HOW HARD IS IT TO PASS
COAST GUARD BOOT CAMP?
HOW HARD IS IT TO PASS
COAST GUARD BOOT CAMP?
Sometimes Also Asked As
What's The Coast Guard Boot Camp Attrition Rate?
Sometimes Also Asked As
What's The Coast Guard Boot Camp Attrition Rate?
Hard? Yes. Doable? Also, Yes.
First things first, the Coast Guard does a really good job of screening recruits before they send anyone to the Cape May Training Center. This means that if you find yourself to be one of the privileged few to make it onto the bus that drops you off at TRACEN Cape May, then chances are you have a good shot at passing Coast Guard Basic Training. Your recruiter wouldn't have reserved that seat for you if he or she didn't think you have what it takes to make it through the rigors of Coast Guard Boot Camp.
This means it's doable, but it's not going to be easy at all.
Tough Talk But The Reality Is Different
I've talked about this elsewhere on this website, but one thing that you should keep in mind when going to Coast Guard Boot Camp is that as difficult or challenging as it will be at times, the goal of your Company Commanders is to see everyone graduate. They talk tough as you see in the quote above, but at the end of the day, if you have potential, then they will do their best to make the most of that potential. This means that even if you are struggling, you will get second and third chances.
Now don't get it twisted, those second or third chances aren't going to be given to you for free. You will have to pay with lots of sweat, sleep deprivation, mind games and in some cases, Scarlet Letter treatment if you get sent to RAMP. However, as long as you continue to try, there's a good shot you will push through and be allowed to graduate. It may not be with your original company, but another one that started after you got to Cape May. It really depends on how much you struggle.
At the end of the day though, always keep in mind that the TRACEN Cape May personnel want to see you graduate. That's their goal. Make it your goal too and you'll be good.
Don't Get It Twisted
As was said above, even if you're struggling, but trying and giving it your all, then you will likely pass. However, this is not guaranteed.
Far from it in fact.
That quote from Petty Officer 2nd Class Reilly Burrus in the previous section came from an article that also contained the gem below:
There you have it. You have about a 20% chance of not making it to graduation. So if you're asking yourself "how hard is it to pass Coast Guard Boot Camp?", there is your answer. It's hard enough that one fifth of people don't pass.
What Do You Have To Do To Pass USCG Basic Training?
In order to pass Coast Guard Boot Camp, you must be able to do the following:
1) Demonstrate the Coast Guard Core Values: Honor, Respect, Devotion to Duty
2) Demonstrate the ability to behave, speak, move, act, etc in a military fashion
3) Demonstrate the ability to function as part of a unit and contribute to that unit
4) Demonstrate retention of many different classroom and practical skills including putting out fires, tying certain kinds of knots, USCG history, and more.
5) Demonstrate a minimum physical fitness aptitude, as well as the ability to swim and tread water
6) Demonstrate that you are able to follow orders and obey your chain of command
7) Demonstrate that you understand foundational required knowledge like the 11 general orders of a sentry, rates and ranks, and the current chain of command.
The above list isn't everything, but it's a solid example of many of the things that will be expected of you at Coast Guard Basic Training.
How Do I Get Ready For USCG Basic Training?
If you've landed on this website, then this is a good place to start.
Your Helmsman is an even better place to start. Learn what's in there and then come back here – or do both at the same time. Read the articles that are on this site. They cover a wide range of topics that go over both physical preparation for Coast Guard Boot Camp and mental preparation for Coast Guard Boot Camp.
When you have a good understanding of all that and you're ready to unlock some next level knowledge that will really give you an edge up. then get a copy of the Coast Guard Boot Camp Survival Guide. After that, fill out a fitness success request form and I'll send you a copy of a fitness success program that will be catered to your fitness level.
If you follow the fitness success program and learn everything that's on this site, in the Helmsman and in the Coast Guard Boot Camp Survival Guide, then you will exponentially increase your chances of passing Coast Guard Boot Camp.
Please note that although I've done my best to provide the most accurate answer possible to this question, I cannot fully guarantee its accuracy because at any given moment, some aspect of Coast Guard Boot Camp or the Coast Guard in general could change. For this reason, please remember that the most up-to-date, accurate information will come from a Coast Guard recruiter and / or other official USCG personnel. Always listen to what they have to say over what you find on any website, including this one.
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