ACN 101/20 - SEP 2020 FY21 WORKFORCE PLANNING TEAM RESULTS - ENLISTED INTERVENTIONS

ALCOAST COMMANDANT NOTICE                                              CANCEL DATE 09 SEP 2021

R 101221 SEP 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-1//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N07220//
ACN 101/20
SUBJ: FY21 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)
E. Coast Guard Pay Manual, COMDTINST M7220.29 (series)
F. Coast Guard Weight and Body Fat Standards Program Manual, COMDTINST M1020.8 (series)
G. 37 U.S.C. § 331 – General Bonus Authority for Enlisted Members
1. This ACN announces the results of the Enlisted Workforce Planning
Team (EWPT). The EWPT convened from 29-30 Apr 2020 to 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). The bonuses proscribed within
this ACN are authorized pursuant to REF (B) and REF (G).
2. The policy interventions are applicable to Enlisted Active Duty and Reserve
under Extended Active Duty (EAD) orders. The bonus offerings in this ACN
begin in FY21 (01 Oct 2020 and not before) and are anticipated to remain in
effect until the end of FY21 (30 Sep 2021 and not after) contingent upon
Congress extending the authority to make payments. Monetary interventions
may be adjusted or terminated not less than 30 days of advance official
notice by ALCOAST. Authorized FY20 interventions terminate on 30 Sep 2020.
3. Critical Ratings: At this time, AST, EM, ME, and OS are not forecasted to
close within 5% of authorized levels within 12 months.
4. Stressed Ratings: At this time CS, BM, HS, and YN are not forecasted to
close within 2% of authorized levels within 12 months.
5. The following intervention strategies are authorized to attract and
retain personnel in targeted rates to support a mission ready workforce to
meet Service needs.
6. NON-MONETARY INTERVENTIONS CLASS A-SCHOOLS:
    a. For non-rates attending CS, EM, ET, MK, and OS Class A-School, the
mandatory four (4) month requirement at their first permanent duty station
(PDS) in REF (A) is hereby waived. All other eligibility requirements in REF (A)
remain in effect.
    b. Enlistments with guaranteed Class A-School are offered for AST
(type 2), CS, EM, ET, and OS ratings.
7. NON-MONETARY INTERVENTIONS SWE POINTS.
    a. A SWE Point(s) is offered for the following ratings: ET and ME.
    b. The SWE point(s) shall terminate when a member:
        (1) Advances, is reduced in rank, or voluntarily requests a change in rate;
        (2) Is discharged or dismissed as a result of a court-martial, or
administratively separated;
        (3) Voluntarily retires or separates before completing the full
assignment rotation;
        (4) Is disqualified for the position in which the SWE point is awarded; or
        (5) Has been awarded NJP.
    c. The SWE point(s) shall be suspended for the position in which the point was
awarded when a member:
        (1) Is suspended from the position;
        (2) Is medically disqualified from the position;
        (3) Loses eligibility for the position;
        (4) Is not in weight and body fat compliance with REF (F); or
        (5) Receives a “Not Recommended” for advancement and/or an
“Unsatisfactory” by a CO/OIC on an EER. The SWE point eligibility will restart
when the next “Ready, Not Ready” and/or “Satisfactory” EER is received.
    d. ETs serving in Gun Weapons System (GWS) billets may receive two (2)
SWE points for their assignment under the following criteria:
        (1) As identified by EPM-2 and the ET RFMC, in support of MK92, MK48,
MK38, and CIWS.
        (2) Members must complete at least six (6) months as a qualified GWS
technician in an identified billet before submitting a request IAW this ACN.
        (3) Once awarded to a member, the SWE points will accrue until removed
IAW paragraph 7.b. and 7.c. above and REF (C);
        (4) A member may receive a maximum of four (4) SWE points total per pay grade.
    e. MEs serving in MSRT Tactical Operator (MSRT-TO) billets may receive one (1)
SWE point for their assignment under the following conditions:
        (1) As identified by EPM-2 and the ME RFMC in filling a billet as a qualified
MSRT-TO.
        (2) Members must achieve and maintain the DSF-ATO competency.
