proper saluting and rank insignias.
More teamwork and physical training will be going down during week three. By this time, you may be physically exhausted and at the end of your rope. Don’t quit! Your body just needs some time to get used to the rigorous training. You can do this!
At this point, you’ll likely be well-versed in military customs and proper etiquette. You’ll also grow to become more familiar with Coast Guard drills.
You’ll finally take your official physical fitness test this week. By now, it should be a breeze for you! You’ll also be required to take a mid-training exam that will test you on everything you’ve learned up until this point. During this week, you may be asked to fill out paperwork denoting what location you’d like to serve in and what type of unit you’d like to be placed in for your first assignment.
By the end of this week, you’ll likely have your first official assignment in your hands. Of course, you’ll be doing as much physical conditioning as the past few weeks, too.
These weeks are filled with more of the same: physical conditioning, drills, classroom instruction, and more. You’ll also likely dive into practical learning, like first aid and watch standing (a.k.a. watch keeping), during these weeks. You may even begin preparing your travel arrangements for your first assignment post-basic training and taking a final exam.
