What are the Coast Guard Academy admissions health requirements?

I’m looking into the Coast Guard Academy, and I'm curious about the health requirements for admissions. Are there any specific physical tests or medical qualifications I need to know about before starting the application?

Yes, the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) indeed has specific health requirements. Being a service academy, it’s critical for candidates to pass a Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) medical examination. During this examination, they will assess your overall physical health, vision, hearing, and medical history. Ian important note: if you have certain medical conditions, it may disqualify you for admission.

In addition to the DoDMERB medical exam, you’ll also need to pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), which is a test of your strength and endurance. The CFA consists of six events: basketball throw, pull-ups or the flexed-arm hang, shuttle run, crunches, push-ups, and a one-mile run. Performance on the CFA is used to further assess your ability to succeed at the Coast Guard Academy.

While preparing for the CFA, remember that your physical fitness is integral to your success at a service academy. Your result in the CFA can actually impact your application, so you should aim to be in good physical shape before taking the test.

It's also recommended that, prior to your application, you begin a conditioning regimen to prepare for Swab Summer, which is a rigorous seven-week training program that all incoming students must complete.

Remember that each component of these physical and health tests is crucial in determining your qualification for admission, so prepare yourself well. Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any new fitness regimes.