ACN 098/19 - SEP 2019 FY20 WORKFORCE PLANNING TEAM RESULTS- ENLISTED INTERVENTIONS

united states coast guard

ALCOAST COMMANDANT NOTICE                            CANCEL DATE 05 SEP 2020


R 061412 SEP 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-1//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N07220//
ACN 098/19
SUBJ: FY20 WORKFORCE PLANNING TEAM RESULTS- ENLISTED INTERVENTIONS
A. Performance, Training and Education Manual, COMDTINST M1500.10 (series)
B. Military Bonus Programs, COMDTINST M7220.2 (series)
C. Enlisted Accessions, Evaluations, and Advancements, COMDTINST M1000.2 (series)
D. Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST M1000.8 (series)
1. This ACN announces the results of the Enlisted Workforce Planning Team (EWPT).
The EWPT convened from 13-16 May 2019 to deliberate and recommend workforce policy
interventions to the Assistant Commandant for Human Resources (CG-1). The EWPT
identified strategies for rates/ratings deemed to have personnel shortages that could
negatively influence mission execution. EWPT deliberations considered factors from a
broad spectrum of organizational needs. Interventions include non-monetary policy
changes, Enlistment Bonuses (EB), Critical Skills Training Bonuses (CSTB), Selective
Reenlistment Bonuses (SRB), and Critical Skills Retention Bonuses (CSRB).
2. The bonus offerings in this ACN begin in FY20 (01 Oct 2019 and not before) and are
anticipated to remain in effect until the end of FY20 (30 Sep 2020 and not after) contingent
upon Congress extending the authority to make payments. Monetary interventions may be adjusted
or terminated not less than 30 days in advance. Authorized FY19 interventions terminate on
30 Sep 2019.
3. Critical Ratings: At this time, AST, CS, ET, IS, and OS are not forecasted to
close to within 5% of authorized levels within 12 months and/or are projected to
become gapped at greater than 5% of authorized levels within 12 months.
4. Stressed Ratings: None.
5. Intervention strategies are authorized as needed to attract and retain personnel
in targeted rates to promote a mission ready total workforce in line with Service needs.
6. Non-Monetary Interventions:
    a. For non-rates attending CS, ET, and OS A-School the mandatory four month requirement
at their first permanent duty station (PDS) in section 7.E.2.a.(6) of REF (A) is hereby waived.
All other requirements in REF (A) shall remain in effect.
    b. Enlistment with guaranteed A-School is offered for the AST (type 2), CS, ET, IS
(type 2), and OS ratings.
    c. Enlistment with direct A-School is offered for AST (type 2), CS, EM, ET, and OS ratings.
    d. Further non-monetary interventions are currently being reviewed and will be announced
in future messages.
7. Monetary intervention bonus programs are detailed in Paragraphs 8-18 below. Members who
receive a paid bonus and subsequently lose eligibility are subject to unearned bonus
recoupment policy per REF (B).
8. Enlistment Bonus (EB): An EB is offered for new enlistments to attract qualified personnel
to critical skills or ratings by attending a guaranteed Class A-school. Members agree to
enlist and satisfactorily complete a minimum four years of Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC)
in the designated rating and abide by all requirements and eligibility qualifications of
Chapter 1.A. in REF (B) to earn an EB entitlement.
    a. A $40,000 EB is authorized for CS applicants with a qualified culinary degree to enlist
as an E-3.
        (1) A qualifying culinary degree is defined as an Associate of Arts (AA) or Bachelor of
Arts (BA) degree in culinary arts from an accredited academic or culinary institution.
        (2) The culinary degree must be verified by the CS Rating Force Master Chief (RFMC).
        (3) CS members who acquire a culinary degree after completion of CS Class A-School and
members in the Regular Coast Guard who acquire or hold a culinary degree are ineligible.
    b. A $30,000 EB is authorized for CS applicants with a qualified culinary certificate to
enlist as an E-3.
        (1) A qualifying culinary certificate is defined as a culinary arts certification from
an institution accredited by the American Culinary Federation.
        (2) The culinary certificate must be verified by the CS RFMC.
        (3) CS members who acquire a culinary certificate after completion of CS Class A-School
and members in the Regular Coast Guard who acquire or hold a culinary certificate are ineligible.
    c. A $30,000 EB is authorized for OS applicants to enlist.
    d. A $20,000 EB is authorized for CS or ET applicants to enlist.
    e. Non-rate EBs for new recruits without guaranteed Class A-School are not authorized.
9. Critical Skills Training Bonus (CSTB). A $20,000 CSTB is authorized for non-rated enlisted
members who agree to attend and complete CS, ET, or OS Class A-School during their first active
duty enlistment.
    a. Members must abide by all requirements and eligibility qualifications in Chapter 1.C. of
REF (B) and agree to obligate service to meet a minimum ADSC to earn a CSTB entitlement.
    b. Members may not receive a CSTB if they have signed a contract (annex) to receive a
rated EB.
    c. Members who qualify for a CSTB but received a non-rate EB will receive the computed
difference of the CSTB and non-rate EB.
    d. Chapter 1.C.4.b. of REF (B) is modified to authorize members to complete and sign a CSTB
Agreement, Form CG-7220D, while assigned to Class A-School.
    e. Chapter 1.C.4.c. of REF (B) is waived and members affiliated with or enrolled with a
rating through the striker program are not eligible to receive a CSTB.
    f. Members must continuously meet all performance and conduct standards including
additional reenlistment criteria as outlined in REF (C). Members who are eligible to reenlist
or extend are eligible to receive a CSTB.
