MARITIME ACADEMY GRADUATE (MARGRAD)

Maritime Academy Graduates have education and training that enhances the Coast Guard's ability to carry out its operation missions. The Direct Commission Maritime Academy Graduate Program is available to individuals who hold a degree from a qualifying state or federal Maritime Academy:
   
    California Maritime Academy
    Great Lakes Maritime Academy
    Maine Maritime Academy
    Massachusetts Maritime Academy
    State University of New York Maritime College
    Texas Maritime Academy
    United States Merchant Marine Academy

and has earned either:
   
    A Third Mate License
    A Third Assistant Engineer License
    OR a degree with a major in Marine Environmental Protection or a related field.

Rank and Length of Service:

After attending a four-week Direct Commission Officer (DCO) School at the USCG Academy in New London, CT you will be commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. No boot camp. No Officer Candidate School. Based on your experience, education, and qualifications, you will be commissioned as either an Ensign (O-1) or Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2).

Upon completion of DCO school you will be obligated to serve for three years on active duty, after which you may apply for an extension for the chance to continue as an officer in the Coast Guard.

Click here (download Adobe Reader) for the DCO School Reporting Guide.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Be a U.S. Citizen
2. Be between the ages of 21 and 40 (applicants must have reached their 21st birthday but not their 41st birthday as of 30 September of the fiscal year in which the panel convenes)
3. Have graduated from a qualifying state or federal Maritime Academy and hold a Third Mate or Third Assistant Engineer license, or a degree major in Marine Environmental Protection or a related field
4. Receive a favorable recommendation from an Officer Interview Board (coordinated by your recruiter)
5. Must meet character standards and be eligible for a security clearance
6. Must meet financial standards
7. Must meet dependency standards (Single parents with sole custody or primary custody are ineligible)
8.Must pass a commissioning physical exam
9. GPA: Have at least a 2.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale
10. Not be on active duty in any other U.S. Armed Service, unless you submit a discharge statement with your package Applicants in an Inactive Reserve program must submit a conditional release. Have a total of less than 10 years of non-CG service
11. Applicants may be initiated during the applicant's final year at the Maritime Academy, if all other requirements are met 12. To be considered for appointment to Lieutenant junior grade, applicants must also have sailed for one or more years on board vessels of the United States in the capacity of a licensed officer

Application Process:

If you are ready to apply, you must visit the program forms and deadlines page and follow the application process, which includes downloading the forms and all necessary application elements appropriate for the MARGRAD program.

 


OFFICER OPPORTUNITIES

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