US Coast Guard News, Coast Guard Pay & Fitness Resources

The Coast Guard was established on Aug. 4, 1790. The Coast Guard is charged with maritime security, safety, and stewardship. While the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, during times of war, it can be transferred to the Department of the Navy, as it did in WWI and WWII.

The Coast Guard is comprised of approximately 40,000 active duty personnel supported by an additional 7,000 reservists.

Coast Guard News

Find the latest news and information on the U.S. Coast Guard including top stories, technology, policies, leadership, and more.

Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 helicopter crew arrive at a cruise ship.

Pilot, Passenger Presumed Dead in Louisiana Helicopter Crash

The Coast Guard coordinated the dispatch of an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and a special-purpose shallow water boat to...

U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) transits the Taiwan Strait

On the Frontline Against China, the US Coast Guard Is Taking on Missions the US Navy Can't Do

Competition with China has drawn more Pentagon resources to the Pacific, but the most visible U.S. military presence there...

An overloaded 60-foot Haitian sailing vessel Anguilla Cay, Bahamas

Coast Guard Rescues 176 Haitians from Sailboat Off Florida

The crew of the Cutter Paul Clark provided personal flotation devices to those onboard the boat.

Firefighters respond to a fire aboard the Conception dive boat in the Santa Barbara Channel.

Coast Guard Announces Safety Rules After Deadly Boat Fire

The new interim rules will take effect over the next two years.

Soldiers participate in a mass reenlistment on an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Range at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

35 Incredible Photos from a Chaotic Year for the US Military

From the nation’s capital to Afghanistan, service members were asked to defend America, Americans and American ideals around...

Pentagon Considering COVID-19 Booster Mandate for Troops

The Pentagon says there are “active discussions” within the department about making COVID-19 vaccine booster shots mandatory...

Coast Guard Ships, Aircraft and Technology

The U.S. Coast Guard uses many different types of equipment. Learn about the ships, aircraft, weapons and technology the Coast Guard utilizes to carry out missions and defend the United States.

MH-60 Jayhawk

Cyclone Class Coastal Patrol Ship - PC

C-37A

Coast Guard Fitness

Looking to challenge yourself and improve both your physical fitness and mental toughness? Reach your fitness goals and pass the Coast Guard physical fitness test (PFT) with military workouts and exercise tips to get Coast Guard fit.

A member of the Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team complete a physical fitness test.

Coast Guard Basic PFT

The Coast Guard physical fitness program is designed to ensure that all members have the strength and stamina to perform...

A Coastie goes through her exercise routine.

Coast Guard Fitness Requirements

Coast Guard recruits run around a track.

USCG Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA)

An Army reservist gets done with a workout.

Body Composition Tests

Spc. Davell D. Collier, Headquarters Company, 66th Troop Command, performs push-ups during an Army Physical Fitness Test Oct. 14, 2017, at the Northwest Rankin Athletic Association Soccer Complex in Brandon, Mississippi. (Sgt. Connie Jones/Mississippi National Guard 102d Public Affairs Detachment)

Are You Fit to Serve?

Join the Coast Guard

Looking to join one of Americas elite forces? Learn everything you need to know about joining the United States Coast Guard. Find out what you can expect when you join the Coast Guard, information on Coast Guard jobs, and physical fitness standards to get you started with a successful career as a coastie.

The History and Roles of the Coast Guard

The Unique Role of the US Coast Guard

Coast Guard Jobs at a Glance

Coast Guard College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative

How to Become a Coast Guard Officer

Coast Guard Weight Requirements at a Glance

Class is in session at Coast Guard training center at Cape May, N.J.

Coast Guard Boot Camp Timeline at a Glance

Coast Guard Special Pay

Learn about Coast Guard Special Pay. In addition to a coastie's basic pay they may receive special pay and incentives pay. Coast Guard Special Pay can vary depending on occupation, specific assignments, and geographic location.