Intro
Discover the most in-demand US Coast Guard ratings with our expert guide to the Coast Guard MOS list. Learn about the top 20 ratings, including Maritime Enforcement, Port Security, and Aviation Maintenance. Find out the requirements, duties, and career opportunities for each rating and make an informed decision for your Coast Guard career.
The United States Coast Guard is a unique branch of the military that operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime. With a wide range of responsibilities, including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, marine safety, and environmental protection, the Coast Guard requires a diverse and skilled workforce. One way the Coast Guard ensures it has the right people for the job is through its rating system, which is similar to the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) system used by the Army.
In the Coast Guard, ratings are the equivalent of jobs or careers, and each rating has its own unique responsibilities and requirements. With over 20 in-demand ratings, the Coast Guard offers a wide range of career opportunities for those who want to serve their country while working in a dynamic and challenging environment.
Here are 20 in-demand Coast Guard ratings, along with a brief description of each:
1. Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)
As an Aviation Maintenance Technician, you'll be responsible for maintaining and repairing the Coast Guard's aircraft, ensuring they are safe and airworthy. This rating requires a strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
2. Boatswain's Mate (BM)
Boatswain's Mates are responsible for the deck and superstructure of a ship, including navigation, anchoring, and cargo handling. This rating requires a strong understanding of seamanship and navigation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintaining the ship's deck and superstructure
- Operating and maintaining deck equipment
- Assisting with navigation and anchoring
3. Coast Guard Diver (DV)
As a Coast Guard Diver, you'll be responsible for conducting underwater operations, including salvage, repair, and inspection. This rating requires a strong swimming ability and attention to safety protocols.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting underwater operations
- Maintaining and repairing underwater equipment
- Assisting with salvage and repair operations
4. Cryptologic Technician (CT)
Cryptologic Technicians are responsible for collecting and analyzing signals intelligence, as well as conducting cybersecurity operations. This rating requires a strong understanding of computer systems and networks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collecting and analyzing signals intelligence
- Conducting cybersecurity operations
- Maintaining and operating cryptographic equipment
5. Damage Controlman (DC)
Damage Controlmen are responsible for maintaining and repairing the hull and superstructure of a ship, as well as conducting damage control operations. This rating requires a strong understanding of ship repair and maintenance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintaining and repairing the ship's hull and superstructure
- Conducting damage control operations
- Assisting with firefighting and emergency response
6. Electronics Technician (ET)
Electronics Technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing electronic equipment, including navigation, communication, and radar systems. This rating requires a strong understanding of electronics and circuitry.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintaining and repairing electronic equipment
- Conducting troubleshooting and repair operations
- Assisting with installation and testing of new equipment
7. Engineman (EN)
Enginemen are responsible for maintaining and repairing diesel engines, as well as operating and maintaining other mechanical equipment. This rating requires a strong understanding of mechanics and diesel engines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintaining and repairing diesel engines
- Operating and maintaining mechanical equipment
- Assisting with troubleshooting and repair operations
8. Health Services Technician (HS)
Health Services Technicians are responsible for providing medical care and assistance to Coast Guard personnel and their families. This rating requires a strong understanding of medical procedures and protocols.
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing medical care and assistance
- Maintaining medical records and equipment
- Assisting with medical emergencies and evacuations
9. Information Systems Technician (IT)
Information Systems Technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing computer systems and networks, as well as conducting cybersecurity operations. This rating requires a strong understanding of computer systems and networks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintaining and repairing computer systems and networks
- Conducting cybersecurity operations
- Assisting with installation and testing of new equipment
10. Intelligence Specialist (IS)
Intelligence Specialists are responsible for collecting and analyzing intelligence, as well as conducting counterintelligence operations. This rating requires a strong understanding of intelligence gathering and analysis.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collecting and analyzing intelligence
- Conducting counterintelligence operations
- Maintaining and operating intelligence equipment
11. Machinery Technician (MK)
Machinery Technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing mechanical equipment, including pumps, valves, and engines. This rating requires a strong understanding of mechanics and mechanical systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintaining and repairing mechanical equipment
- Operating and maintaining machinery
- Assisting with troubleshooting and repair operations
12. Marine Science Technician (MST)
Marine Science Technicians are responsible for conducting marine inspections and surveys, as well as assisting with environmental protection and conservation efforts. This rating requires a strong understanding of marine science and ecology.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting marine inspections and surveys
- Assisting with environmental protection and conservation efforts
- Maintaining and operating marine equipment
13. Marine Safety Specialist (MSS)
Marine Safety Specialists are responsible for conducting marine safety inspections and surveys, as well as assisting with environmental protection and conservation efforts. This rating requires a strong understanding of marine safety and regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting marine safety inspections and surveys
- Assisting with environmental protection and conservation efforts
- Maintaining and operating marine equipment
14. Maritime Enforcement Specialist (ME)
Maritime Enforcement Specialists are responsible for conducting maritime law enforcement operations, including boarding and inspecting vessels. This rating requires a strong understanding of maritime law and regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting maritime law enforcement operations
- Boarding and inspecting vessels
- Maintaining and operating maritime equipment
15. Operations Specialist (OS)
Operations Specialists are responsible for conducting operational planning and coordination, as well as assisting with command and control operations. This rating requires a strong understanding of operations and logistics.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting operational planning and coordination
- Assisting with command and control operations
- Maintaining and operating operational equipment
16. Port Security Specialist (PSS)
Port Security Specialists are responsible for conducting port security operations, including inspecting and securing vessels and facilities. This rating requires a strong understanding of port security and regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting port security operations
- Inspecting and securing vessels and facilities
- Maintaining and operating port security equipment
17. Public Affairs Specialist (PA)
Public Affairs Specialists are responsible for conducting public affairs operations, including media relations and community outreach. This rating requires a strong understanding of public affairs and communication.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting public affairs operations
- Media relations and community outreach
- Maintaining and operating public affairs equipment
18. Quartermaster (QM)
Quartermasters are responsible for conducting navigation and communication operations, including charting and plotting courses. This rating requires a strong understanding of navigation and communication.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting navigation and communication operations
- Charting and plotting courses
- Maintaining and operating navigation equipment
19. Rescue and Survival Specialist (RSC)
Rescue and Survival Specialists are responsible for conducting rescue and survival operations, including search and rescue and emergency response. This rating requires a strong understanding of rescue and survival techniques.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting rescue and survival operations
- Search and rescue and emergency response
- Maintaining and operating rescue equipment
20. Telecommunications Specialist (TC)
Telecommunications Specialists are responsible for conducting telecommunications operations, including installing and maintaining communication equipment. This rating requires a strong understanding of telecommunications and electronics.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting telecommunications operations
- Installing and maintaining communication equipment
- Maintaining and operating telecommunications equipment
Us Coast Guard Mos List Image Gallery
What is the Coast Guard rating system?
+The Coast Guard rating system is a way of categorizing the different jobs or careers within the Coast Guard. Each rating has its own unique responsibilities and requirements.
How do I choose a Coast Guard rating?
+To choose a Coast Guard rating, you should consider your skills, interests, and aptitudes. You can also talk to a recruiter or career counselor to get more information about each rating.
What are the benefits of serving in the Coast Guard?
+Serving in the Coast Guard offers a wide range of benefits, including education and training opportunities, career advancement, and a sense of pride and purpose.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the 20 in-demand Coast Guard ratings. Whether you're interested in aviation, maritime law enforcement, or public affairs, the Coast Guard has a wide range of career opportunities to suit your skills and interests. Remember to consider your aptitudes, skills, and interests when choosing a rating, and don't hesitate to reach out to a recruiter or career counselor for more information.