ACN 077/17 - JUL 2017 AVIATION CAREER CONTINUATION PAY (ACCP)

ALCOAST COMMANDANT NOTICE               CANCEL DATE  04 JUL 2018

R 050855 JUL 17
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-1//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01000//
ACN 077/17
SUBJ:  AVIATION CAREER CONTINUATION PAY (ACCP)
1.  In response to recent increases in aviator attrition, the Service has
implemented several workforce management tools to preserve operational readiness,
including reinstating Aviation Career Continuation Pay (ACCP), better known
as "aviation bonus pay." ACCP targets Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing aircraft
commanders with critical skill sets. This ALCOAST announces the implementation
of the ACCP program for CY18 and is authorized under Title 37 U.S.C., section 301b. 
This action is necessary to support Coast Guard missions and maintain readiness,
but is only one of a number initiatives recently implemented. 
2.  The following measures have already been executed in FY17 to maintain
aviation mission readiness:
    A. Flight school throughput was increased from 65 to 82 students per year.
This is the maximum authorized by law.
    B. The number of duty standing O5s assigned was increased.
    C. The number of Direct Commission Aviator (DCA) accessions was increased.
    D. A Rotary to Fixed Transition panel was held.
    E. Retired recall contracts were issued.
    F. Additionally, the Service intends to adjust Post Graduate (PG) school
opportunities for aviators in AY18. An update to the PG-school policy will
be sent SEPCOR announcing an adjustment in PG-school opportunities commensurate
to the last time the Service experienced a shortage of aviators in the early
2000’s.
3.  ACCP will continue to be implemented on a calendar year basis. Prior to the
beginning of each calendar year, COMDT (CG-1) will determine whether new ACCP
agreements will be accepted during that year.
4.  DEFINITION OF TERMS
    A.  ACCP AGREEMENT. A written agreement between a pilot and the Coast Guard
in which the pilot agrees to remain on active duty for a specific period of time.
In return, the pilot receives ACCP contingent upon meeting all other prerequisites.
Sample text of the agreement is contained in paragraph 10 of this ALCOAST.
    B.  ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE COMMITMENT (ADSC). The ADSC is the number of years
(ranging from 2 to 5) an officer agrees to obligate service on an ACCP agreement.
The ADSC is calculated by adding the number of years obligated to the effective
date of the ACCP agreement.
    C.  EFFECTIVE DATE OF ACCP AGREEMENT. The effective date of the ACCP agreement
must be between 1 JAN 2018 and 31 DEC 2018 inclusive. Within that range, the
effective date will be the date that the officer meets the eligibility requirements
set forth in paragraph 6 below and receives approval from the Commanding Officer,
whichever is later. For officers that meet the eligibility requirements and who
received command approval on or before 31 DEC 2017, then the effective date will be
1 JAN 2018. For those officers failing to meet the eligibility requirements before
31 DEC 2018, the ACCP contract will not become effective.
    D.  CURRENT OBLIGATED ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE. Current obligated service includes
all service obligations for initial entry into the Coast Guard (Academy, OCS, DCA,
etc.) and obligated service for receipt of training and education (non-aviation
specific postgraduate school, flight training, etc.). For the purposes of ACCP,
current obligated service does not include obligated service for permanent change
of station (PCS), promotion, aviation specific postgraduate school, tuition
assistance, or GI Bill benefits transfer.
    E.  ACCP AGREEMENT SUBMISSION DATE.  For management, assignment and oversight
purposes, ACCP agreements must be submitted no later than 30 SEP 2017.
5.  Pilots serving in the grades of O4 and below, and not selected for promotion
to O5, may apply for ACCP if:
    A.  They meet the eligibility criteria and limitations contained in this
ALCOAST.
    B.  Their current obligated active duty service commitment, as defined in
paragraph 4.D, expires on or before 31 DEC 2018.
    C.  They apply for ACCP no later than 30 SEP 2017 by completing and submitting
the ACCP agreement located in paragraph 10 of this ALCOAST.
