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Boating
by Metro Creative
U.S. Coast Guard serves a unique role
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The United States Coast Guard is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected federal agencies. It was established in 1790 and continues to serve a dual role both domestically and internationally.
The U.S. Coast Guard is comprised of roughly 42,000 men and women. Unlike other branches of the government, the Coast Guard has distinct roles during times of peace and war. In times of peace, the Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security, which also oversees the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. The Coast Guard protects marine environments, enforces laws at sea, helps guard the coastline, and engages in life-saving missions at sea. During conflicts and time of war, the United States President can direct the Coast Guard to serve as part of the U.S. Navy, defending the nation against terrorism and foreign threats at sea. The Coast Guard technically is both a federal law enforcement agency and a branch of the military.
The Coast Guard is often the first responder on the ocean or other waterways. The Coast Guard protects the water and coastline through 11 official missions. These include: 1. Search and rescue 2. Marine environmental protection 3. Drug interdiction 4. Aids to navigation 5. Living marine resources
6. Defense readiness 7. Port and waterway security 8. Migrant interdiction 9. Marine safety 10. Ice operations 11. Law enforcement
The service motto of the Coast Guard is “Semper Paratus (Always Ready),” and members of the USCG are on duty in many different capacities every day of the year.
The U.S. Coast Guard is always looking for new recruits. A person can enlist in the Coast Guard right out of high school or apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree as well as an officer’s commission. That can result in higher pay and greater responsibility over time. Learn more about the United States Coast Guard at www.uscg. mil.
