ALCGRSV 011/20 - GUIDANCE & CLARIFICATION REGARDING DRILLING FOR RESERVE POINTS ONLY (DFPO)

united states coast guard

02 MAR 20

UNCLAS //N01331//
ALCGRSV 011/20
SUBJ: GUIDANCE & CLARIFICATION REGARDING DRILLING FOR RESERVE POINTS ONLY (DFPO)
A. Reserve Policy Manual, COMDTINST M1001.28(series)
1. This message is intended to provide additional guidance on the approval of
Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) members participating in Reserve training
programs (i.e., IDT or ADT) without pay and for retirement point credit only,
commonly referred to as drilling for points only (DFPO). Per reference (a),
IRR members “may” be authorized to DFPO with CG-PSC-RPM authorization.
2. CG-PSC-RPM is the sole approval authority for DFPO requests and each request
is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Many factors are considered when
contemplating these requests, but the two most important are needs of the Service
and availability of a Selected Reserve (SELRES) assignment. A full list of
approval considerations may be found on the CG-PSC-RPM website.
  a. Service Need: The Commandant provided strategic direction to grow the SELRES
to its authorized end strength. In support, CG-PSC-RPM is working to limit the
number of IRR members and encourage them to transition to the SELRES vice approving
DFPO requests. Members of the Ready Reserve with a temporary hardship or other
valid reason that prevents them from meeting their SELRES obligations should
generally request transfer to the Active Status List (ASL).
  b. Availability of SELRES Assignment: Vacant SELRES positions exist throughout
the organization. Members requesting to DFPO should expect denial if a vacant
SELRES billet meeting their rate/rank/grade exists within reasonable commuting
distance. These members are encouraged to work with their respective CG-PSC-
RPM Assignment Officer for placement in a SELRES billet instead. 
3. In general, approval of DFPO requests will be rare. However, CG-PSC-RPM
understands that there may be unique circumstances which merit approval. IRR
members should provide sufficient justification as part of their memo request to
influence the decision. Members are reminded that authorization from CG-PSC-RPM
must be received prior to any DFPO drills or duty of any type being performed. 
Any drills performed prior to RPM authorization will not be authorized. 
4. Additional information regarding the DFPO request process can be found at
below link:
https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-
Resources-CG-1/Personnel-Service-Center-PSC/Reserve-Personnel-Management-PSC-
RPM/RPM-3/Individual-Ready-Reserve-IRR/Drill-for-Points-Only/
5. CAPT Michael Batchelder, Chief, CG-PSC-RPM, sends.
6. Internet release authorized.