How to Commission

READY TO GET UNDERWAY?

To prepare Cadets for selection to as Coast Guard officer, Norwich University offers the following recommendations

— Join the Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program (AUP) - check out the USCG AUP Website

— Join the Norwich University Corps of Cadets. Corps membership will provide you with:

• Leadership opportunities
• Military lifestyle familiarity
• Discipline
• Structure
• Physical training
• Eligibility to apply for commissioning through the Direct Commission Selected School program

— Select Naval ROTC for your ROTC affiliation to attend classes closely related Coast Guard-required skills:

• Freshman year: NS 121 Introduction to Naval Science, 122 Sea Power and Maritime Affairs
• Sophomore year: NS 221 Leadership and management, 222 Navigation
• Junior year: NS 321 (recommended) Naval Ship Systems (naval engineering and propulsion), 322 (optional) Naval Ship Systems (weapons).
• Senior year: NS 421 (optional) Naval Operations and Seamanship, 422 (optional) Leadership and Ethics

—  Join Norwich University’s Semper Paratus Society to engage with other students on campus with Coast Guard passions:

• Coast Guard-specific knowledge
• Coast Guard-specific PT

TWO OPTIONS TO COMMISSION IN THE COAST GUARD:

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

Seniors in Norwich University’s  Corps of Cadets may apply for a Coast Guard commission through the Coast Guard’s Direct Commission Selected School Program.

For details and program requirements: https://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/officer-opportunities/programs/direct-commission-selected-school-dcss-program.

U.S. Coast Guard Officer Candidate School (OCS)

Norwich University seniors may apply to attend U.S. Coast Guard Officer Candidate School; if  they’re selected, they’d attend Officer Candidate School after graduation. 

For details and program requirements: https://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/officer-opportunities/programs/officer-candidate-school-ocs.