coast guard required knowledge
Coast Guard boot camp required knowledge: Cape May and START, core values, motto and Ethos, missions and law, principles of operations, history and uniform insignia. Built from CG Pub 1 (Feb 2014), Uniform Regulations M1020.6K (Jul 2020), Title 14 and 6 U.S.C. as amended in December 2025, and Coast Guard history and recruiting pages. Where older study guides teach an earlier rule or wording, both are given.
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01Where is the Coast Guard's only enlisted basic training (boot camp) held?
Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, New Jersey. It is the Coast Guard's only enlisted accession point and recruit training center.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“it is our nation's only Coast Guard enlisted accession point and recruit training center”
— Training Center Cape May, Recruit Training page (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗02How long is Coast Guard recruit basic training?
Eight weeks. New classes start most weeks.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Recruit basic training is an eight-week course of instruction with new classes starting most weeks.”
— GoCoastGuard.com, Basic Training (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗03What guide does the Coast Guard tell recruits to study closely before arriving at boot camp?
The Helmsman. GoCoastGuard calls it the recruit's guide for success at boot camp.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“closely study The Helmsman, your guide for success at boot camp.”
— GoCoastGuard.com, Basic Training (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗04Who serves as a Coast Guard recruit's instructors, leaders and coaches at boot camp?
Company commanders. Recruits meet them during the first week of training.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“meet your company commanders, who will be your instructors, leaders, and coaches”
— GoCoastGuard.com, Basic Training (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗05A recruit's family wants to mail a care package to Cape May. What does the Coast Guard allow?
Letters only. Recruits can receive letters, but not care packages.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“As a recruit, you will be able to receive letters, but no care packages.”
— GoCoastGuard.com, Basic Training (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗06When can Coast Guard recruits earn liberty during basic training?
Only in the last weeks of training. It is limited on-base or in-town liberty (time off).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Recruits can earn limited on-base or in-town liberty (time off) in the last weeks of training.”
— GoCoastGuard.com, Basic Training (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗07Which of the following are hands-on training topics at Coast Guard boot camp: firearms, seamanship, firefighting, damage control and first aid, or only classroom subjects?
Firearms, seamanship, firefighting, damage control and first aid are all hands-on topics. Classroom work covers subjects such as military justice, ethics and Coast Guard history.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“In class, you’ll learn everything from military justice to ethics and Coast Guard history.”
— GoCoastGuard.com, Basic Training (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗08When during boot camp does a recruit list preferences for a first assignment, and when do orders arrive?
About halfway through training. The first assignment orders come about a week later.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“About halfway through training, you'll order your preferences from available assignments at different locations and unit types. You’ll receive your first assignment orders about a week later.”
— GoCoastGuard.com, Basic Training (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗09What is a new Coast Guard member's first assignment after boot camp?
Unspecialized seaman or fireman. Members then put their names on the list for advanced specialty training.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Your first Coast Guard assignment will be as an unspecialized seaman or fireman.”
— GoCoastGuard.com, Basic Training (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗10What is the START program, and where is it held?
Sentinel Transformation & Readiness Training, a five-day course at Training Center Yorktown, Virginia. All active duty members attend it after boot camp graduation.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Sentinel Transformation & Readiness Training (START) Program is a specialized five-day training course held at TRACEN Yorktown, VA”
— Training Center Cape May, Recruit Training page (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗11Which new Coast Guard members do NOT attend the START program after graduating from Cape May?
Reservists and CSPI recruits. All active duty members attend START at TRACEN Yorktown.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“After graduation from basic training, all Active Duty members will attend the START Program at TRACEN Yorktown, VA. Reservists and CSPI recruits will not attend.”
— Training Center Cape May, Recruit Training page (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗12About how many recruits arrive at Training Center Cape May each year?
More than 4,000. Cape May calls itself the home of the Coast Guard's enlisted corps.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“More than 4,000 of America's finest young men and women arrive each year”
— Training Center Cape May, Recruit Training page (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗13A caller asks Training Center Cape May for an update on a recruit's status. What is the rule?
No one at Cape May may release information about a recruit or their status without the recruit's written permission.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“No person at Training Center Cape May (TCCM) is permitted to release information about a recruit or their status without written permission from that recruit.”
— Training Center Cape May, Recruit Training page (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗14After graduation from Cape May, how far may a graduate travel on local leave?
