BASIC TRAINING

Welcome aboard - now stand straight and stop smiling!

As with any military service, before you can do anything or go anywhere, you are going to have to go through eight weeks of thrills and challenges that we like to call Basic Training.

Basic Training is tough. You'll be challenged every day, both mentally and physically. You'll be pushed and tested. You'll work harder than you ever thought possible. But when you graduate, you'll graduate with the knowledge that you've accomplished something that both you and your family can be proud of. You'll be a member of the United States Coast Guard.

After graduation, you'll understand the true meaning of teamwork, the importance of attention to detail, hard work, and a positive attitude.

In other words, you'll be ready - ready for the United States Coast Guard.

Basic Training varies in length and intensity depending on your experience.

For instance, if you have a high school diploma and enter as a Reserve Enlisted recruit, Basic Training is held at Cape May, NJ and is eight weeks long. The goal of this Basic Training is to acclimate you to an environment of rules, regulations and accountability.

If you have prior military or professional experience, you might attend a more condensed two week Reserve Enlisted Indoctrination (REBI) at Cape May, NJ, focusing less on adjustment to the military and more on the basics of serving in the Coast Guard.

For those with or about to obtain a college degree, Reserve Officer Basic Training is a 17-week course located in New London, CT. If you have the appropriate prior military or professional experience, there is the more condensed two-week Selected Reserve Officer (SELRES) training also at New London. SELRES provides a rapid indoctrination into the Coast Guard.

In the first year, Basic Training or REBI satisfies the two-week annual training commitment for both Reserve Enlisted and Officer recruits. Once an individual has completed Coast Guard Basic Training, they do not have to do so again.

Physical Requirements: In order to graduate, there are physical challenges you'll have to meet.

Men will be expected to perform:
  • 29 push-ups in 60 seconds
  • 38 sit-ups in 60 seconds
  • Run 1.5 miles in under 12:51
  • Sit and reach 16.50"
  • Complete a swim circuit
  • Tread water for 5 minutes
  • Jump off a 5-foot platform and swim 100 meters
Women will be expected to perform:
  • 23 push-ups in 60 seconds
  • 32 sit-ups in 60 seconds
  • Run 1.5 miles in under 15:26
  • Sit and reach 19.29"
  • Complete a swim circuit
  • Tread water for 5 minutes
  • Jump off a 5-foot platform and swim 100 meters

Please note, if you are not a strong swimmer, you can still join the Coast Guard as long as you're willing to work with our trainers to become a better swimmer.

By the end of training, you and your fellow Reservists will be a well-oiled company which functions on teamwork and discipline. You and your family will be proud of how much you've accomplished in such a short time.