Is it hard to be an officer in the Coast Guard?

Coast Guard Requirements The Coast Guard is one of the more difficult branches to join because it accepts far fewer new recruits than the other branches of the military, and qualifying requirements are strict. You will have to undergo a credit check and pass a security clearance check.

How long does it take to become an officer in the Coast Guard?

17-week
Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a highly specialized, 17-week course of instruction in leadership, management, navigation, law enforcement, and military subjects. OCS classes are convened twice a year, in January and in the summer.

Is it worth being a Coast Guard officer?

The benefits of joining the Coast Guard are definitely worth considering, even if the overall pay structure is somewhat low compared to the other branches of the military. All members are entitled to receive free medical and dental care as part of their service.

Do coast guard officers go to basic training?

Every officer candidate in the Coast Guard must go through initial training – essentially basic training for officers. When you graduate from the program, you’ll receive a commission in the Coast Guard at the rank of ensign (O-1), and will be required to serve a minimum of three years on active-duty.

Does Coast Guard have MOS?

U.S. Coast Guard ratings are like the rating system used by the Navy, known as Navy Enlistment Classification (NEC) codes. The U.S. Army and Marines use Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes, and the U.S. Air Force uses the Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC), serving the same purpose as Coast Guard ratings.

Is it better to be enlisted or officer?

Officers will start out at a higher pay grade than enlisted personnel, though enlisted service members are eligible for a variety of bonuses that can be quite substantial. Officers will also receive higher benefits such as monthly Basic Allowance for Housing.