The Coast Guard established its first JROTC unit in 1992 in Miami, Florida. Under recent federal legislation, the Coast Guard has expanded the JROTC program to 16 units, now including every Coast Guard district. By December 2026, the Coast Guard plans to expand to 20 schools. The program currently has more than 1,250 cadets enrolled, with continued growing interest.
“To instill in students in United States secondary educational institutions the values of citizenship, service to the United States, and personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.”
10 USC Chapter 102
The mission of Coast Guard JROTC is: Developing Service-Minded Citizens of Character. To accomplish this mission, the program develops cadets on the COAST.
COAST represents the five pillars that guide Coast Guard JROTC learning inside and outside the classroom.
The acronym COAST includes the five pillars of Citizenship, Operations, Advancement, Service, and Teamwork.
Program Goals
- Build character and values.
- Learn about government and military operations from history to present day.
- Prepare for a successful career.
- Honor community and country.
- Learn to lead yourself, lead others, and be a positive and productive team member.
Coast Guard JROTC instills in cadets a deep appreciation for the Coast Guard and our nation. Whether graduates go on to serve in the Coast Guard, another military branch, or pursue another life path, they will develop attitudes, knowledge, and skills to help them prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.
View Program Brochure PDF