PROGRAM FORMS AND DEADLINES

This page contains application information for Coast Guard Officer Programs.  Please read the below instructions to ensure you understand all the steps necessary to submit an application.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

1. The application process for all officer programs consists of compiling a package of your credentials and other documents.
2. This process typically takes several months to complete.
3. Your first step should be to review the “Program” information for the various officer programs to determine your program of interest, and whether you meet the eligibility criteria.
4. Program eligibility criteria can be found on the Programs page.
 Continue to select the “more info” buttons to read about specific eligibility criteria for our officer programs.
*Please also visit the Officer Opportunities page to read about career fields, promotions, pay and benefits, initial training and officer FAQs.
5. Determining Deadlines: Based on your program of interest, you should then read the information in the “Program Deadline Dates” section below to educate yourself on the application deadlines.  In items “A through D,” find the program that you wish to compete for, i.e. “DCE (Direct Commission Engineer)” and then find the corresponding panel number.  For DCE, the panel number is “05-13,” and the application deadline is 5 February 2013 to the Education Services officer (for Coast Guard Members) or 25 February 2013 to your recruiting office for non-CG members.
    *Please understand that the deadline is the date that your final, complete application package is due to the recruiting office or Education Services officer.*
6. You should then get in touch with your nearest recruiting office as soon as possible, WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE “ESO” or “RO” DEADLINE, whether you are a CG member, a civilian, or a member of another service.  Begin the process by filling out some pertinent information that recruiters need to help you. Click here.  
7. Simultaneously, you should find your program in the “Program Application Forms” section below, and begin the application paperwork. The “Officer Program Check Off Sheet, Pre-Panel” and the “Officer Program Applicant Data Check Off Sheet” relevant to your program will be the guiding documents to assist you and your recruiter in compiling all the information necessary for you to compete for an officer selection. Please be aware that if you are currently a member of the Coast Guard, you will utilize the Check Off sheets for your program that indicate they apply to Coast Guard members.  If you are currently a Civilian, or a member of another service, please use the Check Off sheets for your program that apply to Civilians or a member of another service.
8. Your recruiter will be your primary source for advice, guidance, and assistance in developing your application.
9. Please be aware that a physical (medical) screening is required, in addition to an interview by a board of Coast Guard Officers. Your recruiter will assist you in scheduling your physical screening, and your interview.
10. Once your package is complete, your recruiter will conduct a quality check to ensure that all required documents are present. Your recruiter, and ONLY your recruiter, will submit your application to the Coast Guard Recruiting Command (CGRC).  The Deadline for this submission is listed as the “to CGRC NLT” date for the associated programs in the “Program Deadlines” section. Please be cognizant that this is the date by which CGRC must receive your application!
11. Your package will compete for selection in the Panel relevant to your program, which convenes on the “Panel Start Date” listed below in the “Program Deadline Dates” section.
12. Ensure you stay in touch with your recruiter throughout this period of time.
13. You will receive a notification if you are selected. Typically, notifications occur within several weeks of the conclusion of the Panel. You will also receive a notification if you are not selected.
14. If you are selected, you must immediately engage with your recruiter to complete additional documents necessary for pay, accession, etc. This is an essential step through which your recruiter will guide you.

As a reminder:

THE APPLICATION DEADLINES BELOW ARE THE FINAL DUE DATES. ALL DOCUMENTS THAT ARE REQUIRED MUST BE TURNED INTO YOUR RECRUITER BY THE DEADLINES ANNOTATED BELOW.

Again, what do these deadlines mean?

Coast Guard members should have applications completed and submitted to the Educational Services Officer (ESO) by the ESO deadline.

Civilians and ESOs shall have applications fully completed and submitted to the local Recruiting Office no later than the RO deadline. These dates are final and recruiters should not feel obligated to make exceptions.