Intro
Explore Coast Guard Enlisted Jobs, including ratings, careers, and specialties, to discover opportunities in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and homeland security with the USCG.
The United States Coast Guard is a unique branch of the military that offers a wide range of career opportunities for enlisted personnel. With over 40 different jobs to choose from, Coast Guard enlisted members can find a career that suits their skills, interests, and goals. From aviation and boat operations to law enforcement and environmental protection, the Coast Guard has a diverse range of roles that are essential to its mission.
As a Coast Guard enlisted member, you will have the opportunity to serve in a variety of settings, including on ships, in ports, and at coastal stations. You will work alongside other Coast Guard personnel, as well as with other branches of the military and government agencies, to protect the public, the environment, and the nation's interests. Whether you are interested in a career at sea or on shore, the Coast Guard has a job that can challenge you and help you grow both personally and professionally.
The Coast Guard's enlisted jobs are divided into several categories, including aviation, boat operations, communications, engineering, and law enforcement. Each of these categories has a range of jobs that require different skills and training. For example, in the aviation category, you could work as a helicopter mechanic, an aviation technician, or a pilot. In the boat operations category, you could work as a boatswain's mate, a maritime enforcement specialist, or a coxswain. With so many different jobs to choose from, you are sure to find one that matches your interests and skills.
Aviation Jobs

The Coast Guard's aviation jobs are some of the most exciting and challenging in the military. As a member of the Coast Guard's aviation team, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of aircraft, including helicopters, planes, and drones. You could work as a pilot, a mechanic, or a technician, and be responsible for maintaining and operating the aircraft, as well as providing support for search and rescue missions, law enforcement operations, and other Coast Guard activities.
Some of the most popular aviation jobs in the Coast Guard include:
- Aviation Maintenance Technician: Responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft engines, systems, and components.
- Aviation Electrician's Mate: Responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft electrical systems, including wiring, circuits, and electronics.
- Helicopter Pilot: Responsible for flying helicopters in support of Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental protection.
- Aviation Survival Technician: Responsible for providing emergency medical care and survival training to aircrew members and passengers.
Boat Operations Jobs

The Coast Guard's boat operations jobs are essential to its mission of protecting the public and the environment. As a member of the Coast Guard's boat operations team, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of boats, including cutters, patrol boats, and response boats. You could work as a boatswain's mate, a maritime enforcement specialist, or a coxswain, and be responsible for operating and maintaining the boats, as well as providing support for search and rescue missions, law enforcement operations, and other Coast Guard activities.
Some of the most popular boat operations jobs in the Coast Guard include:
- Boatswain's Mate: Responsible for operating and maintaining boats, including cutters, patrol boats, and response boats.
- Maritime Enforcement Specialist: Responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to maritime activities, including fishing, shipping, and boating.
- Coxswain: Responsible for operating and maintaining response boats, and providing support for search and rescue missions and other Coast Guard activities.
- Port Security Specialist: Responsible for providing security for ports and waterways, and enforcing laws and regulations related to maritime activities.
Communications Jobs

The Coast Guard's communications jobs are critical to its ability to respond to emergencies and protect the public. As a member of the Coast Guard's communications team, you will have the opportunity to work with a variety of communications systems, including radios, satellites, and computer networks. You could work as a communications specialist, a radio technician, or a cryptologic technician, and be responsible for operating and maintaining communications systems, as well as providing support for search and rescue missions, law enforcement operations, and other Coast Guard activities.
Some of the most popular communications jobs in the Coast Guard include:
- Communications Specialist: Responsible for operating and maintaining communications systems, including radios, satellites, and computer networks.
- Radio Technician: Responsible for maintaining and repairing radio systems, including transmitters, receivers, and antennas.
- Cryptologic Technician: Responsible for analyzing and interpreting encrypted communications, and providing support for search and rescue missions and other Coast Guard activities.
- Information Systems Technician: Responsible for maintaining and repairing computer systems, including hardware, software, and networks.
Engineering Jobs

The Coast Guard's engineering jobs are essential to its ability to operate and maintain its ships, boats, and aircraft. As a member of the Coast Guard's engineering team, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of engineering systems, including propulsion, electrical, and mechanical systems. You could work as an engineering technician, a machinist's mate, or a hull maintenance technician, and be responsible for operating and maintaining engineering systems, as well as providing support for search and rescue missions, law enforcement operations, and other Coast Guard activities.
Some of the most popular engineering jobs in the Coast Guard include:
- Engineering Technician: Responsible for operating and maintaining engineering systems, including propulsion, electrical, and mechanical systems.
- Machinist's Mate: Responsible for maintaining and repairing mechanical systems, including engines, pumps, and valves.
- Hull Maintenance Technician: Responsible for maintaining and repairing ship and boat hulls, including welding, painting, and carpentry.
- Electronics Technician: Responsible for maintaining and repairing electronic systems, including radar, navigation, and communications systems.
Law Enforcement Jobs

The Coast Guard's law enforcement jobs are critical to its ability to protect the public and the environment. As a member of the Coast Guard's law enforcement team, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of law enforcement activities, including maritime patrols, boardings, and searches. You could work as a maritime enforcement specialist, a port security specialist, or a customs officer, and be responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to maritime activities, including fishing, shipping, and boating.
Some of the most popular law enforcement jobs in the Coast Guard include:
- Maritime Enforcement Specialist: Responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to maritime activities, including fishing, shipping, and boating.
- Port Security Specialist: Responsible for providing security for ports and waterways, and enforcing laws and regulations related to maritime activities.
- Customs Officer: Responsible for enforcing customs laws and regulations, including inspecting cargo and passengers.
- Investigator: Responsible for investigating crimes and incidents related to maritime activities, including theft, vandalism, and environmental damage.
Gallery of Coast Guard Enlisted Jobs
Coast Guard Enlisted Jobs Image Gallery










What are the requirements to join the Coast Guard?
+To join the Coast Guard, you must be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 27, and meet certain physical and educational requirements. You must also pass a background check and a physical fitness test.
What are the different types of jobs in the Coast Guard?
+The Coast Guard has a wide range of jobs, including aviation, boat operations, communications, engineering, and law enforcement. Each of these categories has a range of jobs that require different skills and training.
How long does it take to become a Coast Guard enlisted member?
+The length of time it takes to become a Coast Guard enlisted member varies depending on the job and the individual's qualifications. Typically, it takes around 6-12 months to complete basic training and become a Coast Guard enlisted member.
What are the benefits of joining the Coast Guard?
+The benefits of joining the Coast Guard include competitive pay and benefits, opportunities for advancement and education, and the chance to serve in a unique and challenging environment. Coast Guard members also receive comprehensive healthcare and retirement benefits.
Can I join the Coast Guard if I have a felony conviction?
+It is possible to join the Coast Guard with a felony conviction, but it depends on the nature of the conviction and the individual's circumstances. The Coast Guard has a waiver process for individuals with felony convictions, but it is highly competitive and not all waivers are approved.
In conclusion, the Coast Guard offers a wide range of exciting and challenging career opportunities for enlisted personnel. From aviation and boat operations to law enforcement and environmental protection, the Coast Guard has a job that can match your skills, interests, and goals. If you are interested in serving in a unique and dynamic environment, and are willing to challenge yourself and grow both personally and professionally, then the Coast Guard may be the right choice for you. We encourage you to learn more about the Coast Guard's enlisted jobs and to consider joining this elite team of professionals. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about the Coast Guard's enlisted jobs, and leave a comment below with any questions or feedback you may have.