Expert: Rod Powers - 9/24/2009

Question
Dear Mr. Powers,

I am a female that is 28 years old and would like to consider a career in the USCG. I have no criminal record and my driving record is pretty impeccable.  I have no medical issues at all and will be able to pass the physical and exam.

I have a quick question about my credit.  I have a few accounts in collection and have recently entered into a debt management program.  I was wondering if the Coast Guard would look favorably on that.  In the program I will still have enough money left over to pay all of my other expenses with some cash left over.  

Also, I am just one year over the age limit but a friend of mine said they were looking for women to enlist and I have a desire to do something good for my country.

Thank you,
Claire

Answer
Hi Claire,

The Air Force and the Coast Guard are the only services that do a credit check of pretty much everyone who enlists, but it's generally not a problem, as long as there are no debts which are currently "in collection."

The maximum age for non-prior service enlistment in the active duty Coast Guard is age 27 (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/enlage.htm).

I have to disagree with what your friend said. The active duty services rarely waive the age requirements for non-prior service enlistments. You may have to consider another active duty service, or the Coast Guard Reserves.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my military information website at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com