Direct Commission Engineer (DCE)
Take advantage of your degree or professional experience in engineering with the USCG Direct Commission Engineering (DCE) program.
- Career path: Your assignments joining through DCE will primarily be in engineering, in the subspecialty matching your experience.
- Starting rank: Up to the rank of lieutenant (O-3).
- Commitment: Three years of active duty.
Eligibility Requirements
Officer: Direct Commission Engineer (DCE)
Age:
21–41*
*on 30 Sept. of the fiscal year the selection panel convenes.
Citizenship:
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Dependents:
- Single: Any primary custody dependents require a waiver and dependent care plan.
- Married: No more than three dependents, including spouse.
GPA:
No requirements.
Education:
- A bachelor's degree or higher* in a field listed below.
If applicant is an active duty Coast Guard E-5 with at least four years of Coast Guard service (at least two of which must be on active duty) then alternatively:
- An associate degree or higher* in a field listed below.
*converted work experience must contribute less than 50% of the core engineering/C5I curriculum.
Eligible Fields:
- Naval engineering specialty: naval, mechanical, electrical, or fire protection engineering; naval architecture; industrial operations; or industrial administration.
- Civil engineering specialty: civil, environmental, ocean, electrical, or mechanical engineering; architecture; construction management; or engineering management.
- C5I specialty: computer, software, electrical, systems, telecommunications, network, or communications engineering; computer science; command and control; information technology; or information systems.
Military Service:
No more than 12 years of non-Coast Guard active-duty (or 14 years cumulative) military service. Members currently in another military service (or Reserve) must have an approved DD368 (conditional release).
Medical Requirements:
Must meet commissioning physical standards, including normal color vision.