How can I find a Coast Guard recruiter in Tampa. What are the steps to join the Coast Guard. What qualifications are needed to enlist in the USCG. Where are Coast Guard recruiting offices located in Florida.
Overview of the United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is one of the five armed forces of the United States and the only military organization within the Department of Homeland Security. As a multi-mission service, the Coast Guard is unique in its ability to conduct law enforcement, humanitarian, regulatory, and military operations.
Founded in 1790, the Coast Guard has a rich history of serving the nation both in times of peace and war. Its primary roles include maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in U.S. ports and waterways, along more than 95,000 miles of coastline, and in international waters.
Core Missions of the Coast Guard
- Maritime Law Enforcement
- Maritime Safety
- Maritime Security
- Maritime Environmental Protection
- Maritime Transportation System Management
- Defense Readiness
The Coast Guard’s motto, “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready), reflects its commitment to being prepared for any situation at sea or on shore.
Joining the Coast Guard: Requirements and Process
Joining the Coast Guard can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in serving their country while working in a maritime environment. To become a Coast Guard member, there are several requirements and steps to follow.
Basic Enlistment Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
- Be between 17-35 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Pass a military entrance medical exam
- Have no more than three dependents
- Meet height and weight standards
- Have no felony convictions
Do you need to know how to swim to join the Coast Guard? While swimming ability is not a requirement for enlistment, all recruits must pass a swim test during basic training. Those who struggle with swimming will receive additional instruction to help them meet the required standards.
Enlistment Process
- Contact a Coast Guard recruiter
- Take the ASVAB test
- Pass the medical examination
- Select a job and enlistment date
- Take the Oath of Enlistment
- Attend basic training at Cape May, New Jersey
Is there a height requirement for the Coast Guard? Yes, the Coast Guard has minimum and maximum height requirements. Generally, applicants must be between 5’4″ and 6’8″ tall. However, waivers may be granted in some cases for those outside this range.
Coast Guard Recruiting in Tampa, Florida
For those interested in joining the Coast Guard in the Tampa area, there are several resources available to help you start your journey.
Tampa Bay Coast Guard Recruiting Office
The primary Coast Guard recruiting office serving the Tampa Bay area is located at:
Tampa Bay Coast Guard Recruiting Office
Phone: (727) 579-3849
This office covers a wide area, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and surrounding communities.
Additional Florida Coast Guard Recruiting Offices
- Orlando – (407) 352-3897
- Jacksonville – (904) 232-1561, (904) 232-2702, (904) 232-2575
- Miami North Hollywood – (954) 961-1812
Can I visit a Coast Guard recruiting office without an appointment? While walk-ins are often welcome, it’s best to call ahead and schedule an appointment with a recruiter. This ensures that someone will be available to meet with you and answer your questions.
Career Opportunities in the Coast Guard
The Coast Guard offers a wide range of career opportunities for both enlisted members and officers. These careers span various fields, including maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, engineering, aviation, and more.
Enlisted Career Paths
- Boatswain’s Mate
- Maritime Enforcement Specialist
- Aviation Survival Technician
- Electronics Technician
- Health Services Technician
- Information Systems Technician
- Marine Science Technician
- Operations Specialist
Officer Career Paths
- Deck and Operations
- Engineering and Naval Architecture
- Aviation
- Legal
- Cyber and Intelligence
- Medical and Healthcare
How long is the initial enlistment period for the Coast Guard? The standard initial enlistment period for the Coast Guard is four years of active duty. However, some specialized programs may require longer commitments.
Coast Guard Basic Training
All new Coast Guard recruits must complete basic training, also known as boot camp, at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey. This rigorous 8-week program is designed to transform civilians into Coast Guard members, both physically and mentally.
What to Expect at Basic Training
- Physical fitness training
- Military drill and ceremonies
- Seamanship and boat handling
- Water survival and swimming
- Marksmanship training
- Coast Guard history and traditions
- Basic firefighting and damage control
- First aid and CPR
How physically demanding is Coast Guard basic training? Basic training is designed to be challenging, both physically and mentally. Recruits engage in daily physical fitness routines, including running, calisthenics, and swimming. The program gradually increases in intensity to help recruits build strength and endurance.
Benefits of Joining the Coast Guard
Joining the Coast Guard offers numerous benefits, both during service and after. These benefits are designed to support Coast Guard members and their families, as well as provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.
