Posted on October 9, 2026
The U.S. Coast Guard surpassed its recruiting goals for the third consecutive year, bringing in its largest enlisted class in nearly four decades and continuing historic momentum to grow and strengthen the Service.
In Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), the Coast Guard enlisted 5,445 active-duty members, exceeding the 5,204 enlisted members who joined in FY 2025 and 4,422 in FY 2024. The Service also commissioned 346 active-duty officers, the second highest number in recorded Coast Guard history.
“These record-breaking recruitment numbers prove that the call to serve still resonates deeply across our country,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “I am incredibly proud to stand beside these new Coast Guard men and women who have stepped up to defend our Homeland. They represent the very best of who we are, and we are going to make sure they have the tools, the training, and the support to get the job done.”
Continuing efforts to expand its recruiting presence, the Coast Guard held grand opening ceremonies for four recruiting offices in FY26: Miami, Florida; Long Island, New York; Austin, Texas; and in the Netherlands.
“We surpassed our recruiting goals because Americans are ready and willing to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard conducting exciting missions that deliver results our Nation needs,” said Adm. Tom Allan, vice commandant of the Coast Guard. “This momentum is about more than numbers; it is about being the world’s best Coast Guard and building the workforce America needs. We are proud to welcome our newest members and grateful to our recruiters for continuing to deliver exceptional results.”
At the same time, the Coast Guard is making a historic investment in the infrastructure needed to train its growing workforce. The Service awarded a $400 million contract to modernize Training Center Cape May, New Jersey, which is the largest shore construction award in Coast Guard history. The project will upgrade training facilities and infrastructure at the Coast Guard’s sole accession point and basic training center for the entire enlisted workforce.
These recruiting efforts and infrastructure improvements continue the Coast Guard’s modernization through Force Design, a strategic initiative to modernize the Service’s workforce, enhance readiness and grow its military force by 15,000 members to support fleet expansion and meet emerging mission demands.
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About the U.S. Coast Guard
With more than 95,000 miles of shoreline, 25,000 miles of navigable rivers and 4.5 million square miles of U.S. exclusive economic zone, the U.S. Coast Guard defends the Nation, protects the marine transportation system, regulates and safeguards ports and waterways, leads the Nation in maritime drug interdiction and secures the maritime border. As a member of the joint force, a law enforcement organization, a regulatory agency and a member of the U.S. intelligence community, the Coast Guard employs a unique mix of authorities to ensure the safety and integrity of the maritime domain to protect the economic and national security of the nation. More than 76,000 members of the Coast Guard operate a multi-mission, interoperable fleet of more than 220 cutters, 185 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, 1,300 boats and its own dedicated cyber command to protect critical maritime infrastructure.
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