<p>The Coast Guard utilizes the Naval Test Pilot School. </p>
<p>The present situation with the space shuttle to be a pilot, one must be a tactical jet pilot and a TPS grad. </p>
<p>To be a mission specialist, the requirements are varied. Most military with aviation background are aviators,helo or prop pilots or jet nfos, and are also TPS grads. For a Coastie, that would be the ‘easiest’ route.</p>
<p>Not sure what will happen once they start classes for the moon shots. Probably something similiar. Rumor is that MDs are the preferred background for some of the Mars probe crews.</p>
<p>If you are set on being an astronaut, USNA is statistically the best shot.</p>