During Service Benefits
- Competitive salary and allowances
- Free healthcare and dental care
- 30 days of paid vacation annually
- Housing allowance or provided housing
- Education benefits, including tuition assistance
- Technical training and skill development
- Leadership opportunities
- Travel opportunities
Post-Service Benefits
- GI Bill education benefits
- Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan eligibility
- Veterans’ preference in federal hiring
- Access to VA healthcare services
- Retirement benefits after 20 years of service
Does the Coast Guard offer student loan repayment programs? Yes, the Coast Guard offers student loan repayment programs for both enlisted members and officers. These programs can help pay off existing student loans in exchange for a service commitment.
Coast Guard Reserve and Auxiliary
For those who want to serve in the Coast Guard but may not be able to commit to full-time active duty, there are two alternative options: the Coast Guard Reserve and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Coast Guard Reserve
The Coast Guard Reserve is a part-time force that supports the active-duty Coast Guard in its missions. Reservists typically serve one weekend a month and two weeks a year, but can be called to active duty during times of need.
Benefits of joining the Coast Guard Reserve include:
- Part-time service with flexible schedules
- Training in valuable skills
- Educational benefits
- Retirement benefits
- Healthcare options
Coast Guard Auxiliary
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian volunteer arm of the Coast Guard. Auxiliarists support various Coast Guard missions, including boating safety education, vessel safety checks, and search and rescue support.
Benefits of joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary include:
- Opportunity to serve your community
- Training in boating safety and maritime skills
- Networking opportunities
- Personal satisfaction from volunteerism
Is there an age limit for joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary? Unlike the active-duty Coast Guard and Reserve, there is no upper age limit for joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Members must be at least 17 years old, but there is no maximum age restriction.
Preparing for a Coast Guard Career
If you’re considering a career in the Coast Guard, there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself and increase your chances of success.
Physical Preparation
- Develop a regular exercise routine focusing on cardio and strength training
- Practice swimming and treading water
- Work on your endurance for running and other physical activities
Mental Preparation
- Research Coast Guard missions and career opportunities
- Improve your study habits and academic performance
- Develop time management and organizational skills
- Practice stress management techniques
Practical Preparation
- Consider joining a high school or college ROTC program
- Participate in water-related activities or jobs
- Volunteer with local maritime or environmental organizations
- Attend Coast Guard recruitment events or information sessions
How can I improve my chances of being accepted into the Coast Guard? To improve your chances, focus on maintaining good physical fitness, achieving strong academic performance, avoiding legal troubles, and demonstrating leadership skills through extracurricular activities or community service.
Joining the Coast Guard can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Whether you’re interested in law enforcement, environmental protection, or maritime safety, the Coast Guard offers diverse career opportunities for those willing to serve. By understanding the requirements, preparing adequately, and connecting with a local recruiter, you can take the first steps towards a fulfilling career in the United States Coast Guard.
Tampa Recruiting Battalion
Tampa Recruiting Battalion
Skip to main content (Press Enter).
HomeAbout USARECBrigades & Battalions2nd Recruiting BrigadeTampa Recruiting Battalion
Welcome to the Tampa Recruiting Battalion
United States Army Recruiting Battalion Tampa will recruit and sustain a highly qualified all volunteer force that supports and defends the Constitution of the United States and the values of the American People.
Vision Statement
People Matter! Our Gator Family, consisting of Families, Civilians, Community Partners and disciplined Soldiers – is an adaptive network of values-based leaders who support the growth of the next “Greatest Generation,” while taking care of our most precious asset…People.
Tampa Battalion Objectives:
- Comprehensive Soldier Fitness: Foster an operating environment that is conducive to high morale, personal accountability, Soldier and Family wellness and epitomizes the Warrior Ethos and Army Values.
- Future Soldier Leadership: Execute a program beginning with the Army interview that strengthens FS commitment to the Army, yielding an accession rate > 91%, while decreasing Decline Enlistment Losses not to exceed 4%, and identifying losses > than 30 days prior to ship date.
- Recruit to Potential: Leaders analyze true market potential, develop plans, synchronize events, combat multipliers and asset utilization, then execute aggressively.
- School Recruiting Program: Exploit the market through targeted resource utilization and leverage programs to attain greater than 100% mission accomplishment!
- Community Partnership/Engagements: Engage Grassroots Advisory Boards, Community partners, Reserve Units and ROTC/JROTC to develop and maintain a robust network of COIs that continues to champion Army initiatives
Mailing Address:
ATTN: (Office & Name)
United States Army
Tampa Recruiting Battalion
3350 Buschwood Park Dr.
, Ste 140
Tampa, FL 33618-4447
Please forward any questions or comments to
Tampa Recruiting Battalion Webmaster
If you are interested in joining the Army, call 1-800-USA-ARMY,
ext. 181 or visit www.goarmy.com.
