Institutional Mission: "The United States Coast Guard Academy is committed to strengthening the nation's future by educating, developing, training, and inspiring leaders of character who are ethically, intellectually, professionally, and physically prepared to serve their country and humanity, and who are strong in their resolve to build on the long military and maritime heritage and proud accomplishments of the United States Coast Guard."
- smallest of the service academies with almost 1,000 cadets
- located in New London, CT
- 4 year co-educational federal service academy
- 85% cadets choose to serve beyond their 5 year commitment
The roots of the Coast Guard Academy are based on the school of the Revenue Cutter Service that was established in 1876. Captain John Henriques was the first superintendent as the school was essentially a two-year apprenticeship with minimal classroom education. The Coast Guard Academy was officially established in 1915 with the merger of the Revenue Cutter Service and the Life Saving Service. In 1961 the academy was racially integrated on behalf of president John F. Kennedy. The current superintendent, Rear Admiral J. Scott Burhoe, is the 39th superintendent of the academy. Remember to keep in mind that the Coast Guard is no longer its own separate branch of the armed forces but now part of the Department of Home Land Security.
Unlike the other service academies, the Coast Guard Academy is based solely on merit and does not require a congressional nomination for applicants. Cadets have the option of only eight different majors to choose from and will graduate with a bachelor of science degree. Upon graduation, cadets will be commissioned as ensigns and are obligated to a five year active duty service. Like the other academies, cadets must endure summer military training programs, their first being "Swab Summer." Although this might be rigorous training for the cadets, it is also a time they look forward to as they get to experience life at sea aboard the famous tall ship, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle.
Life at the Coast Guard Academy is grounded in the academy's philosophy that stems from three fundamental objectives:
- to provide a well rounded undergraduate education, including specialization in a field of interest to the cadet and the Coast Guard.
- To provide, by rule and example, an environment that encourages a high sense of honor, respect and devotion to duty.
- To provide training that prepares each graduate to immediately assume the duties of a junior officer aboard ship.
These objectives are central to all cadets and is reflected in the shared beliefs of the graduates: belief in your country, belief in your fellow cadets and Coast Guard personnel, and belief if yourself.
Cadet Mission: "To graduate young men and women with sound bodies, stout hearts and alert minds, with a liking for the sea and its lore, with that high sense of honor, loyalty and obedience which goes with trained initiative and leadership; well grounded in seamanship, the sciences and amenities, and strong in the resolve to be worthy of the traditions of commissioned officers in the United States Coast Guard in the service of their county and humanity."
Fun Fact: The academy strives to give cadets as many social events and organized activities as possible in hopes of helping cadets bond with one another and their service. Check out this long list of informal organizations and clubs on campus!
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