In general, enlistment Coast Guard contracts are for eight years. Most commonly, Coast Guard contracts consist of four years active duty and four years in the inactive reserves and ready reserves obligations. In some cases, you may be be offered three, four or six year active duty contracts. Within your contract, you’ll be offered benefits like medical care, occupational training, and continued education. You should expect to be reassigned every 2-4 years to positions of greater responsibility. Note that this often requires moving.