10. Critical Skills Retention Bonus (CSRB): A CSRB will be announced SEPCOR.
11. Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB):
     a. An SRB may not be paid for the same period of service in which an EB or CSTB is paid.
     b. Members meeting the criteria of Chapter 1.B.5.e. and 1.B.5.i. of REF (B) are eligible
for an SRB, regardless of their expiration of enlistment (EOE). However, members will only be
paid for newly obligated service on a monthly prorated amount.
     c. Members must continuously meet all performance and conduct standards, including
additional reenlistment criteria, as outlined in REF (C). Members who are eligible to reenlist
are eligible to receive an SRB.
     d. All members must reenlist to qualify for an SRB; members extending their contracts are
not authorized to receive SRBs. In accordance with Chapter 1.B.4. of REF (B), members may only
receive one SRB per zone during their careers.
     e. Members are strongly encouraged to review Chapter 1.B.5.f. of REF (B) before cancelling
extensions to receive SRBs. Chapter 1.B.5.f. of REF (B) only applies to members who are within
three months of their six or 10-year anniversary or who have extended due to obligated service
requirements.
     f. This ACN waives Chapters 1.B.4.a.(1), 1.B.4.a.(2), 1.B.4.b.(1), and 1.B.4.b.(2) of
REF (B) and authorizes members who enlist into the Regular Coast Guard under the Open Rate
List (ORL) an SRB in the following rates and paygrades exclusively: CS3, CS2, ET3, OS3, and OS2.
     g. Members must satisfactorily complete the term of their SRB contract in the rating for
which they received the SRB. Members who fail to do so may be subject to unearned bonus
recoupment per REF (B).
     h. SRB Zone Definitions:
        (1) Zone A: Members must have more than 17 months and less than six years time-in-service
(TIS) and be within three months of their expiration of enlistment (EOE), within three months of their
six-year anniversary date, or obligate service per Chapter 1.B.5.e. of REF (B). Members in pay
grade E-3 with a designator are authorized Zone A SRBs if that rating is authorized Zone A SRBs
for third class petty officers.
        (2) Zone B: Members must have more than six years and less than 10 years TIS and be
within three months of their EOE, or within three months of their 10-year anniversary date, or
obligate service per Chapter 1.B.5.e. of REF (B).
        (3) No waivers for members exceeding TIS requirements are authorized.
     i. Bonus Amounts.
        (1) A $50,000 (prorated monthly) Zone A SRB is authorized for OS members who reenlist for
an additional six years of active service obligation.
        (2) A $36,000 (prorated monthly) Zone A SRB is authorized for CS, and ET members who
reenlist for an additional six years of active service obligation.
        (3) A $30,000 (prorated monthly) Zone A SRB is authorized for OS members who reenlist for
an additional four years of active service obligation.
        (4) A $20,000 (prorated monthly) Zone A SRB is authorized for CS, and ET members who
reenlist for an additional four years of active service obligation.
        (5) A $30,000 (prorated monthly) Zone B SRB is authorized for ET and OS members who
reenlist for an additional six years of active service obligation.
        (6) A $20,000 (prorated monthly) Zone B SRB is authorized for CS members who reenlist
for an additional six years of active service obligation.
     j. Once all necessary SRB actions have been completed, requests for SRB payment must be
submitted to PPC via a Customer Care Trouble Ticket. Include member's applicable SRB
Administrative Remarks, Form CG-3307s and Pay and Personnel Center's (PPC) "USCG SRB
ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST". Also attach, as applicable, PCS orders, EPM-1 Approval Memos, and
CG-1331 waivers if utilized.
     k. A $10,000 kicker is authorized for E-5 and above CS members who are qualified in
accordance with REF (D) to assume the duties and responsibilities of a Food Service Officer (FSO)
and who elect a Zone A or Zone B SRB IAW this ACN.
        (1) The FSO kicker is in addition to the Zone A or Zone B SRB. If a member receives a
prorated Zone A or Zone B SRB, he or she will also receive a prorated FSO kicker.
        (2) An Administrative Remarks, Form CG-3307 (SRB-05a), entry is required to document that
a member is qualified for FSO assignment. This document must be signed by the member's Commanding
Officer; "By Direction" signature authority is prohibited. Questions should be directed to:
PPC-SMB-MAS-Bonus@uscg.mil.
        (3) Members must maintain this qualification throughout their new obligated service period.
Members do not need to be currently assigned to an FSO billet to receive the kicker. If a member
loses his or her FSO qualification or is no longer qualified for assignment to an FSO billet, the
unearned portion of the payment may be recouped as of the date of removal for the remainder of the
contractual obligation.
