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Making a Difference (02:51)

After attending college, Seaman Recruit Annie Nguyen realized that she might prefer serving in the Coast Guard.

After attending college, Seaman Recruit Annie Nguyen realized that she might prefer serving her country, and the Coast Guard offered the kind of job experiences she wanted.

The Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and under the Navy during wartime. Not only are they responsible for protecting the nation’s waterways, but they also assist with search and rescue, antiterrorism operations, law enforcement, drug busts and environmental cleanup.

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Related Items: Enlisting

Taking the ASVAB

An Army National Guard recruit takes the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).

Army National Guard
Joining
Enlisted

The Air National Guard Student Flight Program (00:46)

Austin, a recruit in the Air National Guard, describes the role of the Military Training Instructor (MTI) in the Student Flight Program.

Air National Guard
Joining
Enlisted

MEPS: Security and Background Check (01:40)

All applicants undergo a background check and fingerprinting at MEPS. In addition, biometric scanning is now used to ensure the security of applicants and their personal information.

All Services
Joining
Enlisted

Recruits Brace for Boot Camp (02:55)

Before heading off to boot camp, Seaman Recruit Heather Bevel and Seaman Recruit Carey North discuss their reasons for joining the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard Reserve, Coast Guard
Joining
Enlisted

Proud and Patriotic

Army Reserve Soldiers stand in front of the United States Capitol Building.

Army Reserve
Joining
Enlisted

MEPS: Oath of Enlistment (02:18)

The Oath of Enlistment is the final stage of the MEPS process, when applicants officially become members of the U.S. Military.

Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Army, Marine Corps Reserve, Marine Corps, Navy Reserve, Navy, Air Force Reserve, Air Force, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve
Joining
Enlisted