6.  DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY.
    A.  PILOTS THAT ARE NOT RETIREMENT ELIGIBLE BY 31 DEC 2018 MUST:
        (1) As of the effective date of the ACCP agreement, meet one of the
following criteria:
            a) Have served as an aircraft commander in a fixed wing aircraft.
            b) Have served as an aircraft commander and received the Alaska
Aircraft Commander (AKAC) competency.
            c) Have served as an aircraft commander at an operational Rotary
Wing Airborne Use of Force-Counter Drug unit (under PCS orders) and received the
appropriate competency (H65DCD, AUF-CDMC or AUF-CDMQ).
        (2) Have no current obligated ADSC, as defined in paragraph 4.B, beyond
31 DEC 2018.
        (3) Be qualified to perform operational flying duty.
        (4) Have no fewer than 6 years of total active duty as of the effective
date of the ACCP agreement.
        (5) Have no more than 17 years, 00 months, and 00 days total active
service at the completion of the ACCP contract term.
        (6) Be and remain entitled to Aviation Career Incentive Pay (ACIP) or
Aviation Incentive Pay (AVIP).
        (7) Not have an existing continuation agreement as of 01 JAN 2018.
    B.  PILOTS WHO ARE RETIREMENT ELIGIBLE BY 31 DEC 2018 MUST:
        (1) As of the effective date of the ACCP agreement, meet one of the
criteria listed in paragraph 6, section A(1) of this ALCOAST.
        (2) Have no current obligated ADSC, as defined in paragraph 4.B,
beyond 31 DEC 2018.
        (3) Be qualified to perform operational flying duty.
        (4) Have no more than 25 years, 00 months, and 00 days total active service
at the completion of the ACCP contract.
        (5) Be and remain entitled to aviation career incentive pay (ACIP or AVIP).
        (6) Officers serving in a retired recall status are not eligible to apply.
7.  CONTRACT LIMITS AND PAYMENT OF ACCP.
    A.  OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT RETIREMENT ELIGIBLE: All ACCP contracts requested and
approved that extend the member to the maximum length allowed based on their time
in service will be $25,000 per year for the length of the contract (2 to 5 years). 
    B.  If the member elects to request a contract shorter than the maximum for
which they are eligible, contracts would be paid according to following schedule:
        (1) 2-year contract paid in annual installments of $15,000; totaling
$30,000.
        (2) 3-year contract paid in annual installments of $18,000; totaling
$54,000.
        (3) 4-year contract paid in annual installments of $21,000; totaling
$84,000.
        (4) 5-year contract paid in annual installments of $25,000; totaling
$125,000.
    C.  OFFICERS WHO ARE RETIREMENT ELIGIBLE:  ACCP amounts will correspond to
contract lengths and will be determined as shown in the following options:
        (1) 2-year contract paid in annual installments of $10,000; totaling
$20,000.
        (2) 3-year contract paid in annual installments of $12,000; totaling
$36,000.
NOTE:  Once an ACCP agreement is signed, it will remain in force until the
agreement expires. Officers may request a new agreement upon expiration of
their existing agreement provided ACCP is being offered and the officers meet
the eligibility requirements of the ACCP program in effect.
NOTE: ACCP payments will not be obligated in monthly increments. For example,
a pilot with 14 years and 6 months of active duty service will only receive a
maximum contract of 2-years for ACCP purposes. A pilot with more than 15 years,
00 Months, 00 days as of the date the pilot's Commanding Officer approves the
ACCP agreement, is not eligible to receive ACCP as the minimum ACCP agreement is
for 2 years and cannot exceed 17 years, 00 months, and 00 days of active duty
service during the agreement.
NOTE:  ACCP payments will normally be paid in arrears on the anniversary of the
ACCP agreement effective date.
8.  ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE COMMITMENT (ADSC). The ADSC is calculated by adding the
ACCP years obligated to the effective date of the ACCP agreement.
    A.  When ACCP for an officer is suspended or terminated as described in this
ALCOAST, PSC-opm will not automatically adjust the ADSC for the officer.  An
aviator whose ACCP eligibility ends may submit a request, with supporting
material, to change the ADSC to PSC-opm.  PSC-opm will consider the request and
supporting material in making a determination as to whether or not to change the
ADSC.
