DCO Scope
Direct Commission Officer School prepares newly commissioned officers from the Coast Guard Enlisted or Warrant Officer ranks as well as prior officers from other U.S. military services, the Public Health Service, Maritime Academy graduates, and prior civilians with professional degrees to serve in specific critical fill billets throughout the Coast Guard. The DCO course is 3 to 5 weeks in duration, depending on each member's prior experience, and provides these newly commissioned officers with a foundation of basic administrative and leadership skills on which to build their careers as Coast Guard Officers. Generally, PHS officers, Prior Trained Military Officers and Direct Commission Aviators will attend a four-week course. Former Coast Guard enlisted members who graduated the CPO Academy will attend a three-week course. Unless otherwise indicated on their orders to the course, all other members will attend a five-week course, including a brief military indoctrination period to ensure a full understanding of the military culture, customs and courtesies is achieved.

If you have been selected for the DCO program, consult the Reporting Guide for specific information to prepare you for the course.

DCO Reporting Guide 

More information on the Coast Guard's Direct Commissioning Program

American Council on Education (A.C.E.) Accreditation
Course #: 340190
Location: Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut
Length: 4-5 weeks (150-214 hours)
Exhibit Dates: 1/11–Present
Credits: In the lower-division baccalaureate/associate degree category, if student took 5-week course, 2 semester hours in military science and 3 in supervision; or if student took 4-week course, 1 semester hour in military science, and 3 in supervision (2/11)