U.S. Coast Guard Direct Commission Selected School (DCSS) Program

https://youtu.be/oEuFw3OwZJI

DCCS Overview College graduates who have been exposed to military training through collegiate-level Armed Services Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs, equivalent regimented programs at select colleges (enumerated below) or other Federal military academies, while earning an undergraduate degree are eligible to apply to the Coast Guard’s DCSS program.  DCSS seeks to offer direct commissions to high performing individuals who have already proven their leadership ability and desire to serve others through rigorous programs. Ex. available mission fields: Operations RESPONSE Operations PREVENTION Operations AFLOAT (CUTTER) Operations AVIATION

Initial USCG Assignments and Training DCSSs work with a Coast Guard assignment officer following selection.      The assignment officer will review the individual’s education, experience and qualifications, in addition to their expressed assignment interests, and assign orders to a position at a Coast Guard field unit that best aligns the selectee’s talents & potential with the needs of the Coast Guard. Following commissioning, new officers will execute permanent change of station (PCS) orders and report directly to their first unit for a brief period. DCSSs will then go TDY to the Direct Commission Officer (DCO) course in New London, CT.   

Direct Commission Officer (DCO) Course At DCO training, DCSSs receive initial indoctrination to the traditions and programs of the service, and training on service specific administration essentials needed for their success as a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard.      The DCO course will be 4-5 weeks in duration.

USCG Career Path During subsequent assignments, DCSS officers can expect to broaden their experience within the operational community to which they were initially assigned- with increasing levels of leadership and management exposure with progression in rank.      DCSS officers have opportunities for special assignments and assignments within sub-specialties, including: Intelligence Human resources Engineering C4IT International affairs Legal Recruiting Financial management Training

DCSS Eligibility Requirements Age: 21 years old As of 30 SEP of the year in which the Selection Panel convenes. Character Outstanding Moral Character and meet the requirements per Appendices 3 and 4 of the Officer Application Job Aid Kit (O-JAK). U.S. Citizen Eligible for a SECRET clearance May not have more than 3 dependents Must have a baccalaureate from one of the following schools: The Citadel VWIL at Mary Baldwin University UNG Norwich University Texas A&M Virginia Tech Virginia Military Institute

DCSS Eligibility Requirements Interview DCCS applicants must receive the recommendation of a Coast Guard interview board, administered by 3 Coast Guard Officers. Academics 2.5 GPA Physical Normal Color Vision Meet Ht/Wt standards Complete a structured physical fitness program while at DCO School.

Commissioning Upon commissioning, DCCS applications will receive a three year active duty obligation and will be commissioned as an Ensign (O-1).     

Officer Application Job Aid Kit (O-JAK) QUESTIONS? WWW.GOCOASTGUARD.COM And local Coast Guard Recruiter