    B.  An ADSC does not guarantee a pilot will remain on active duty indefinitely
if earlier administrative separation or retirement is appropriate.
    C.  The Coast Guard can also initiate involuntary separation under the Military
Separations Manual, COMDTINST M1000.4 (series), earlier than the ADSC date.
9.  APPLYING FOR ACCP.
    A.  APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITIES.  Review the contents of this ALCOAST prior to
signing an aviation career continuation pay agreement.
        (1) Complete, sign, date and forward the ACCP agreement to the designated
command representative. Note: paragraph 10 of this ALCOAST contains the ACCP
agreement.
        (2) Keep a copy of the signed agreement for record purposes.
    B.  COMMAND COUNSELING RESPONSIBILITIES.  Designate a command representative
who will counsel all eligible pilots. The initial counseling session should be
a one-on-one meeting between the eligible officer and the designated command
representative that outlines the needs of the Coast Guard, how ACCP fits into the
overall pilot retention effort, and the individual member’s eligibility.  The
designated command representative shall:
        (1) Ensure the applicant is aware of the ACCP agreement submission
deadline (i.e. 30 SEP 2017), eligibility window (i.e. 1 JAN 2018 thru 31 DEC 2018
inclusive), payment authorization and the ADSC associated with accepting the
desired ACCP option.
        (2) Ensure the applicant fully understands the implications of the agreement
and the applicant meets all eligibility requirements.
        (3) Explain that any unearned portions of ACCP will be recouped on a
pro-rata basis for all conditions listed in this ALCOAST.
        (4) Explain that eligible pilots with an approved date of separation (DOS)
must request withdrawal of the DOS prior to or upon submission of their ACCP
application.  Pilots will not receive ACCP payments if the DOS withdrawal request
is disapproved.
    C.  IF THE PILOT AGREES TO ACCEPT ACCP, COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
        (1) Ensure the ACCP agreement has been properly completed.
        (2) Ensure the applicant and his/her commanding officer sign the ACCP
agreement.
        (3) Processing the ACCP contract:
            (a) Submit signed/endorsed contracts to the SPO.
            (b) The SPO will place a copy in the member’s PDR and submit a copy
to PPC for processing.
            (c) The SPO will also send a copy of initial contracts and changes to
existing contracts to PSC-opm Aviation Assignment Officers.
    D.  APPLICANTS IN TAD OR PCS STATUS:  There will be some instances when eligible
pilots may not be available for ACCP counseling due to TAD or PCS. The length of
the absence should determine the action.
        (1) TAD: if the expected TAD length will prevent completion of the agreement
by 30 SEP 2017, then the designated command representative should counsel the
member by whatever means available, and forward the ACCP agreement and a copy of
this ALCOAST to the deployed supervisor of the applicant so he/she can document
ACCP acceptance/declination. The agreement should be signed by the applicant and
witnessed by the deployed supervisor and then returned to the permanent duty
station for Commanding Officer approval and distribution.
        (2) PCS: Commands should make every effort to contact pilots if they have
not left the immediate area and provide the necessary counseling. If the officer
has departed and was not counseled, notify the receiving command of the departing
command's recommendation for approval or disapproval. The receiving designated
command representative will need to complete the counseling process and the
receiving Commanding Officer will approve or disapprove the ACCP agreement based
on the previous Commanding Officer recommendation. The receiving command is
responsible for distributing the ACCP agreement.
10. USE THE APPROVED AGREEMENT FORM ON THE PSC-OPM2 WEBSITE DERIVED FROM THE
FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
    AVIATOR CAREER CONTINUATION PAY AGREEMENT (ACCP)
    1.  Under Title 37 U.S.C., Section 301b and in consideration of receiving
ACCP in the amount of (dollar amount from paragraph 7) annually, I,
(rank/name/emplid) agree to remain on active duty (years from paragraph 7) years
upon approval of this agreement by my Commanding Officer.
