Andrew nailed it. We are part of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. We do get shot at by the enemy but not as much as other services. The major difference in our service is we work for Homeland Security compared to the other branches they work for Department of Defense.

We on the other hand can apply laws other services cannot, this is why the Coast Guard are present on all Navy ships that are enforcing embargoes on other countries.

We are entitled to all benefits that all other services are entitled to.