Title 14 › SUBTITLE II — PERSONNEL › CHAPTER 23 — PERSONNEL; ENLISTED › § 2317
Creates a special enlisted rank called aviation cadet in the Coast Guard and lets civilians be enlisted as cadets and current enlisted members be made cadets if they agree. Except during a war or a national emergency declared by Congress, at least 20 percent of the cadets each fiscal year must come from qualified enlisted Coast Guard members. A person can only become a cadet if they sign a written promise to accept a commission as an ensign in the Coast Guard Reserve after finishing training and to serve on active duty for at least three years unless released earlier. Anyone under 21 must have a parent or guardian agree in writing. Under rules the Secretary sets, a cadet can be moved to another enlisted rank, released from active duty, or discharged.
Full Legal Text
Coast Guard, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Legislative History
Reference
Citation
14 U.S.C. § 2317
Title 14, Coast Guard
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102