If you are interested in the Army Reserve, call 1-800-USA-ARMY,
ext. 182 or visit www.goarmyreserve.com
TAMPA RECRUITING BN COMPANIES
Our Companies
- Sarasota
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Central Florida
- St. Petersburg
Contact U.S. Army Tampa Recruiting Battalion
Contact Us
U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion – Tampa
3350 Buschwood Park Dr.
, Ste 140
Tampa, Fla 33618-4447
Battalion Headquarters
813-935-3398/3974
Executive Officer
813-935-3398/3974
A&PA
813-935-5657/915-8955
[email protected]
RT
813-930-0263
[email protected]
Soldier & Family Assistance
813-915-8417
[email protected]
Budget & Accounting
813-935-5838
IMO
813-935-7706
[email protected]
Ed Spec
813-935-5415
[email protected]
Facilities
813-930-0264
S-1
813-935-5365/933-5479
[email protected]
S-2
813-936-9602
3nbn-s2@usarec. army.mil
S-3
813-935-4587/4698/5577
[email protected]
S-4
813-935-5279
[email protected]
How to Locate a Coast Guard Recruiter Near Me
Use the list below to find a Coast Guard Recruiter near you.
Alabama
Montgomery – (334) 279-4880
Mobile – (251) 479-4526
Alaska
Anchorage – (907) 278-2447
Arizona
Phoenix – (602) 379-3834
Arkansas
N/A
California
San Francisco – (510) 769-8187
Los Angeles – (562) 864-1096
San Diego – (619) 226-8222, (619) 226-8231
Riverside – (909) 783-2772, (909) 783-2807
Fresno – (559) 221-6600, (559) 221-6680
Colorado
Denver – (303) 252-0919
Connecticut
Hartford – (860) 533-9409
Delaware
N/A
Florida
Miami North Hollywood – (954) 961-1812
Tampa Bay – (727) 579-3849
Orlando – (407) 352-3897
Jacksonville – (904) 232-1561, (904) 232-2702, (904) 232-2575
Georgia
Atlanta – (770) 671-9688
Savannah – (912) 447-0832
Hawaii
Honolulu – (808) 486-8677, (808) 487-1152
Idaho
Boise – (208) 376-7655
Illinois
Chicago – (773) 775-2451
Indiana
N/A
Iowa
N/A
Kansas
Kansas City – (816) 527-0441
Kentucky
Louisville – (502) 969-4006 x3929
Louisiana
New Orleans – (504) 472-4321
Maine
Portland – (207) 761-4307
Maryland
Baltimore – (410) 747-3963
D.
C. – (202) 543-8313
Massachusetts
Boston – (781) 338-9480
Michigan
Detroit – (248) 582-8364
Minnesota
N/A
Mississippi
N/A
Missouri
St Louis – (314) 521-3845
Kansas City – (816) 527-0441
Montana
N/A
Nebraska
N/A
Nevada
N/A
New Hampshire
N/A
New Jersey
Newark – (973) 674-2993
Atlantic City – (609) 484-8260
New Mexico
Albuquerque – (505) 883-5396
New York
New York City – (212) 514-4500
North Carolina
Raleigh – (919) 878-4303, (919) 878-4008
Wilmington – (910) 791-2884
Greensboro – (336) 294-6975
North Dakota
N/A
Ohio
Columbus – (614) 431-0270, (614) 431-0356
Cleveland – (216) 812-7093
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City – (405) 231-4483
Oregon
N/A
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia – (215) 632-0568
Puerto Rico
San Juan – (787) 782-0227
Aguadilla – (787) 890-8400
Rhode Island
Providence – (401) 421-1291
South Carolina
Charleston – (843) 766-7315
Columbia – (803) 736-7119
South Dakota
N/A
Tennessee
Memphis – (901) 624-4620, (901) 624-4732
Texas
Houston – (713) 641-3559
Dallas – (972) 506-3047
San Antonio – (210) 590-9760, (210) 590-9761, (210) 590-9762
Corpus Christi – (361) 993-6977
Utah
N/A
Vermont
N/A
Virginia
Richmond – (804) 771-8635
Potomac Mills – (703) 490-5021
Hampton Roads – (757) 312-0514
Washington
SEATAC – (425) 203-3058
Vancouver – (360) 699-1047
West Virginia
N/A
Wisconsin
N/A
Wyoming
N/A
If you have any further questions about recruiting, contact them here.
