potential captain

I am currently enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and am interested in obtaining a 100 ton captains license. I recently heard a rumor that active duty coasties are not eligible to obtain a license until they are discharged from the service. I find this hard to believe and intend to call the nearest Coast Guard exam center for clarification but I thouth someone on this forum may know.
My goal is to obtain part time employment in the tampa bay area as a captain or mate for deliveries and orientations for new boat owners. I have been in the Coast Guard for 6 years and have served on 378' and 210' cutters. I am also a certified deck watch officer on an 87' cutter as well as a coxswain ( boat driver) of a 47' motor lifeboat and a 25' response boat. I have received extensive damage control and risk management training and I am currently a certifed Coast Guard law enforcement officer. Any advice would be appreciatied.