        (3) Only one (1) point is authorized per member per paygrade.
    f. It is the responsibility of Commanding Officers (CO) and Officers in Charge
(OIC) to counsel members under their command of this opportunity. Qualified members
may request the SWE point(s) through their Chain of Command to their Admin Office
and/or SPO for eligibility verification and entry into DA. Admin Offices, SPOs,
PSC-EPM, and Rating Force Master Chiefs (RFMC) will also review member assignments,
competency records, and determine which members qualify for the incentive. REF (C)
provides direction for DA entry of applicable SWE award point codes. Late entry points
past the SWE eligibility date cannot be retroactively awarded. RFMCs are
the program managers for SWE Point(s) offered in this ACN.
8. ENLISTED MONETARY INTERVENTION BONUSES:
    a. Enlistment Bonus (EB). An EB is offered for new Coast Guard enlistments to
attract qualified civilian personnel for enlisted service or critical ratings by
attending a guaranteed Class A-School. Members agree to enlist and satisfactorily
complete a minimum of four years of Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC) and
abide by all requirements and eligibility qualifications of Chapter 1.A. of REF
(B) and REF (G) to earn an EB entitlement.
    b. Culinary Specialist (CS):
        (1) A $40,000 EB is authorized for CS applicants with a qualified culinary
degree to enlist as an E-3.
              i. 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.
              ii. The culinary degree must be verified by the CS RFMC.
              iii. 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.
        (2) A $30,000 EB is authorized for CS applicants with a qualified culinary
certificate to enlist as an E-3.
              i. A qualifying culinary certificate is defined as a culinary arts
certification from an institution accredited by the American Culinary Federation.
              ii. The culinary certificate must be verified by the CS RFMC.
              iii. 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.
        (3) A $20,000 EB is authorized for CS applicants to enlist.
    c. Operational Specialist (OS). A $30,000 EB is authorized for OS applicants to enlist.
    d. Electricians Mate (EM). A $10,000 EB is authorized for EM applicants to enlist.
    e. Non-rate EB. A $2,000 non-rate EB is authorized for all other applicants to
enlist without a guaranteed Class A-School.
    f. Non-rate Quick Ship EB. A $5,000 Quick-Ship non-rate EB is authorized, as needed,
to fill any Recruit Training Company that is not scheduled to be at capacity. Eligible
applicants for the Quick-Ship EB, must agree to ship not more than four (4) weeks
prior to the Recruit Training Company convening date. The Quick-Ship non-rate EB is
exclusive and cannot be combined with the non-rate EB in 8.e.
9. CRITICAL SKILLS TRAINING BONUS (CSTB). A CSTB is authorized for current
enlisted non-rates without a rating designator who agree to attend and complete Class
A-School, or the BM Rating Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and agree to extend their
enlistment upon graduation to meet obligated service IAW REF (C).
    a. General eligibility requirements:
        (1) All CSTBs incur a four (4) year Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC)
from date of Class A-School graduation, advancement to pay grade E-4 through the BM RAP,
or receipt of designator. Applicable contract extensions must be executed upon
graduation of Class A-School, advancement, or receipt of designator to meet the minimum
obligated service requirement.
        (2) Members must abide by all requirements and eligibility qualifications IAW REF (B).
        (3) Members may not receive a CSTB if they have signed a contract (annex) to
receive a rated EB.
        (4) Members who qualify for a CSTB but received a non-rate EB will receive the
computed difference of the CSTB and non-rate EB.
        (5) Chapter 1.C.4.b. of REF (B) is modified to authorize members to complete and
sign a Critical Skills Training Bonus (CSTB) Agreement, Form CG-7220D, while assigned
to Class A-School.
        (6) Chapter 1.C.4.c. of REF (B) is modified to only include members enrolled
in the BM RAP. There are no striker programs eligible for a CSTB.
        (7) 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.
    b. A $20,000 CSTB is authorized for CS and OS Class A-School.
    c. A $10,000 CSTB is authorized for EM Class A-School.
    d. A $4,500 CSTB is authorized for BM RAP. To be eligible, a member must hold a
current Boat Crew Competency from any ashore standard boat (except punts, skiffs, ice
rescue boats) or LRI and OTH cutter boats. Commands of new prospective applicants
who meet the requirements shall submit an A-school request form selecting BM RAP.
