Navy to Coast Guard?

Is it possible to cross commission to the coast guard? I never really looked into the Coast Guard missions until now and I feel like I connect to them. Is this possible to do?

Possible, yes. Likely, no. There are only 1 or 2 cross commissions each year if any. It does not happen often, and they need a good reason to do it. I would not recommend going to USNA if you want to join the Coast Guard. If you want to join the Coast Guard apply to the USCGA.

I was at CGA from 2002-2006. I know of only one cross-commission, a USNA class of 2004 grad (she had also been an exchange student from USNA at USCGA). After graduating from USNA she did have to attend a director commission course to teach her specifically about the Coast Guard.

I think one or two have happened since, but it's pretty rare, one because the Navy paid for the training, why give that investment up, and two because the Coast Guard trained the folks it wanted to become officers.

Every year, there are just a few who cross commission. There must be a good reason and there must be someone from the other service who wants to commission as a Navy Ensign. I know of a USNA grad who could not medically qualify as a Navy pilot but she was able to meet the Air Force med requirements.

Now an interesting USNA/Coast Guard stat is that CG pilots rain with USNA pilots at Pensacola and Milton, Fl. The Coasties only leave after they get their wings then they go off te CG finishing school in Mobile. Al. In fact, one of the training squadrons at Milton is commanded by a CG Commander.

Many Navy help pilots have told me they wish they had gone CG because they like the mission of the CG help pilots so much more than Navy helo pilots.

I know of 2 Marine Majors who were Blackhawk pilots who transferred to CG in 2014, although they had to step down one rank to Captain. I may be using the wrong term for the 'transfer' but that is what happened.

New BGO said:

I know of 2 Marine Majors who were Blackhawk pilots who transferred to CG in 2014, although they had to step down one rank to Captain. I may be using the wrong term for the 'transfer' but that is what happened.

Click to expand...

They're called DCAs or Direct Commission Aviators. The step down would be to lieutenant in the Coast Guard from major in the Marine Corps, a step down to captain in the Coast Guard would be from rear admiral.

I've seen more drastic drops though, from O-4 to O-2 to fly with the Coast Guard.