Check that you meet the basic eligibility requirements
Be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident eligible for enlistment
Be at least 17 years old with parental consent or 18 years old without it
Have a high school diploma or GED
Meet age, medical, legal, and moral standards
Meet physical fitness and weight requirements
Gather required documents such as ID, birth certificate, Social Security card, and education records
Contact a Coast Guard recruiter
Schedule a meeting with the recruiter
Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery if required
Complete the medical screening and background check
Choose an enlistment option or program
Sign the enlistment contract
Attend the Military Entrance Processing Station
Take the oath of enlistment
Ship out to basic training
Complete basic training and follow-on training
Consider officer paths if you have a college degree or want to apply to the Academy or Officer Candidate School