Coast Guard MOS List

Introduction to Coast Guard MOS

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a unique branch of the military that operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and can be transferred to the Department of the Navy during wartime. Like other branches of the military, the Coast Guard uses a system of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) to categorize and define the various jobs and roles that service members can fill. These specialties are crucial for the efficient operation of the Coast Guard, encompassing a wide range of duties from maritime law enforcement and search and rescue to marine safety and environmental protection.

Understanding Coast Guard Ratings

In the Coast Guard, enlisted personnel are classified according to their ratings, which are similar to the MOS in other branches but are more focused on specific skills and job functions. These ratings are divided into several broad categories, including:

• Deck and Ordnance: Roles in this category involve working on deck, handling weapons, and participating in maritime law enforcement.
• Operations and Aviation: This category includes ratings related to aviation, such as pilots and aircrew, as well as those involved in operational aspects like communications and command.
• Engineering and Hull: Enlisted personnel in this category work on the mechanical and engineering aspects of Coast Guard vessels and facilities.
• Administrative and Scientific: Roles here encompass administrative support, legal services, and various scientific and technical specialties.

Coast Guard MOS List Overview

Given the broad range of missions and responsibilities within the Coast Guard, the list of MOS (or ratings) is extensive and varied. Here are some examples of Coast Guard ratings, grouped by category:

Deck and Ordnance

• Boatswain’s Mate (BM): Involved in deck maintenance, navigation, and supervising deck crew.
• Gunner’s Mate (GM): Responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of guns and other ordnance equipment.
• Port Security Specialist (PS): Focuses on maritime law enforcement, anti-terrorism, and force protection.

Operations and Aviation

• Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT): Performs maintenance on aircraft engines, propellers, and associated systems.
• Aviation Survival Technician (AST): Trained in aircrew survival techniques, including rescue operations.
• Operations Specialist (OS): Responsible for radar, communications, and plotting during operational missions.

Engineering and Hull

• Electrician’s Mate (EM): Installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems on Coast Guard vessels and facilities.
• Machinery Technician (MK): Works on the maintenance and repair of engines, pumps, and other mechanical equipment.
• Hull Maintenance Technician (DC): Involved in welding, metal fabrication, and the repair of ship hulls and structures.

Administrative and Scientific

• Yeoman (YN): Performs administrative and clerical duties, including personnel management and record-keeping.
• Storekeeper (SK): Manages supply and logistics operations.
• Health Services Technician (HS): Provides medical care and services to Coast Guard personnel and their families.

Choosing a Coast Guard MOS

For those considering a career in the Coast Guard, selecting the right MOS is crucial. It involves assessing one’s skills, interests, and aptitudes to find the best fit among the available ratings. The process typically starts with the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, which helps determine an individual’s eligibility for different roles. Additionally, consulting with recruiters and conducting thorough research on each rating can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and requirements of each job.

📝 Note: The specific requirements and availability of certain MOS can vary, and the Coast Guard regularly updates its list of ratings and specialties to adapt to changing needs and technologies.

Education and Training

Once a rating is chosen, enlisted personnel undergo specialized training at Coast Guard “A” schools, which are designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for their specific role. This training can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the rating. Continuous education and professional development are also emphasized throughout a Coast Guard career, with opportunities for advancement and further specialization.

Advancement Opportunities

The Coast Guard offers numerous pathways for advancement, both within a rating and through cross-rating to other specialties. Advancement is based on performance, time in service, and the needs of the Coast Guard. Enlisted personnel can advance through the ranks from Seaman Recruit to Master Chief Petty Officer, with increasing responsibilities and leadership roles. The Coast Guard also offers programs for enlisted personnel to become officers, such as the Officer Candidate School (OCS) and the Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) program.

Career and Lifestyle

A career in the Coast Guard is not only about the job itself but also about the lifestyle it entails. Coast Guard personnel and their families can experience a unique blend of adventure, service, and camaraderie. With bases and units located throughout the United States and abroad, service members may have opportunities to live and work in various parts of the country and world. The Coast Guard also emphasizes family support and offers a range of benefits, including education assistance, healthcare, and housing support.

In the end, a career in the Coast Guard, regardless of the chosen MOS, is about serving a critical role in protecting the United States, its interests, and its people, while also being part of a tradition of honor, respect, and devotion to duty. Whether on the front lines of maritime law enforcement, in the midst of a search and rescue operation, or supporting the mission from behind the scenes, every Coast Guard service member plays a vital part in the success of the organization.