Commissioning Programs in the U.S. Coast Guard

Becoming an officer in the United States Coast Guard is a prestigious and rewarding career path that offers the opportunity to lead, protect, and serve the nation's maritime interests. Whether you are currently enlisted, a college student, or a professional seeking to transition into military service, the Coast Guard provides multiple pathways to commission as an officer. Explore the options below to find the best route that fits your background and aspirations.

Officer Training Programs

Officer Candidate School (OCS)

Overview: Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a rigorous training program designed to transform enlisted personnel and civilians into commissioned officers. Located at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, OCS is a 17-week program focusing on leadership development, maritime law enforcement, navigation, and seamanship.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Age between 21 and 27 years
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Coast Guard Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut
Duration: 17 weeks
Leadership Training and Development: Emphasis on developing decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Maritime Law Enforcement: Instruction on maritime law, law enforcement tactics, and operational procedures.
Navigation and Seamanship: Training in navigation, seamanship, and Coast Guard operations.
Physical Conditioning and Endurance Training: Rigorous physical training to meet Coast Guard standards.
Academic Instruction on Military Subjects: Courses on Coast Guard history, organization, and operational strategy.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Candidates receive pay and benefits commensurate with their rank and time in service.
Housing and meals are provided during training.
Medical and dental care are covered for the candidate.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of OCS are commissioned as Ensigns and can serve in various fields, including maritime safety, environmental protection, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations.

College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI)

Overview: The College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) is a scholarship program designed for college juniors and seniors attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). CSPI provides full tuition and a monthly stipend, preparing students for a commission as an officer.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Age between 19 and 28 years
Full-time student at an eligible institution
Minimum GPA of 2.5
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Coast Guard Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Participating colleges and universities across the U.S.
Duration: Two years
Summer Training Programs: Includes internships and training at Coast Guard units.
Officer Training Program: Officer Candidate School (OCS) at the United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Full tuition paid to the school
Monthly stipend for living expenses
Additional allowance for books, supplies, and equipment
Medical and dental care are covered for the student
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is provided during Active Duty Training periods

Career Opportunities: Upon graduation, CSPI participants are commissioned as Ensigns and can serve in various fields, including maritime safety, environmental protection, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations.

Direct Commission Programs

Direct Commission Engineer (DCE) Program

Overview: The Direct Commission Engineer (DCE) Program is designed for professionals with engineering degrees and experience. This program allows individuals to become commissioned officers and serve in engineering and technical roles within the Coast Guard.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution
Professional engineering experience
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Coast Guard Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut
Duration: 5 weeks
Officer Training Program: Direct Commission Officer (DCO) School

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Direct Commission officers receive pay and benefits commensurate with their rank and time in service.
Housing and meals are provided during training.
Medical and dental care are covered for the officer.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of the DCE Program serve as officers in the Coast Guard’s engineering units, working on infrastructure, vessel maintenance, and technical projects.

Direct Commission Lawyer (DCL) Program

Overview: The Direct Commission Lawyer (DCL) Program is designed for legal professionals who wish to serve as commissioned officers in the Coast Guard’s legal service. This program is ideal for attorneys with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
Passed the bar exam in any U.S. state or territory
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Coast Guard Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut
Duration: 5 weeks
Officer Training Program: Direct Commission Officer (DCO) School

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Direct Commission officers receive pay and benefits commensurate with their rank and time in service.
Housing and meals are provided during training.
Medical and dental care are covered for the officer.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of the DCL Program serve as legal advisors in the Coast Guard, providing legal services, representation, and counsel in various legal matters.

Direct Commission Intelligence Officer (DCIO) Program

Overview: The Direct Commission Intelligence Officer (DCIO) Program is designed for professionals with experience in intelligence, security, or related fields. This program allows individuals to become commissioned officers and serve in the Coast Guard’s intelligence units.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution
Professional experience in intelligence or security
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Coast Guard Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Eligible for a Top Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut
Duration: 5 weeks
Officer Training Program: Direct Commission Officer (DCO) School

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Direct Commission officers receive pay and benefits commensurate with their rank and time in service.
Housing and meals are provided during training.
Medical and dental care are covered for the officer.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of the DCIO Program serve in the Coast Guard’s intelligence units, working on intelligence collection, analysis, and operations.

The U.S. Coast Guard offers diverse and comprehensive commissioning programs designed to develop future leaders. Whether you are a current enlisted member, a college student, or a professional with specialized skills, there is a pathway to becoming a commissioned officer that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Explore these programs and take the first step toward a rewarding career as a leader in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving either on Active Duty or in the Reserve components.