Is it hard to get into the Coast Guard?

[Chris Y]

I recently tried to talk to a Coast Guard recruiter on the phone, and he was pretty abrubt and it seemed like he just blew me off, saying they had too many applicants already or something. I get decent grades in school, and have taken sample ASVABs (or whatever it's called) and scored very well. Are there just some special requirments to get into Coast Guard, or did the recruiter just assume I was another slack-jawed idiot that didn't have a chance in hell?

[Julie M]

Yes. it's hard
as someone who worked in a recruiting office, i can tell you that CG recruiters don't even go out hunting for applicants. we turned away 99% of the people who walked through our doors. here's what i did in order to make sure me getting accepted was a sure thing-
1- letters of recommendation from my managers at prev. jobs.
2-good family friend was an admiral, had a letter sent from him
3-dad, e-7 in airforce, wrote up a letter
4- letters from all the places onbase where i volunteer my time

in short, you have to prove that you want and deserve this more than anyone else. they need to see fire. no recruiter is going to hire someone they wouldn't want to serve with.

[Ash]

if youve seen the movie guardian and if that movie has any truth to it you better beleive its hard but seriously idk

[andrew c]

Not if you're dedicated, obviously a good level of physical fittness is helpful, and a knowledge of whats involved in the job (helps with any job application - cause although people forget, thats what this is) If your scoring well in the entry tests you've got the knowledge, so as long as your going pass the physical, get the application (what have you got to lose except a few kilos/pounds)