ALCOAST 163/19 - MAY 2019 PUBLIC AFFAIRS POSTGRADUATE AND ADVANCED EDUCATION SOLICITATION

united states coast guard

R 091007 MAY 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-092//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01524//
ALCOAST 163/19
COMDTNOTE 1524
SUBJ: PUBLIC AFFAIRS POSTGRADUATE AND ADVANCED EDUCATION SOLICITATION
A. Officer Postgraduate and Advanced Education Application Process for AY20,
ALCGPSC 039/19
B. Enlisted Postgraduate and Advanced Education Programs for AY20, ALCGENL 053/19
1. IAW REF (A) and (B), this ALCOAST 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 2020.
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 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 a fully funded program at
San Diego State University. They may also apply to Columbia University and
pursue a tuition waiver. Officers attending San Diego are expected to complete
the thesis track while those attending Columbia will take part in a final
capstone project.
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 AY20.
    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. Scores must be equal to or
greater than 150v/142q/4.0a. Applicants not meeting these GRE scores shall be
removed from consideration. Applicants are reminded that the deadline to apply
for the postgraduate program is 14 June 2019.
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 of Arts degree or Bachelor of Science degree in the field of
communication, public relations, digital media or mass communication. Enlisted
members pursuing a postgraduate degree will attend San Diego State University
and are expected to complete the thesis track. 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 AY20 or AY21.
    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 1,250 words on the topic outlined at:
https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/cg092/CG-0922/CG-09225/SitePages/CG-09225%20AE.aspx.
    h. Master’s degree applicants are required to submit GRE scores. Score must be
equal to or greater than 150v/142q/4.0a. Applicants not meeting these GRE scores
shall be removed from consideration.
    i. 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 28 June 2019.
9. Questions should be directed to COMDT (CG-09225) POC CWO2 Kurt Fredrickson,
(202) 372-4638 or PACM Mike Hvozda, (202) 372-4639.
10. RDML Melissa Bert, Director of Governmental and Public Affairs, sends.
11. Internet release is authorized.