Here Are the Coast Guard's Fitness Requirements to Serve on Elite Teams

Physical fitness requirements in the Coast Guard often are linked directly to specific job requirements. Coast Guard men and women who serve on law enforcement, port security or maritime safety and security teams must comply with specific physical standards.

The following chart shows the Coast Guard's physical fitness requirements for serving on these elite teams:

* Sit and reach is a flexibility test that requires you to sit with your feet and legs together as you reach toward your feet. The measurement is taken by placing a measuring stick between your legs from your knees to your feet. To pass, you must reach 16.5 (for males) or 19.29 (for females) inches past your knees.

These jobs also require specialized training and skills. For example: LE Teams must graduate from the Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston, S.C., while Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) members graduate from the Coast Guard's Special Missions Training Center at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.

More USCG Special Training articles:

• Rescue swimmer standards
• Helicopter rescue swimmers
• Pass military swimming tests
• Swimming with fins

PT programs to train for the Army PFT can be found in these Military.com links:

• Pull-ups/flexed arm hang
• Push-ups and sit-ups
• Running
• Swimming

Other related Coast Guard fitness articles:

• The Coast Guard physical fitness program
• The Coast Guard basic PFT
• Coast Rescue swimmer PFT standards
• Physical fitness test anxiety

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you're looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com.

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