ALCGENL 079/17 - AST A SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

united states coast guard

R 16 JUN 17

ALCGENL 079/17
SUBJ: AST A SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
A. Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST M1000.2
1. In September 2016 the Workforce Readiness Council chartered an
Integrated Product Team (IPT) to develop solutions to address AST3
workforce shortages, historically low AST A School graduation rates, and
low numbers on the AST A School waiting list. The IPT’s complete report
and approved solutions can be viewed at the CG Portal link:
http://cglink.uscg.mil/cc33ec38.
2. This message solicits enlisted members interested in entering the
Aviation Survival Technician (AST) rating. Eligible non-rated enlisted
members or Petty Officers wishing to place their name on the AST A
school list should follow the application procedures outlined within
this message and ref A. Those applicants who successfully graduate from
AST A School at the Aviation Technical Training Center (ATTC) in
Elizabeth City, NC will graduate as an AST3. A new CG Portal site linked
from the AST A School site offers robust information on AST A School
training and preparation: http://cglink.uscg.mil/9a769f4a 
2. To apply to the AST rating, candidates must meet all the requirements
for AST A school applicants. For more information on requirements and
application process, open the A School List found at the Non-Rate
assignment officer CG Portal site:
https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/psc/psc-epm/SitePages/Non-Rates.aspx.
Currently rated members must submit a Change in Rating (CIR) request
package before applying to A School. Information on the required format
for the CIR request and command endorsement template memorandums can be
found at: http://cglink.uscg.mil/5a7078da.
3. Once a member’s name has been added to the A school list the AST RFMC
will assign a mentor to support the candidate from preparation for
school until graduation. AST A school applicants must also successfully
complete the AST A School Preparatory Course (Course Code 100183) at
ATTC Elizabeth City before their A school class convenes. This course
will offer yet another resource for candidates to prepare for the
rigorous training program.
4. Physical fitness requirements: All AST candidates must successfully
complete the Physical Training Screen Exam (PTSE) to remain eligible to
attend A School. The PTSE is the same for all members regardless of
gender or age. The PTSE is outlined in further detail at
http://cglink.uscg.mil/9a769f4a and consists of a 450 meter swim in less
than 12 minutes, four underwater laps, a minimum of 40 push-ups in
two minutes, a minimum of 50 sit-ups in two minutes, a minimum of
three pull-ups, a minimum of three chin-ups and a 1.5 mile run in
less than 12 minutes. It is strongly recommended that prospective AST
students watch the videos linked on the AST A school Portal site
for preparation and proper form explanation.
5. The AST IPT focused on improving AST recruiting, improving resources
for AST candidates to prepare for A School, and optimizing the training
environment at ATTC to maximize the AST candidate success. The IPT
solutions are expected to yield more AST candidates on the A School
waiting list, better prepared candidates entering A School, and
ultimately more AST3s to meet service needs. Request widest
dissemination of this information as unit commands and senior enlisted
leaders discuss critical service needs and professional opportunities
with the enlisted workforce.
6. Points of contact:
a. EPM-2 AST Assignments: CWO2 Kevin Deininger,
Kevin.m.deininger@uscg.mil or (202) 795-6591.
b. AST RFMC: Until 14 July 2017: ASTCM Clay Hill, Clay.J.Hill@uscg.mil,
202-475-5759. After: ASTCM Kelly McCarthy, Kelly.t.McCarthy@uscg.mil
c. AST A School Chief: ASTCS Scott Rady, Scott.d.rady@uscg.mil
or(252)335-6498.
7. CAPT C. E. Fosse, Chief, Enlisted Personnel Management, Sends.
8. Internet release authorized.