ENLISTED RATING DESCRIPTIONS
Click below for a detailed explanation of all the ratings available to you in the Coast Guard, including guides to the kinds of jobs your training can lead to in the civilian world.BROWSE ALL RATINGS
Jobs relating to the operation of the Coast Guard vessels.
BOATSWAIN'S MATE (BM)
Are you looking for a real hands-on seagoing experience? Boatswain's mate may be the experience for which you're looking.
GUNNER'S MATE (GM)
For those interested in the technical inner-workings of small arms, weapon systems, and pyrotechnics, becoming a gunner's mate can provide the opportunity to learn all there is to know.
OPERATIONS SPECIALIST (OS)
Interested in the field of military tactical command, control and communications? Then the operations specialist rating is a great way to pave that road.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST (IS)
With the Coast Guard taking an increasingly larger role in homeland security, we've established a new and vitally important rating, intelligence specialist (IS). As an IS, you will be one of the first defenders of our ports and waterways.
back to top
Jobs related to the upkeep and operation of Coast Guard vessels.
DAMAGE CONTROLMAN (DC)
DCs are the Coast Guard's maintenance and emergency repair specialists.
ELECTRICIAN'S MATE (EM)
Electricity is the lifeline of any system, and EMs are the ones the Coast Guard counts on most to keep it all connected and running.
ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN (ET)
ETs are in charge of maintaining virtually all of the Coast Guard's electronics systems from navigation systems to command, control and communication (C3) systems.
INFORMATION SYSTEM TECHNICIAN (IT)
ITs are the managers of all information that circulates throughout the Coast Guard.
MACHINERY TECHNICIAN (MK)
Are you a gearhead? Do you like horsepower? Come work on some of the most powerful engines the Coast Guard has to offer.
back to top
With the exception of the pilots, all jobs related to the maintenance and operation of Coast Guard fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.
AVIONICS ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN (AET)
AETs are the Coast Guard's aircraft surgeons.
AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN (AMT)
Have you ever wanted to learn about aeronautics and aviation, or how to repair and maintain sophisticated aircrafts?
AVIATION SURVIVAL TECHNICIAN (AST)
The duties of ASTs include saving lives, providing emergency medical support, and maintaining the survival equipment their shipmates depend upon in emergencies.
back to top
Administrative and Scientific Group
Jobs that provide operations support, take care of Coast Guard personnel and conduct environmental inspections.
FOOD SERVICE SPECIALIST (FS)
Learn about the various aspects of the restaurant or catering industry while serving your country.
HEALTH SERVICES TECHNICIAN (HS)
Do you want to learn hands-on medical skills? Do you want to save lives? These technicians care for individuals in distress or life-threatening situations.
MARINE SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (MST)
Do you want to get out there and help save and protect the environment?
PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST (PA)
If you have an interest in photography, writing and crisis communications, you could be the main link between the Coast Guard and the public.
STOREKEEPER (SK)
Good with numbers? Managing money? Apply your skills to help serve the Coast Guard.
YEOMAN (YN)
As with any large organization, good human resources management is vital to the Coast Guard.
back to top
