How long is basic training for the Coast Guard?

Week One

Week one mostly consists of in-processing for recruits, including medical and dental checkups, and a fitness test. Week one also includes introductions to the recruits' Company Commanders (CCs). These are the primary supervisors in charge of the training of the Coast Guard.

Week two

Week two includes early morning workouts and exercise routines, a swim assessment test, and conditioning to adjust to the training life of Coast Guard recruits. Company Mentors are also introduced to the recruits. Company Mentors also engage with recruits throughout their training to try and determine the best fit for them in the Coast Guard.

Week three

Week three focuses on drills, which are exercises and practices that help recruits work together as a team or unit. Essential information also covered in this week includes types and parts of a line, deck seamanship, and different kinds of knots or rope ties.

Week four

Week four sees recruits participating in a somewhat brutal physical fitness test. Recruits will also be mentally challenged by having to take their mid-term examination. Week four also has these components:

• Learning about various different careers in the coast Guard

• Going over pay and allowances in the coast Guard

• Career planning

• Recruits receive their assignments

Week four is the midpoint in Coast Guard training.

Week five

Drill rehearsal is the primary focus of week five as recruits prepare for their graduation. They also receive dress uniforms this week, as well as provide the assistance needed for the graduating class of that particular week.

Week six

Week six has a focus on firearms training for Coast Guard recruits. This sees them learn how to safely handle and properly fire a weapon. Lots of classroom time and time at the gun range occur during this week, and those events are also broken up by a pugil stick battle. This helps recruits learn how to fight with a rifle in a safe environment.

Week seven

Week seven is one week away from graduation week. It is a comprehensive week that makes sure that recruits are ready in every facet to execute their jobs in the Coast Guard. It also includes the final examination process which determines whether or not recruits are able to graduate. At the end of the week, recruits turn in their gear and start prepping for graduation.

Week eight

Week eight is graduation week. On Friday of this week recruits will graduate and become United States Coast Guardsman.