Where to begin...
Sea Legs
So let's begin! We find checklists are the easiest to follow along until you get your
"Sea Legs".
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Your go-to resource for all things Coast Guard is a book called "Sea Legs".
This guide has every bit of information from boot camp to family and work life resources.
Before we get into the meat and potatoes of this guide,
take a moment now and download it so you can read it on your own!
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​Other resources listed within Sea Legs:
Work Life information: www.uscg.mil/worklife
Coast Guard forms and Policy: www.uscg.mil/resources/library
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Sea Legs introduces you to the world of the United States Coast Guard.
Our motto, our mission, and creed are what we pride ourselves on in this service,
and we are glad you're here with us!
We are the smallest branch of the military, and that means we are all a close, tight-knit family.
Let's start getting you critical information as soon as possible about what to expect over the next couple of months, and what you need to accomplish before your recruit graduates.
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By now, you have wished your loved one well and sent them off to Coast Guard boot camp. Over the next several weeks, your significant other will learn a great deal about the Coast Guard and their role in this amazing organization. As a spouse, we would like to provide you the opportunity to learn along with them! On 1 March 2003, the Coast Guard moved from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard is one of the five armed forces; however, it is the only armed force operating outside of the Department of Defense. This is helpful to keep in mind when you are navigating resources for military families.
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Did you know?
You have 90 days from
your spouse's start date
at boot camp to sign up for your healthcare, which is called TRICARE ​
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If you don't get this taken care of by graduation day, you will only have approximately 30 days left to register, or you could be shut out of getting healthcare through TRICARE until open enrollment at the end of the year. It is VERY important you start understanding this process now. Your military ID card is also the ID card for your TRICARE healthcare for you, and (dependents) children.​
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You have 60 days from your spouse's start date at boot camp to sign up for vision insurance
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If you don't get this squared away by graduation day, you will have just a few days left to register, or you will be shut out of getting vision benefits until open enrollment at the end of the year. It is VERY important you start understanding your options now. ​​​​
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SEMPER PARATUS!
You can enroll in the Dental Insurance program monthly
starting from your spouse's boot camp
start date.
If enrolled by the 20th of the month, it will be active on the 1st of the next month.
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Toolbelt This:
Understanding what it means to move to a new Duty Station
Click here to be taken to the Moving Information page​
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Contact your Ombudsman.
(CLICK HERE for more information about your Ombudsman.)
Start memorizing the following information
you'll need it for everything:​​​
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Your spouse's birthdate​
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Your spouse's Social Security Number
All boot camp companies have a dedicated Facebook group
where you can connect with other families specific to your company. ​
We encourage you to join this support system and introduction into the Coast Guard family!
Get your military ID ASAP!
(On graduation day, if applicable)
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Your military ID is the only way you can get on a military installation, it is your healthcare card, and it can even provide you with military discounts when out shopping.
While ANY military installation can provide you with an appointment to get your military ID, some bases have waiting lists that can be several months long to get an appointment. It is IMPERATIVE you get your ID when you come to graduation.
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You will need to have the following documents with you on graduation day:
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Marriage License​
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Social Security Card
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Valid Photo ID
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You can call this number and schedule an appointment and/or ask for assistance if you have questions:
609-898-6337 or CLICK HERE
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