US Coast Guard - History and Misssion

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a branch of the United States armed forces and is involved in maritime law enforcement, mariner assistance, search and rescue, and national defense. As one of the seven uniformed services of the United States, and the smallest armed service of the United States, its stated mission is to protect the public, the environment, and the United States economic and security interests in any maritime region in which those interests may be at risk, including international waters and America's coasts, ports, and inland waterways.

The Coast Guard is currently a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), unlike the other branches of the military which are components of the Department of Defense.

The United States Coast Guard has a broad and important role in homeland security, law enforcement, search and rescue, marine environmental pollution response, and the maintenance of river, intracoastal and offshore aids to navigation (ATON). It also lays claim to being the United States' oldest continuous seagoing service. As of January 2005, The United States Coast Guard has about 39,000 men and women on active duty, 8,100 reservists, 7,000 full time civilian employees and 35,000 auxiliarists.

The Coast Guard's motto is Semper Paratus, meaning "Always Ready". USCG has participated in every U.S. conflict from landing troops on D-Day and on the Pacific Islands in World War II, extensive patrols and shore bombardment during the Vietnam War, to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maritime interception operations, coastal security patrols, and law enforcement detachments are the major roles in Iraq.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• US
• Coast
• Guard
• Homeland
• Security
• rescue
• environment
• maritime

[MyEarbot]

The U.S. Coast Guard is an active player in the war on terror, both in Southwest Asia and on the home front, according to Adm. Thomas H. Collins, commandant of the Coast Guard. Collins said... "the Coast Guard has deployed its largest contingent of Coast Guard members and assets overseas since the Vietnam conflict, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom."

[FordGuy705]

Nicely done! If more people saw this video, and others like it, there would be fewer that think we aren't one of the FIVE Armed Services.

Keep up the great work.

Proudly Served - CWO2 (Retired)

[paulmedic6644]

Then dont join. The last thing we want are a bunch of whining "Bay Watch" wannabe's. The Coast Guard is a branch of Armed Service.

[Smoker129]

Cool video thanks for posting!!!

[DUBTwelve]

@akraljic305 Agree with you except for the Marines comment. They deserve respect.

[akraljic305]

Coast Guard boot camp is only 8 weeks, but it is more severe physically than the other branches due to being under Homeland Security -- DoD rules don't apply. This means that the Coast Guard has punishment units, called PEP. You fail enough in boot camp you get set aside and subject to additional beatings and "encouragement". DoD has wimped up the other services and has outlawed such practices.

Additionally, Coasties can be SEALs. I don't believe criminals...err...Marines can be SEALs.

[vivalabraggs]

stop whining kok squad you couldnt survive one day in boot camp

[ballerdrewbaby]

then join sar search and rescue do your research if your serious. but every job in the CG helps this country in some way.

[tonymhs2009]

Excellent job. Great Video.

[Pholleran14]

total kick ass

[rebelstang]

GO COAST GUARD. GM's DO IT WITH FIREPOWER!

MK's & DECKIES HELP, GET OUR WEAPONS WHERE NEEDED.

OK,FT'S DO OUR TECHNICAL STUFF.