Just clarifying, for an enlisted person to be eligible for this, he/she must have already served in the Coast Guard for four years already.<!-- Edit -->

Last Edited : 1/24/2010 9:00:50 PM GMT

Pre-Commissioning Program for Enlisted Personnel (PPEP)
4.E.2.a. Description
1. The Pre-commissioning Program for Enlisted Personnel enables selected enlisted personnel to attend college on a full-time basis for up to two years, receive a bachelor’s degree, attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) and upon graduation from OCS, receive a commission. The program provides an upward mobility mechanism for qualified enlisted personnel to become commissioned officers. The number of PPEP selections made annually will be determined at the time of selection.
2. The program is similar to the Coast Guard’s postgraduate training program. Personnel selected will receive orders to attend an appropriate college approved by Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Recruiting Command (CGRC) for up to 24 months to meet bachelor’s degree requirements. Selections are highly competitive and only members who have demonstrated the ability to excel will be considered for selection. The program offers an opportunity for the Coast Guard to groom talented individuals for positions of increased responsibility.
3. PPEP is a fully funded scholarship program, which may pay up to two academic years of college tuition, books, and essential supplies for full time students. Any outside tuition assistance accepted will be used to offset the same amount of Coast Guard tuition assistance paid.
4. PPEP students receive full pay and allowances at their enlisted pay grades and are eligible for advancement. All members desiring to take the SWE shall complete all requirements prior to detaching from the present command. All special duty assignment pay ceases upon transfer to PPEP.
5. Selected applicants will receive PCS Duty Under Instruction (DUINS) orders. Members enrolled in the PPEP will have their personnel records forwarded to the nearest servicing SPO, but will remain under the administrative control of CGRC.
6. Selected members will enroll in applicable undergraduate courses during the summer months. Only academic courses required for the desired degree will be authorized. Selected members not enrolled in summer school will be administratively assigned to the nearest Coast Guard unit for duty.
CHAPTER 4: 4-28
COMDTINST M1100.2E
7. All breaks in classes for more than two weeks in duration must be reported to CGRC. Students will be expected to perform activities in support of Coast Guard missions during these times, or take authorized leave.
4.E.2.b. Eligibility Requirements
Individuals must meet the following requirements to apply for this program:
1. Age. Have reached their 21st but not their 30th birthday as of the selection panel convening date. Constructive age applies for up to 36 months.
2. Citizenship. Be a U.S. citizen.
3. Character Standards. Meet Article 4.B.1.a. character standards. Individuals who do not continuously meet Coast Guard character standards following their selection into the program will be disenrolled. Members having an alcohol related incident following their selection into the program will be disenrolled.
4. Education.
a. Have completed sufficient undergraduate course work to complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in 24 months.
b. Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited 4-year college or university offering a bachelor’s degree program in the member’s desired course of study. Applicants should not expect to be transferred solely to attend a specific college. Close proximity of the college or university to the member’s present Coast Guard unit is preferred and will be considered in the selection process.
5. Grade Point Average. Have at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Selected students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 per semester and cumulative to remain in PPEP.
6. Qualifying Test Score. Have a qualifying test score in accordance with Article 4.B.1.d.
7. Military Service.
a. Only enlisted members of the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserve, E-4 and above

A few questions about the PPEP program. I have an AA degree so my recruiter told me to check out this program. What colleges can you attend? I wanted to take an online college while I'm in at American Public University. Another question, say you get your BS degree in less than 24 months, what happens between the time you finish and the end of the 24 months. Would you go straight to OCS?

http://www.apu.apus.edu/academic/pr...al-studies

<!-- Edit -->

Last Edited : 3/18/2010 4:28:54 AM GMT

PPEP is for traditional brick and mortar schools. You will state in your process which school you plan to attend. You must be an E4 and have 4 years in to qualify for the program which means you need to complete your "A" school. If you want to be an MST, you will go to school for MST become an E4 and then apply to PPEP. If you complete your degree early, you will be scheduled for the next available OCS class. Your job in the PPEP program is to go to school. That is your main job. You will be paid at whatever rank you hold. Read the lengthy post I put above. All the questions you have asked are in the message. Looking at having your associates done, and having to wait for your 4 year mark, you might be better off completing your degree online during this time and applying directly to OCS.

---

Vr,
Chuck

These poor, plain men, dwellers upon the lonely sands of Hatteras, took their lives in their hands, and, at the most imminent risk crossed the most tumultuous sea…and all for what? That others might live to see home and friends. — Annual Report of the U.S. Life- Saving Service, 1885

Recruiting Website

Read here for answers to the most often asked questions about joining the Coast Guard!