    2.  Conditions of agreement. I understand and agree that:
        A.  The effective date of this agreement will be the date my Commanding
Officer approves this agreement, unless I have not completed all eligibility
requirements by the required submission date.  If I will not complete all
eligibility requirements by the required submission date, then the effective date
will be the day after I complete all eligibility requirements. That date is
projected to be (date).
        B.  On an annual basis, for the length of this agreement, I will receive
an ACCP payment in the following amount: (dollar amount from paragraph 7).
        C.  My active duty service commitment (ADSC) under this agreement will be
for (number of years from paragraph 7) years from 1 January 2018, or if not
eligible by 1 January 2018, the day after I complete all eligibility requirements.
Any approved additional obligated service (e.g. aviation related postgraduate
school) will be consecutive (in addition to) ADSC obligated service.
        D.  My entitlement to ACCP stops if:
            (1) I am permanently disqualified for aviation service for medical
or other reasons.
            (2) I am no longer entitled to aviation career incentive pay
(ACIP or AVIP).
            (3) I am involuntarily dismissed or discharged.
            (4) I retire or separate for any reason authorized under any
provision of law.
            (5) I request removal from flight status.
            (6) I am released for a non-aviation related full-time Postgraduate
or Advanced Education opportunity.
            (7) I lose my aviator qualification or designator.
            (8) I receive an administrative disqualification.
            (9) I turn down any DIFOPS or DIFPRO assignment.
        E.  Any unearned portion of ACCP paid me is considered a debt to the
U. S. Government and will be recouped if my ACCP Entitlement stops because I am:
            (1) Permanently disqualified from aviation service due to misconduct
or willful neglect.
            (2) Dismissed from the Service.
            (3) Discharged for cause or failure to maintain weight standards.
            (4) Separated after declining selective continuation.
            (5) Voluntarily retired or separated before completing the ADSC.
        F.  Per title 37 U.S.C. 301b(g), members who do not complete the period
of active duty specified in the agreement shall be subject to the repayment
provisions of title 37 U.S.C. 303a(e).
    3. If I want to retire or separate before I complete my ADSC, PSC-opm, based
on service needs, may approve my request.  PSC-opm will not be influenced by my
offer to repay ACCP.
    4. Election of ACCP installments.  I understand that ACCP Installments will
be paid on an annual basis on the anniversary of the effective date of the ACCP
agreement.
    5. I do (or do not) request that my first installment be paid in advance.
Accept/decline                     approved/disapproved
Member's signature          commanding officer's signature
Date signed                            date signed
Privacy Act Statement
Authority: Title 37, U.S.C., Section 301b
Purpose: to provide information necessary for the approval authority to
determine if applicant meets all requirements for the award of aviator bonuses.
Routine uses: for processing activities and approval authority to determine if
applicant meets all eligibility requirements for the program.  Use of EMPLID is
necessary to make positive identification of individual records.
Disclosure is voluntary; however, if the applicant does not provide the
information, no further action can be taken on the request and all further
processing terminates.
11. DISAPPROVING ACCP AGREEMENTS.
    A.  Commanding Officers shall disapprove ACCP agreements for pilots who:
        (1) Are awaiting an operational flying disqualification resulting from
an Aviator Evaluation Board.
        (2) Are awaiting involuntary separation.
        (3) Are awaiting or undergoing investigation into military or civilian
offenses which could result in a documented record of substantiated misconduct
or substandard duty performance.
        (4) Have a documented record of substandard performance or conduct
which render them poor candidates for retention under the terms of an ACCP
agreement.
        (5) Have a documented record of aviator skills and officer performance
that makes them ineffective for rated duty.
    B.  Disapprovals will be made to PSC-opm.
    C.  If any of the above listed conditions change, the pilot may reapply
for ACCP.
12. TERMINATING, SUSPENDING, AND RECOUPING ACCP.
    A.  Terminate ACCP payments when a pilot:
        (1) Is dismissed or discharged for cause.
        (2) Separates after declining selective continuation.
        (3) Voluntarily retires or separates before finishing the ADSC.
