COMDTINST 5354.6A
MAR 25 1997
the tightly organized four-year Academy curriculum. Validating a course allows a
cadet to choose an elective. Credits, per se, do not transfer. However, previous
college credit would remain as part of the initial college transcript and complement
the Academy transcript when applying for post-graduate programs. (Refer to
enclosure (9) for more details.)
(3) Upon graduation, Academy cadets earn a Bachelor of Science degree and an officer's
commission as an Ensign in the United States Coast Guard. They go straight to work
in their new profession as they begin to serve their five-year active duty service
obligation. All Academy graduates generally begin their careers in a demanding,
rewarding at-sea environment aboard Coast Guard ships (known as "cutters").
b.
Participants in CGRIT's pre-Academy training program incuran obligation to the Coast
Guard if they do not fulfill program requirements: up to two years of enlisted service in
the Coast Guard followed by six years of service in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).
Exemptions are possible under certain hardship cases.
c.
Under rare, compelling circumstances, a CGRIT cadet who does not meet the Academy's
admission standards may request to participate a second year. The Coast Guard will
determine "compelling circumstances" which would include humanitarian situations of a
finite duration or a temporary medical condition which precludes participating in Swab
Summer, such as a broken leg. The Coast Guard will consider such an application but is
under no obligation to approve it.
d.
Section 1-E of reference (a) contains requirements for direct appointment to the Coast
Guard Academy.
e.
The Coast Guard initially will offer the CGRIT program through participating HBCUs and
in the future may expand it to include other MIs. If the program expands, all references to
HBCUs will be understood to include other minority institutions (HBCUs and MIs).
6.
PARTICIPANTS' STATUS. CGRIT program students enter the Coast Guard Reserve in pay
grade E-2 and have the title "cadet candidate." CGRIT cadet candidates are entitled to an
active duty armed forces identification card and the appropriate pay and benefits Congress
prescribes. When in uniform, a cadet candidate wears the insignia of a fourth class cadet.
7.
CGRIT PROGRAM APPLICATION PROCESS.
a.
An independent contractor greatly improves the Coast Guard's outreach to potential
applicants for officer training. Among other duties, the contractor communicates with
potential applicants and coordinates the initial development of application files.
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