BASIC TRAINING

"You've got 10 seconds to get off this bus, and you just wasted three!"

As with any military service, before anyone can do anything or go anywhere, he or she must go through basic training. After this "experience," your son or daughter will graduate with the basic skills he or she will need to serve as a Coastie.

Enlisted Basic Training

This is tough. Your child will be challenged every day, both mentally and physically. For eight weeks in Cape May, N.J., your child will be pushed and tested. He or she will work harder than you ever thought possible as a parent. It will all be worth it in the end because your child will graduate with the self-assurance that comes from having accomplished something of which your whole family can be proud. Your son or daughter will be a member of the United States Coast Guard.
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Officer Training

Every officer candidate in the Coast Guard must go through initial training, which is essentially basic training for officers. This is an intensive, 17-week program, which takes place in New London, Conn. It is designed to prepare your child to make split-second decisions and take charge in any situation.
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Reserve Enlisted Basic Training

As a reservist, your child will serve part-time in the Coast Guard. He or she will have to go through basic training. However, those with prior service experience, in the Coast Guard or another service, take a condensed 11-day training course.
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Reserve Officer Training

Every Reserve officer candidate in the Coast Guard must go through initial training, which is essentially basic training for officers. This is a tough and intensive three-week program, designed to prepare your child to make split-second decisions and take charge in any situation.
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