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.

The Coast Guard Cutter Waesche transits through the San Francisco Bay for the first time en route to its homeport of Alameda, California. (U.S. Coast Guard/Petty Officer 3rd Class Kevin Metcalf)

5 Awesome Things to Know About US Coast Guard History for Its Coming Birthday

For more than 230 years, the first line of American coastal defense has been the United States Coast Guard.

Ex-Coast Guard Employee Pleads Guilty in Test-Fixing Case

Johnson gave exams merchant mariners were required to pass in order to obtain licenses to work in various positions on ships.

Coast Guard Academy welcomes 302 young women and men to the Class of 2026 for Day One

Coast Guard Academy Welcomes 302 Swabs for Day One

The incoming class is 43% women, the highest ever, and 38% students from underrepresented minority groups.

Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter.

Coast Guard Rescues 7 After Boat Struck by Lightning off Florida Coast

The five women and two men were participating in a fishing tournament when their boat encountered a lightning storm.

Sgt. Claudia Villegas poses in front of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument.

Military Photos of the Week: An LGBTQ Soldier Speaks Up, Marines Make Things Go Boom

Military.com's top photos of the week, June 19 - June 24.

Fire Forces Evacuation of 89 Children from Cruise Ship; Coast Guard Investigating

All 108 passengers and crew members have been accounted for. No injuries were reported.

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.

What You Should Know About Military Body Composition Tests

A soldier performs push-ups during an Army physical fitness test.

Why Boot Camp Is No Place to Show Up Out of Shape for Military Service

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.