        (4) Is disqualified for aviation service.
        (5) Separates after being passed over for promotion or selected by
a reduction in force (RIF) board.
    B.  Suspend ACCP payments when a pilot under ACCP contract:
        (1) Is suspended from aviation service.
        (2) Is medically disqualified for aviation service.
        (3) Loses entitlement to aviation career incentive pay (ACIP or AVIP).
    C.  PRORATE AND RECOUP ACCP PAYMENTS FROM THE PILOT UNDER THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS:
        (1) If the reason for failure to complete aviation service is a
result of pilots voluntarily terminating flight status and/or refusing DIFOPS
or DIFPRO assignment, then future anniversary payments are not paid and any
unearned portions of the bonus are recouped.
        (2) If the reason for failure to complete aviation service is
voluntary and the effective date of the disqualification or separation is
after the next anniversary payment, then the next scheduled payment is
prorated to the separation date, future anniversary payments are not paid,
and any unearned portions of the bonus are recouped.  This includes pilots
who separate under early release programs, decline to continue serving, or
who are released for full-time postgraduate or advanced education opportunities.
        (3) If the reason for failure to complete aviation service is
voluntary and the effective date of the disqualification or separation is
after the most recent but before the next anniversary payment, then the next
scheduled payment is not paid, future anniversary payments are not paid, and
any unearned portion of the bonus is recouped.  This includes pilots who
separate under early release programs, decline to continue serving, or are
released for full-time postgraduate or advanced education opportunities.
        (4) If the reason for failure to complete aviation service is
involuntary and the effective date of the disqualification or separation is
after the next anniversary payment, then the next scheduled payment is
prorated for the remaining aviation service, future anniversary payments are
not paid, and any unearned portion of the bonus is not recouped. This includes
long-term medical groundings and disability retirements or separations,
separation due to non-selection for promotion, or RIF actions.
        (5) If the reason for failure to complete aviation service is
involuntary and the effective date of the disqualification or separation is
after the most recent but before the next anniversary payment, then the next
scheduled payment is not paid, future anniversary payments are not paid, and
any unearned portion of the bonus is not recouped. This includes long-term
medical groundings and disability retirements or separations, separation due
to non-selection for promotion, or RIF actions.
        (6) If the reason for failure to complete aviation service is
involuntary and the effective date of the disqualification or separation is
after the next anniversary payment, then the next scheduled payment is not
paid, future anniversary payments are not paid, and any unearned portion of
the bonus is recouped. This includes separation for cause; loss of aviation
qualification; and administrative disqualification.
        (7) If the reason for failure to complete aviation service is
involuntary and the effective date of the disqualification or separation is
after the most recent but before the next anniversary payment, then the next
scheduled payment is not paid, future anniversary payments are not paid, and
any unearned portion of the bonus is recouped. This includes separation for
cause, loss of aviation qualification, and administrative disqualification.
        (8) Recoupment will not be made in the event of the pilot’s death
and any remaining payments will be included in the final settlement of
unpaid pay and allowances.
    D.  ACCP RECOUPMENT CALCULATIONS.  Recoupment calculations will be
determined based on the Defense Finance and Accounting Services accounting
method described in Military Bonus Programs, COMDTINST M7220.2(series).
13. A frequently asked questions list is available on the OPM-2 Aviation
AO portal at the following location: http://cglink.uscg.mil/61d65a15
14. The final critical piece to aviator retention is the Service’s
legislative requirement to transition from Aviation Career Incentive Pay
(ACIP) to Aviation Incentive Pay (AvIP).  PSC-OPM and COMDT (CG-133) are
developing the policy guiding the Coast Guard through this mandatory change.
We expect to publish the new AvIP policy in early Fall of 2017.
15. This policy will be incorporated into a COMDTINST, which will be
released within the next year.
16. Questions concerning this execution of this policy should be
addressed to PSC-OPM-2 POC: LCDR Ryan Matson.
17. Released by RDML W. G. KELLY, Assistant Commandant for Human Resources.
18. Internet release authorized.