Within 100 miles of Cape May. Local leave runs from noon on graduation Friday to 8:00 PM Saturday, and graduates may stay on base instead.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“They will have the option to remain on base if they so choose”
— Training Center Cape May, Recruit Training page (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗15What are the Coast Guard's core values?
Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“What are the Coast Guard's "Core Values"? Honor, Respect & Devotion to Duty”
— history.uscg.mil, Coast Guard Historian's Office Frequently Asked Questions (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗16Which of the following is the Coast Guard's set of core values: Honor, Courage, Commitment; Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do; or Honor, Respect, Devotion to Duty?
Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty. Honor, Courage, Commitment belongs to the Navy and Marine Corps, and Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do belongs to the Air Force.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Coast Guard Core Values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty”
— Kelly, Charting Progress: The Assessment of Core Values in the U.S. Coast Guard (JSCOPE, January 1999), p. 2 ↗17Which Coast Guard core value begins "Integrity is our standard"?
Honor. It calls for uncompromising ethical conduct and moral behavior, and loyalty and accountability to the public trust.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Integrity is our standard. We demonstrate uncompromising ethical conduct and moral behavior in all of our personal and organizational actions. We are loyal and accountable to the public trust.”
— GoCoastGuard.com, Core Values (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗18Which Coast Guard core value includes "We value our diverse workforce" and "We work as a team"?
Respect. It says members treat each other and those they serve with fairness, dignity, respect and compassion.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“We value our diverse workforce. We treat each other and those we serve with fairness, dignity, respect, and compassion. We encourage individual opportunity and growth. We encourage creativity through empowerment. We work as a team.”
— GoCoastGuard.com, Core Values (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗19Which Coast Guard core value says "We exist to serve. We serve with pride"?
Devotion to Duty. It describes professionals, military and civilian, who seek responsibility and accept accountability.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Devotion to Duty We are professionals, military and civilian, who seek responsibility, accept accountability, and are committed to the successful achievement of our organizational goals. We exist to serve. We serve with pride.”
— GoCoastGuard.com, Core Values (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗20When were the Coast Guard core values officially promulgated, and which Commandant approved them?
April 1994, approved by Admiral Robert Kramek. They grew out of a March 1993 review of the leadership program.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“During March, 1993, those engaged in Coast Guard leadership development activities met to evaluate the Service’s Leadership Program.”
— history.uscg.mil, Coast Guard Historian's Office Frequently Asked Questions (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗21Older study guides quote the Respect core value as "We treat each other with fairness, dignity, and compassion." How does the current wording differ?
The current wording adds "and those we serve" and "respect": we treat each other and those we serve with fairness, dignity, respect, and compassion. The Honor value also now reads "personal and organizational actions" instead of "personal actions". Give the older wording only if the course material uses it.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“We demonstrate uncompromising ethical conduct and moral behavior in all of our personal actions.”
— history.uscg.mil, Coast Guard Historian's Office Frequently Asked Questions (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗22What is the Coast Guard motto, and what does it mean?
Semper Paratus, meaning Always Ready. CG Pub 1 says the Service built its reputation on being Always Ready to meet any maritime challenge.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Guard motto, “Semper Paratus. ” The Service has built its reputation on being “ Always Ready” to meet any maritime challenge”
— CG Pub 1, Doctrine for the U.S. Coast Guard (February 2014), p. 69 ↗23What is the first line of the Coast Guard Ethos?
I am a Coast Guardsman. The next line is I serve the people of the United States.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“I AM A COAST GUARDSMAN. I SERVE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.”
— CG Pub 1, Doctrine for the U.S. Coast Guard (February 2014), p. 70 ↗24Complete the Coast Guard Ethos: "I will protect them. I will defend them. I will save them. ..."
I am their shield. For them I am Semper Paratus. I live the Coast Guard core values.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“I WILL PROTECT THEM. I WILL DEFEND THEM. I WILL SAVE THEM. I AM THEIR SHIELD. FOR THEM I AM SEMPER PARATUS. I LIVE THE COAST GUARD CORE VALUES.”
— CG Pub 1, Doctrine for the U.S. Coast Guard (February 2014), p. 70 ↗25How does the Coast Guard Ethos end?
I am proud to be a Coast Guardsman. We are the United States Coast Guard.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“I AM PROUD TO BE A COAST GUARDSMAN. WE ARE THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD.”
— CG Pub 1, Doctrine for the U.S. Coast Guard (February 2014), p. 10 ↗26According to CG Pub 1, what is an ethos, and what does the Coast Guard Ethos distinguish the Service as?