        (4) Entitlement to the FSO Kicker will not be restored when loss of qualification was due
to personal fault, and the member later re-qualifies during the same contractual period.
12. All bonuses authorized by this ACN will be paid in lump sum, subject to 22% federal, and
applicable state income tax withholdings that are not contributed to a tax-deferred Thrift Savings
Plan (TSP) account. Members that elect to contribute bonus monies to their TSP account must do so
not less than 30 days prior to receipt of bonus.
13. Changes to REF (B), Military Bonus Programs:
     a. Sections 1.B.5.h. and 1.B.9.e., are amended to state: “Members who accept a bonus and during
their obligated service period enter an officer training program as a commissioned or warrant
officer are no longer authorized a bonus and may have the unearned portion of payment recouped upon
appointment.”
     b. Members considering appointment to the warrant or officer corps may still enlist, re-enlist,
or extend their contract in one of the above mentioned ratings without electing to receive a bonus.
14. PPC receives a high volume of bonus questions and submissions.
Unanswered questions must be routed through senior unit Yeomen before engaging PPC. Payments may
take up to four months from the date a member's SPO has submitted a Trouble Ticket to PPC. Refrain
from contacting PPC about a bonus until four months has elapsed from a trouble ticket submission date.
If it is not known whether a ticket has been submitted, designated Yeoman should contact PPC
Customer Care for investigation. If no ticket is active submit a trouble ticket with appropriate
bonus documentation.
15. Commanding Officers and Officers in Charge are reminded that all members who agree to obligate
service and are within three months of their end of enlistment, or within three months of their six
and 10-year active duty anniversary date will: be counseled on their SRB eligibility; have the
opportunity to read REF (B) in its entirety; and sign the appropriate Administrative Remarks,
Form CG-3307 for their record.
16. Eligible members are reminded that they ultimately decide the length of contractual obligation
and actual date of reenlistment. A reenlistment requires the member's signature acknowledging they
have read and understood the terms of the contract and have had all questions answered to their
satisfaction.
17. Members who previously signed contracts in accordance with REF (A) are prohibited from
cancelling their existing contract to sign a new contract to meet the requirements of this ACN.
18. Members who were counseled about their SRB eligibility and signed an Administrative Remarks,
Form CG-3307, entry in accordance with REF (A), but have not signed a reenlistment contract, are
eligible to receive a bonus in accordance with this ACN. Members must still meet the remaining
requirements of this ACN and REF (B).
19. For questions, members should contact their unit counselors (typically the Command
YN/CMC/SCPO/MCPO) well in advance of their reenlistment or extension date. Additional sources of
information include: servicing personnel officers, work-life staff, and senior Yeoman. For
questions that cannot be answered after exhausting all of the above resources, the designated
administrative support representative for that specific unit may contact COMDT (CG-133) at:
HQS-PolicyandStandards@uscg.mil.
20. Special Assignment Considerations: Members in critical ratings are encouraged to apply for
special assignment opportunities; however, PSC-EPM will work within each rating to ensure a proper
balance is achieved between special assignments and rating needs.
21. Extended Active Duty (EAD): EAD assignments will be considered for reserve members in the
following rates as needed: BM3, BM2, CS3, CS2, EM3, ET3, GM3, IS3, IS2, IT3, IT2, ME3, ME2,
MK3, OS3, and OS2.
22. Open Rate List (ORL) is a workforce planning tool designed to enlist skilled and qualified
prior service members to fill vacancies in targeted rates. The advancement implications of listing
rates on the ORL are structured to meet current and future mission needs.
     a. Eligibility requirements and procedures for enlistment under the ORL are contained in
REF (C). Maximum active duty time for E-4 applicants is six years TIS and the maximum active duty
time for E-5 applicants is 10 years TIS. Applicant qualifications for enlistment will be reviewed
by the appropriate assignment officer (AO) in consultation with the RFMC. Final approval or
disapproval of an applicant's enlistment via the ORL will be made by Recruiting Command (CGRC).
     b. The ORL includes the following rates and paygrades exclusively: AST3, AST2, BM3, BM2, CS3,
CS2, EM3, ET3, GM3, IS3, IS2, IS1, IT3, IT2, ME3, ME2, MK3, OS3, OS2, PA3, PA2, and PA1.
     c. For rating-specific concerns, contact the appropriate AO or RFMC.
23. These changes will be incorporated into the next revision of REFs (A) and (B) which will be
released within the next year.
24. Questions regarding the EWPT may be directed to LCDR Gregory Higgins, Workforce Forecasting
and Analysis (CG-126), at Gregory.E.Higgins@uscg.mil. Policies regarding bonuses or other human
resource management matters may be directed to Office of Military Personnel (CG-133) at:
HQSPolicyandStandards@uscg.mil. Questions regarding A-schools may be directed to CG PSC-epm-2,
at: ARL-SMB-CGPSC-EPM-ASCHOOLREQUESTS@uscg.mil.
25. Commanding officers and officers in charge shall bring the contents of this ACN to the
attention of all personnel.
26. Released by RADM J. M. Nunan, Assistant Commandant for Human Resources.
27. Internet release is authorized.