Does the Coast Guard Academy require a drug test?

I'm curious about the admission process for the Coast Guard Academy. Do applicants need to go through a drug test, and if so, what should I expect during this part of the process?

Yes, all applicants who are offered admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) must pass a drug screening test as part of the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) medical examination process. This is a standard procedure across all United States service academies and is in line with the zero-tolerance policy towards drug use in all branches of the military.

The drug test usually comes towards the end of the medical examination process. You'll typically provide a urine sample under supervision, which will be tested for a variety of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiates, among others.

If an applicant fails the drug test, their admission offer would likely be rescinded and they could face a ban from applying to any of the service academies in the future. So, it’s critical to remain drug-free throughout the application process and your time at the academy. If you're already a part of the academy, failing a drug test could lead to disciplinary actions, including potential expulsion.

Keep in mind that honesty is highly valued in the service academies. Therefore, during the application process, if you're asked about previous drug use, it's important to be honest. Depending on the circumstances, past use might not disqualify you from admission.

But remember, the best way to approach this is to remain drug-free, not just through the application process but throughout your potential career in the service.