An ethos describes the character of a community or people. The Coast Guard Ethos marks the Service as both a military and a humanitarian organization.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Coast Guard Ethos distinguishes us as both a military and humanitarian organization.”
— CG Pub 1, Doctrine for the U.S. Coast Guard (February 2014), p. 69 ↗27According to CG Pub 1, the Coast Guard's mission is to ensure what three things for the Nation's waters?
Safety, security and stewardship. The Service protects those on the sea, protects the Nation against threats delivered by sea, and protects the sea itself.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“our mission has been to ensure the safety, security, and stewardship of the Nation’s waters. We protect those on the sea, protect the Nation against threats delivered by sea, and protect the sea itself.”
— CG Pub 1, Doctrine for the U.S. Coast Guard (February 2014), p. 13 ↗28What are the seven Principles of Coast Guard Operations in CG Pub 1?
Clear Objective, Effective Presence, Unity of Effort, On-Scene Initiative, Managed Risk, Flexibility and Restraint.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Principles of Coast Guard Operations • Clear Objective • Effective Presence • Unity of Effort • On-Scene Initiative • Managed Risk • Flexibility • Restraint”
— CG Pub 1, Doctrine for the U.S. Coast Guard (February 2014), p. 81 ↗29Which Principle of Coast Guard Operations means having the right assets and capabilities at the right place at the right time?
Effective Presence.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“effective presence means having the right assets and capabilities at the right place at the right time”
— CG Pub 1, Doctrine for the U.S. Coast Guard (February 2014), p. 82 ↗30A boarding officer on scene must act quickly within the scope of their authority without waiting for direction from higher up. Which Principle of Coast Guard Operations is this?
On-Scene Initiative. Front-line members get latitude to act quickly and decisively within their authority.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Principle of On-Scene Initiative The nature of our operations demands that Coast Guardsmen engaged in front-line operations be given latitude to act quickly and decisively within the scope of their authority, without waiting for direction from higher levels in the chain of command.”
— CG Pub 1, Doctrine for the U.S. Coast Guard (February 2014), p. 88 ↗31Which Principle of Coast Guard Operations reflects the need to use the Service's broad law enforcement authority prudently?
Restraint. Because Title 14 gives Coast Guard personnel an unusual level of law enforcement authority, they must use their powers prudently and with restraint.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“to exercise their powers prudently and with restraint. Section 89 of Title 14 U.S. Code confers on Coast Guard personnel an unparalleled level of law enforcement authority.”
— CG Pub 1, Doctrine for the U.S. Coast Guard (February 2014), p. 98 ↗32Is the Coast Guard a military service at all times?
Yes. By law it is a military service and a branch of the armed forces of the United States at all times.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Coast Guard, established January 28, 1915, shall be a military service and a branch of the armed forces of the United States at all times.”
— 14 U.S.C. 101, Cornell LII (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗33Under the current U.S. Code, what are the six non-homeland security missions of the Coast Guard?
Marine safety; search and rescue; aids to navigation; living marine resources (fisheries law enforcement); marine environmental protection; and ice operations. These are now in 14 U.S.C. 102 (moved from 6 U.S.C. 468 in December 2025).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“(A) Marine safety. (B) Search and rescue. (C) Aids to navigation. (D) Living marine resources (fisheries law enforcement). (E) Marine environmental protection. (F) Ice operations.”
— 14 U.S.C. 102, as amended by Pub. L. 119-60 (Dec. 18, 2025), Cornell LII (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗34Under the current U.S. Code, what are the five homeland security missions of the Coast Guard?
Ports, waterways and coastal security; drug interdiction; migrant interdiction; defense readiness; and other law enforcement.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“(A) Ports, waterways and coastal security. (B) Drug interdiction. (C) Migrant interdiction. (D) Defense readiness. (E) Other law enforcement.”
— 14 U.S.C. 102, as amended by Pub. L. 119-60 (Dec. 18, 2025), Cornell LII (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗35Which of the following is a non-homeland security mission of the Coast Guard: drug interdiction, migrant interdiction, defense readiness, or ice operations?
Ice operations. The other three are homeland security missions.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“(B) Drug interdiction. (C) Migrant interdiction. (D) Defense readiness.”
— 14 U.S.C. 102, as amended by Pub. L. 119-60 (Dec. 18, 2025), Cornell LII (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗36Which Coast Guard mission is also called fisheries law enforcement?
