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.

U.S. Coast Guard prepared to offload approximately 18,219 pounds of cocaine

Coast Guard Drug Offload Highlights Cocaine's Path from South America to San Diego

The U.S. Department of Justice unsealed eight indictments in San Diego and elsewhere detailing a massive narcotics...

Coast Guard Review Blasts Service for Failing to Safeguard Members from Sexual Assault, Harassment

The Coast Guard's mishandling of sexual assault complaints has eroded trust in leadership, an investigation found.

No One Was Injured when a US Navy Plane Landed in a Hawaii Bay, but Some Fear Environmental Damage

Concerns about environmental damage are looming a day after a large U.S. Navy plane overshot a runway and landed in a Hawaii...

Navy Plane Overshoots Runway and Ends Up in Ocean, but All 9 Aboard Escape Unharmed

A Navy plane flying in rainy weather overshot a runway Monday at a military base in Hawaii and splashed into Kaneohe Bay, but...

Coast Guard Helicopter Crashes, 2 Seriously Injured, in Alaska Search-and-Rescue Mission

Two of the four members of the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter air crew from Air Station Sitka near Juneau, Alaska, were listed as...

U.S. Coast Guard boat patrols the East River in New York

Coast Guard Is Short on Manpower, But Lack of Data Makes 'True Magnitude' Unknown, Watchdog Says

A May report from the GAO suggested the Coast Guard is around 4,800 members short, marking the fourth consecutive fiscal year...

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.