The Coast Guard has the highest AFQT minimum of any branch — 40 — reflecting its demand for high-quality, technically capable service members who protect America's waterways, ports, and maritime borders.
40
Minimum AFQT
Highest Minimum AFQT of Any U.S. Military Branch
While the Army requires a 31 and the Navy a 35, the Coast Guard holds firm at 40. This reflects the branch's need for technically capable members who can handle complex maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and port security missions with limited supervision.
The Coast Guard uses composite ASVAB scores to qualify enlisted members for specific ratings.
| Rating | Title | Score Req. | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT | Information Systems Technician | VE+MK 109+ | Network/comms for the entire fleet |
| HS | Health Services Technician | VE+MK 108+ | Medical care across all stations |
| IS | Intelligence Specialist | VE+AR 108+ | Maritime intelligence, threat analysis |
| AET | Aviation Electrical Technician | AR+MK+EI 162+ | Avionics on Coast Guard helicopters |
| MST | Marine Science Technician | VE+MK 105+ | Port safety, environmental response |
Information Systems Technician
Network/comms for the entire fleet
Health Services Technician
Medical care across all stations
Intelligence Specialist
Maritime intelligence, threat analysis
Aviation Electrical Technician
Avionics on Coast Guard helicopters
Marine Science Technician
Port safety, environmental response
No Congressional Nomination Required — Pure Merit
The United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT is the only federal service academy that admits cadets based purely on merit. Unlike West Point, Annapolis, or Colorado Springs, no congressional nomination is required. Selection is based entirely on academic achievement, leadership, and physical fitness — making it one of the most fair and competitive admissions processes among service academies.
Three routes to earning your commission in the United States Coast Guard.
USCGA
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
New London, CT
Merit-only admission — no congressional nomination required
Coast Guard OCS
Officer Candidate School
New London, CT
17-week commissioning program for college graduates
Direct Commission
Direct Commission Programs
Various locations
For licensed professionals: law, medicine, aviation
Score 40+ on the AFQT and unlock the most selective branch in the U.S. military.