Living marine resources.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The term “non-homeland security missions” means the following missions of the Coast Guard: (A) Marine safety. (B) Search and rescue. (C) Aids to navigation. (D) Living marine resources (fisheries law enforcement).”
— 14 U.S.C. 102, as amended by Pub. L. 119-60 (Dec. 18, 2025), Cornell LII (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗37Many study guides say the Coast Guard's 11 statutory missions are listed in 6 U.S.C. 468 (Homeland Security Act section 888). Where are they now?
In 14 U.S.C. 102. The course answer is 6 U.S.C. 468(a); Pub. L. 119-60 (December 18, 2025) moved that list into Title 14, section 102. The 11 missions themselves did not change.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Pub. L. 119–60 designated existing provisions as subsec. (b), inserted heading, and transferred section 888(a) of Pub. L. 107–296 to this section”
— 14 U.S.C. 102, as amended by Pub. L. 119-60 (Dec. 18, 2025), Cornell LII (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗38Which of the following is one of the Coast Guard's primary duties under 14 U.S.C. 102: enforcing federal law on and over the high seas, collecting income taxes, or running the national park system?
Enforcing, or assisting in enforcing, federal law on, under and over the high seas and U.S. waters. Its other primary duties include maritime air surveillance and interdiction, and oceanographic research.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“engage in oceanographic research of the high seas and in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States”
— 14 U.S.C. 102, as amended by Pub. L. 119-60 (Dec. 18, 2025), Cornell LII (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗39Which primary duty requires the Coast Guard to be ready to help defend the United States, including when it serves in the Navy?
Maintaining a state of readiness to assist in the defense of the United States, including when it functions as a specialized service in the Navy.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“maintain a state of readiness to assist in the defense of the United States, including when functioning as a specialized service in the Navy pursuant to section 103.”
— 14 U.S.C. 102, as amended by Pub. L. 119-60 (Dec. 18, 2025), Cornell LII (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗40To whom does the Commandant of the Coast Guard report within the Department of Homeland Security?
Directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security, without going through any other department official.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the Commandant shall report directly to the Secretary without being required to report through any other official of the Department.”
— 6 U.S.C. 468, as amended by Pub. L. 119-60 (Dec. 18, 2025), Cornell LII (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗41By law, how must the Coast Guard be kept within the Department of Homeland Security?
As a distinct entity within the Department. Those conditions do not apply when the Coast Guard operates as a service in the Navy.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“None of the conditions and restrictions in this section shall apply when the Coast Guard operates as a service in the Navy”
— 6 U.S.C. 468, as amended by Pub. L. 119-60 (Dec. 18, 2025), Cornell LII (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗42Which executive department is the Coast Guard in today, and which one was it in before 2003?
The Department of Homeland Security today. It was in the Department of Transportation from 1967 until it transferred on 1 March 2003, and 14 U.S.C. was amended to match.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Pub. L. 107–296 substituted “Department of Homeland Security” for “Department of Transportation”.”
— 14 U.S.C. 101, Cornell LII (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗43What is the Coast Guard's birthday, and what happened on that date?
4 August 1790. Congress authorized Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton to create a maritime service to enforce customs laws, the Revenue Marine.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, persuaded Congress to pass the Act that led to the establishment of the Revenue Marine on August 4, 1790.”
— CG Pub 1, Doctrine for the U.S. Coast Guard (February 2014), p. 18 ↗44Which two services combined in 1915 to form the Coast Guard?
The Revenue Cutter Service and the Life-Saving Service. President Woodrow Wilson signed the Act to Create the Coast Guard on 28 January 1915.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“28 January 1915: President Woodrow Wilson signed into law the”
— history.uscg.mil, Coast Guard Historian's Office Frequently Asked Questions (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗45Which five agencies are the predecessors of the modern Coast Guard?
The Revenue Cutter Service, the Life-Saving Service, the Lighthouse Service, the Steamboat Inspection Service and the Bureau of Navigation.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“(Life-Saving Service, Revenue Cutter Service, Steamboat Inspection Service, Bureau of Navigation or the Lighthouse Service)”
— history.uscg.mil, Coast Guard Historian's Office Frequently Asked Questions (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗46In what year did the Lighthouse Service become part of the Coast Guard?
