Following are the basic requirements for becoming a member of the Coast Guard:

• You must be a U.S. citizen or a Resident Alien.
• Be between the ages of 17-31 (up to age 32 if qualified for attending guaranteed 'A' school) for Active Duty.(If you are 17, you'll need parental consent.)
• Reservists must be between 17-40. Prior-service personnel should contact their local recruiter for specific programs.
• Have a high school diploma. GEDs are accepted in special circumstances.
• Have no more than three dependents.
• Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
• Pass a military entrance medical exam.