Hey guys, I'm a bit confused about something. I've always thought of the Coast Guard as a distinct entity separate from the other military branches. But I've been hearing conflicting things. Is the Coast Guard considered a branch of the military? Would love to get some clarification on this.
Absolutely, happy to clarify for you! The U.S. Coast Guard is indeed considered one of the six branches of the U.S. military. It was established as a standalone branch and has a unique mission compared with the other branches.
Unlike the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force which serve under the Department of Defense during times of peace, the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security. However, during times of war or at the direction of the President, the Coast Guard can be transferred to operate under the Department of Defense.
Some key functions of the Coast Guard include maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, and search and rescue operations, particularly within U.S. waters. Despite these differences, being part of the Coast Guard does provide many similar benefits and opportunities as serving in any other military branch, such as education benefits, pension plans, and qualifications that are valued by many employers.
I hope this clears up any confusion for you!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.