Expert: Rod Powers - 12/29/2007

Question
Hello, im a Junior in College and am considering joining the USCG..I was interested in The Blue 21 Program which is becoming a Pilot..I read you go through OCS first and then upon graduating you are sent to Florida for Flight training..My question is it really that easy just to get sent there (florida) after OCS or is there a catch?? What would you suggest to best prepare for BLUE 21..I dont know anything about flying or Aviation..And when you go into OCS is there a way to specificially go there for Pilots or is it chance?? If you can please guide me through the steps to becoming a Pilot for the USCG..and one last question??? Do you know the Salary the USCG Piltos receive in 2007 or 2006??

Answer
Hi Matt,

The Coast Guard's "Blue21" Program is very competitive, and has very specific qualification criteria.

The program is rather new. Previously, the only way to become a Coast Guard aviator was to be a Military pilot in another Military branch, first. A couple of years ago, the Coast Guard began a number of commissioning initiatives to allow "diverse" members to get commissions in the Coast Guard. The Blue21 Program is one of those initiatives.

First and foremost, you must have attended an institution that has at least a 25 percent minority population. If you don't attend such an institutation, you're not eligible for the program.

In addition to the above, you must first be eligible for Coast Guard OCS.

You must be between the ages of 21 and 31 at the time of selection.

You must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

You must have a bachelor's degree from an approved institution with a minimum 25 percent U.S. Minority population in any aviation, aeronautical, or aerospace specific program, engineering-related program, computer-related program, technical or technology related program (no degrees is "basket-weaving" allowed in this program -- "technical degrees" only).

If you don't have such a "technical degree," then you must have a pilot's license or prior military flight experience, in conunction with a bachelor's degree from an approved institution with a minimum 25 percent U.S. minority population in any discipline.

You have to pass a Flight Class I flying physical, and you must score at least a "4" on the Navy and Marine Corps Aviation Test Selection Battery. You must also score a minimum of 1100 on the SATI, or a 23 on the ACT, or 109 on the ASVAB "GT" composite score.

In other words, it's not a "sure thing," nor easy to qualify for.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com