Except for aviation, as a Reservist, you might be assigned to any of our 17 ratings (or jobs). Your rating will be determined by our needs and your ability. Plus, we offer Reservists two ratings unique to them -- Investigator (provide support to Coast Guard law enforcement and intelligence missions) and Port Security Specialist (safeguarding vital facilities).
This rating is the perfect blend of part-time service in the Coast Guard mixed with the excitement of criminal investigation work.
PORT SECURITY SPECIALIST (PS)
As a PS, your job will be to safeguard critical ports wherever Coast Guard units operate, both at home and overseas, against the threat of terrorism and other acts of maritime crime.
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.
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.