Can you leave Coast Guard boot Camp as a E-3?

Question

I understand that upon completing the Coast Guard's basic training, the rank you leave at is E-2, but i heard a Coast Guardsman say that if you went to college before then enlisted, the possibility exists to leave as an E-3.

He wasnt a recruiter and said it sorta off handedly but then it got me wondering if that was true.

Answer 1

I'm not sure about coasties, but as a member of the Army I left boot camp as an E-3. Don't get excited, because I'm over a year in and still have about 6 months until I'm eligible for promotion again.

Answer 2

Yes, if you sign up for six years, you get E-3.  If you have a certain number of college credit you can get E-3.  If you are an Eagle Scout, you can get E-3.  

There are some other ways, call 1 877 NOW-USCG to see if you qualify.

Answer 3

if you have a 4 year degree you go into the military as and officer ,O1, aka a butter bar. this is higher than any E rank E is enlisted and if you just join you go as an E and yes you can come out of boot camp above an E2 it really just depends on how good you are if you excel and if they like you.  

Answer 4

Yup. Coast Guard advances very quickly as enlisted. In the beginning at least. My father left as an E-3 (without college, just amazing scores though out and on the ASVAB) Then by the time he was married 5 years later was an E-5 getting ready to be promoted again. Near his retirement he was a few months away from CWO4 but got med boarded instead. He has 28 years in (can only do 30) and still is very active with training classes for the USCG and USN along with being in the auxiliary.