1939. It joined on 1 July 1939.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“1 July 1939: The Lighthouse Service became part of the Coast Guard”
— history.uscg.mil, Coast Guard Historian's Office Frequently Asked Questions (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗47When did the Bureau of Marine Inspection become a permanent part of the Coast Guard?
1946. It was abolished as a separate bureau and made a permanent part of the Coast Guard on 16 July 1946.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“16 July 1946: Pursuant to Executive Order 9083 and Reorganization Plan No. 3 the Bureau of Marine Inspection was abolished and became a permanent part of the Coast Guard under Treasury Department control.”
— history.uscg.mil, Coast Guard Historian's Office Frequently Asked Questions (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗48During World War II, when and how was the Coast Guard transferred to the Navy?
On 1 November 1941, by President Roosevelt's Executive Order 8929. It returned to Treasury Department control on 1 January 1946.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“1 January 1946: In compliance with Executive Order 9666, the Coast Guard returned to Treasury Department control.”
— history.uscg.mil, Coast Guard Historian's Office Frequently Asked Questions (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗49What happened to the Coast Guard on 6 April 1917?
It was transferred by executive order to the control of the Navy Department when the U.S. declared war on Germany.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“6 April 1917: With the declaration of war against Germany the Coast Guard was transferred by Executive Order to the control of the Navy Department.”
— history.uscg.mil, Coast Guard Historian's Office Frequently Asked Questions (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗50In 1967 the Coast Guard left the Treasury Department. Which department did it join?
The newly formed Department of Transportation, on 1 April 1967.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“1 April 1967: Executive Order 167-81 transferred the Coast Guard from the Treasury Department to the newly-formed Department of Transportation.”
— history.uscg.mil, Coast Guard Historian's Office Frequently Asked Questions (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗51Who was the first Commandant of the Coast Guard?
Captain-Commandant Ellsworth Price Bertholf. He had been the last Commandant of the Revenue Cutter Service.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Captain-Commandant Ellsworth Price Bertholf— the last Commandant of the Revenue Cutter Service”
— CG Pub 1, Doctrine for the U.S. Coast Guard (February 2014), p. 76 ↗52Which Commandant created the civilian volunteer force now called the Coast Guard Auxiliary?
Admiral Russell R. Waesche, Sr., Commandant from 1936 to 1945.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“he created the civilian uniformed volunteer force now called the Coast Guard Auxiliary”
— CG Pub 1, Doctrine for the U.S. Coast Guard (February 2014), p. 52 ↗53What is the Coast Guard Auxiliary best known for?
Boating safety classes and courtesy vessel safety checks.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“best known for their boating safety classes and courtesy vessel safety checks”
— CG Pub 1, Doctrine for the U.S. Coast Guard (February 2014), p. 29 ↗54Who laid the foundation for the Coast Guard Academy, and how?
Sumner I. Kimball. To ensure a steady supply of competent junior officers, he persuaded Congress in 1876 to authorize a training school.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“continuous supply of competent junior officers, Kimball persuaded Congress in 1876 to authorize establishment of a training school, thus laying the foundation for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.”
— CG Pub 1, Doctrine for the U.S. Coast Guard (February 2014), p. 41 ↗55Which Coast Guard saying comes from Keeper Patrick Etheridge of the Life-Saving Service, and what regulation was he citing?
"You have to go out, but you don't have to come back." His "Blue Book" was the Regulations of the Life-Saving Service of 1899.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Regulations of the Life-Saving Service of 1899, Article VI "Action at Wrecks," section 252, page 58, state that:”
— history.uscg.mil, Coast Guard Historian's Office Frequently Asked Questions (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗56In Alexander Hamilton's instructions to the first revenue cutter officers, what should officers always keep in mind about their countrymen?
That their countrymen are freemen who resent anything with a domineering spirit. Hamilton asked for activity, vigilance and firmness, balanced with prudence, moderation and good temper.
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“I feel no less solicitude, that their deportment may be marked with prudence, moderation and good temper.”
— history.uscg.mil, Coast Guard Historian's Office Frequently Asked Questions (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗57How does the Coast Guard's 1990 bicentennial history describe the Coast Guard's place among U.S. maritime services?
As the nation's oldest continuous maritime service.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“U.S. Coast Guard, this nation's oldest continuous maritime service, is rich in traditions.”
— Traditions, 200 years of history, Coast Guard Historian's Office (July 1990), p. 2 ↗58Who was the first officer commissioned into the Revenue Cutter Service?
