ALCOAST 176/18 - MAY 2018 PUBLIC AFFAIRS POSTGRADUATE AND ADVANCED EDUCATION SOLICITATION

R 111111 MAY 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-092//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01524//
ALCOAST 176/18
COMDTNOTE 1524
SUBJ:  PUBLIC AFFAIRS POSTGRADUATE AND ADVANCED EDUCATION SOLICITATION
A. OFFICER POSTGRADUATE AND ADVANCED EDUCATION APPLICATION PROCESS FOR
ASSIGNMENT YEAR 2019, ALCGPSC 057/18
B. ENLISTED POSTGRADUATE AND ADVANCED EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR ASSIGNMENT
YEAR 2019, ALCGENL 029/18
1. IAW REF (A) and (B) this message solicits applicants for
postgraduate and undergraduate opportunities for the Public Affairs
Program. Two officers will be selected to attend postgraduate training
beginning in the fall of 2019. One public affairs specialist (PA) will
be selected to attend advanced education training during the same
period. Both programs are 24-months of duty under instruction.
2. Public affairs is an element of operations that is fundamental to
mission success. Public affairs is a unique capability that enables
effective communication and engagements with key publics, which in turn
contributes to achievement of operational objectives.
3. Postgraduate Eligibility. This program is open to all active duty
officer operational specialties. Ideal candidates are those officers
completing an operational tour. This program was established to provide
personnel, from a variety of backgrounds, with instruction in the
disciplines of communication, public relations, digital media, and mass
communication. The Coast Guard Public Affairs Program relies on
personnel trained in these disciplines to achieve its mission.
Graduates should expect a follow-on assignment as a public affairs
officer at a district, an area, a major command, or at Coast Guard
Headquarters. Later assignments may include more senior leadership
responsibilities in the External Affairs Program.
4. Selected officers for this program will attend universities with
strong programs leading to a Master of Arts degree or Master of Science
degree in any of the previously mentioned disciplines. The Office of
Public Affairs (CG-0922) will work with selected officers to select
universities with a strong military communication research focus and
approve all courses of study.
5. In addition to the application guidelines set forth in REF (A),
officer applicants must meet the following requirements:
    A. Be in the grade of O2, O3, or O4 select and tour complete in AY19.
    B. Possess a bachelor’s degree at the time of the panel.
    C. Possess the requisite academic aptitude to earn a master’s degree.
    D. Applicants are required to submit GRE scores.  Officers with GRE
scores lower than 153v/148q/4.0a are encouraged to retake the exam to
remain competitive with the growing interest in the program.
Applicants not meeting these recommended GRE scores may be removed from
consideration. Applicants are reminded that the deadline to apply for
the postgraduate program is 15 June 2018.
6. Advanced Education Eligibility for enlisted members. This program is
open to active duty PAs. Selected PAs for this program will attend
universities leading to a Bachelor or Master of Arts degree or Bachelor
or Master of Science degree in the field of communication, public relations,
digital media or mass communication. The Office of Public Affairs (CG-0922)
will select universities with a strong military communication research focus
and approve all courses of study. The ideal candidate for this program is a
high-performing PA who has a strong aptitude to earn an academic degree.
A graduate of this program should expect a follow-on assignment in a position
that will benefit from an advanced education degree.
7. In addition to the application guidelines set forth in REF (B),
enlisted applicants must meet the following requirements:
    A. Be in the grade of E4, E5, E6, or E7 and tour complete in AY19 or AY20.
    B. Have no more than 10 years TIS if applying as an E5.
    C. Have no more than 14 years TIS if applying as an E6.
    D. Have no more than 16 years TIS if applying as an E7.
    E. Be recommended for advancement.
    F. Be able to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in 24-months.
    G. Submit an essay of 800 to 1250 words on the topic outlined at
https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/cg092/CG-0922/CG-09225/SitePages/CG-09225%20AE.aspx
    H. Members must submit a “My Panel” submission with a command
endorsement in Direct Access. Command endorsement must address your
ability to complete a degree and your future leadership potential.
8. Applicants are reminded that the deadline to apply for the advanced
education program is 22 June 2018.
9. Questions should be directed to COMDT (CG-09225) POC CWO2 Kurt Fredrickson
at (202) 372-4638 or PACM Mike Hvozda at (202) 372-4639.
10. RADM Peter W. Gautier, Director of Governmental and Public Affairs, sends.
11. Internet release authorized.