Hopley Yeaton.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Yeaton became the first officer commissioned into the Coast Guard's forefather, the Revenue Cutter Service.”
— Traditions, 200 years of history, Coast Guard Historian's Office (July 1990), p. 2 ↗59When did the Coast Guard's red "racing stripe" (slash) first appear, and who designed it?
On April 6, 1967. The design came from the industrial design firm of Raymond Loewy/William Snaith, Inc., which proposed it in 1964.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“In 1964, the firm recommended that the Coast Guard adopt a symbol or mark”
— Traditions, 200 years of history, Coast Guard Historian's Office (July 1990), p. 10 ↗60What does the Coast Guard slash look like?
A wide red bar to the right of a narrow blue bar, both canted at 64 degrees, with the Coast Guard emblem centered on the red bar.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Their design was a wide red bar to the right of a narrow blue bar, both canted at 64 degrees. Centered on the red bar was a new emblem.”
— Traditions, 200 years of history, Coast Guard Historian's Office (July 1990), p. 10 ↗61What did the 1799 order by Treasury Secretary Oliver Wolcott establish for the revenue cutters?
A distinctive ensign of 16 vertical stripes, alternating red and white, so cutters could be told apart from other vessels.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the distinguishing ensign and pennant would consist of, "16 perpendicular stripes, alternate red and white”
— Traditions, 200 years of history, Coast Guard Historian's Office (July 1990), p. 4 ↗62What unique icebreaking capability does the Coast Guard have?
It operates the only American-owned heavy icebreaker able to support both Arctic and Antarctic operations.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Coast Guard has the only American-owned heavy icebreaker capable of supporting Arctic and Antarctic operations.”
— GoCoastGuard.com, Missions (retrieved 2026-09-24) ↗63What does the collar insignia of a Coast Guard chief petty officer look like?
A gold fouled anchor with a silver shield on the shank. One, two or three stars on the stock mark a senior chief, a master chief and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The chief petty officer collar insignia will consist of a 15/16 inch gold metal fouled anchor with a silver shield superimposed on the shank. One, two, or three stars are attached to the stock to designate senior and master chief petty officers and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, respectively.”
— Coast Guard Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST M1020.6K (7 JUL 2020), p. 109 ↗64How is a Coast Guard petty officer's collar insignia made up?
One, two or three gold chevrons (third, second and first class) mounted under a silver Coast Guard shield.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The petty officer collar insignia consists of one, two, or three metal, gold chevrons indicating third class, second class, and first class respectively; mounted under a silver Coast Guard shield.”
— Coast Guard Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST M1020.6K (7 JUL 2020), p. 109 ↗65How many years of service does one service stripe represent?
Four. One stripe is worn for each full four years of active or reserve service in any of the armed forces.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“One service stripe will be worn for each full four years of active or reserve service in any of the Armed Forces”
— Coast Guard Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST M1020.6K (7 JUL 2020), p. 111 ↗66What color are service stripes for E-4 through E-6, and for E-7 through E-9?
Scarlet for E-4 through E-6. Gold for E-7 through E-9 on all jackets.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the service stripes worn by E -7 through E -9 including th e MCPOCG is gold for all”
— Coast Guard Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST M1020.6K (7 JUL 2020), p. 111 ↗67A non-rated member wears red stripes. Which group is that member in: seaman, fireman or airman?
Fireman. White stripes mean seaman and green stripes mean airman.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“White stripes indicate seaman, red stripes indicate fireman, and green stripes indicate airman.”
— Coast Guard Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST M1020.6K (7 JUL 2020), p. 112 ↗68What sits between the eagle and the chevrons on a Coast Guard rating badge?
The rating emblem, which shows the wearer's rating. The eagle is perched with wings extended upward and head to its right.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“It consists of a perched eagle with the wings extended upward and the head to eagle’s right.”
— Coast Guard Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST M1020.6K (7 JUL 2020), p. 113 ↗69Where do enlisted members wear the gold shield on Service Dress sleeves under the current uniform regulations?
On the outer right sleeve, with the bottom of the shield 4 inches from the cuff. The older rule, midway between elbow and cuff, was allowed only until October 1, 2025, so give the 4-inch answer unless the course material still teaches the midway one.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Prior placement of the shield midway between the elbow and cuff is authorized until October 1, 2025”
— Coast Guard Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST M1020.6K (7 JUL 2020), p. 111 ↗Know questions we're missing?
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