10. CRITICAL SKILLS RETENTION BONUS (CSRB): There are no CSRBs offered at this time.
11. SELECTIVE REENLISTMENT BONUS (SRB):
      a. A 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 a monthly prorated amount for newly obligated service.
      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 (3) months of their six (6) or ten (10) year anniversary
or who have extended due to obligated service requirements.
      f. This message 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: BM2, CS3, CS2, EM3, EM2, 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 will be subject
to unearned bonus repayment per REF (B).
      h. No waivers will be given for members exceeding TIS requirements.
      i. SRBs are paid in one lump sum payment but earned, prorated and computed
based on a member’s applicable amount of newly obligated service months.
      j. SRB Zone Definitions:
         (1) Zone A: Members must have more than 17 months and less than six (6) years
of time-in-service (TIS) and be within three (3) months of their EOE, within three
(3) months of their six (6) 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 (6) years and less than ten (10)
years of TIS and be within three (3) months of their EOE, or within three (3) months
of their ten (10) year anniversary date, or obligate service per Chapter 1.B.5.e. of
REF (B).
      k. SRB Amounts BM: The following bonuses are authorized for members currently in
the paygrade of BM2/E5.
         (1) A $20,000 Zone A SRB is authorized for BM2 members who reenlist for an
additional four (4) years of active duty service obligation.
         (2) A $35,000 Zone A SRB is authorized for BM2 members who reenlist for an
additional six (6) years of active duty service obligation.
         (3) A $20,000 Zone B SRB is authorized for BM2 members who reenlist for an
additional four (4) years of active duty service obligation.
      l. SRB Amounts CS:
         (1) A $15,000 Zone A SRB is authorized for CS members who reenlist for an
additional four (4) years of active duty service obligation.
         (2) A $30,000 Zone A SRB is authorized for CS members who reenlist for an
additional six (6) years of active duty service obligation.
         (3) A $15,000 Zone B SRB is authorized for CS members who reenlist for an
additional six (6) years of active duty service obligation.
         (4) A $10,000 additional payment is authorized for paygrade 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.
               i. The FSO bonus 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
additional payment.
               ii. 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" or “Acting” signature authority
is prohibited. Questions should be directed to: PPC-SMB-MAS-Bonus@uscg.mil.
               iii. 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 additional payment. If a member loses their 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.
               iv. Entitlement to the FSO bonus will not be restored when loss of
qualification was due to personal fault, and the member later re-qualifies during
the same contractual period.
      m. SRB Amounts EM:
           (1) A $10,000 Zone A SRB is authorized for EM1, EM2, and EM3 members who
reenlist for an additional four (4) years of active duty service obligation.
           (2) A $25,000 Zone A SRB is authorized for EM1, EM2, and EM3 members who
reenlist for an additional six (6) years of active duty service obligation.
      n. SRB Amounts OS:
          (1) A $30,000 Zone A SRB is authorized for OS members who reenlist for an
additional four (4) years of active duty service obligation.
          (2) A $50,000 Zone A SRB is authorized for OS members who reenlist for an
additional six (6) years of active duty service obligation.
          (3) A $30,000 Zone B SRB is authorized for OS members who reenlist for an
additional six (6) years of active duty service obligation.
      o. Once all necessary SRB actions have been completed, SPO requests for SRB payment
must be submitted to PPC via a Customer Care Trouble Ticket. Include member’s
applicable SRB Administrative Remarks, Form CG-3307 and PPC's "USCG SRB ELIGIBILITY
CHECKLIST." Also attach, as applicable, PCS orders, EPM-1 Approval Memos, and CG-1331
waivers if utilized.
12. EXTENDED ACTIVE DUTY (EAD). EAD assignments will be considered for Coast Guard
reserve members in the following rates as needed: BM3, BM2, CS3, CS2, CS1, IS3, IS2,
IT3, IT2, ME3, ME2, ME1, OS3, OS2 and OS1.
13. OPEN RATE LIST (ORL). The 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. Eligibility requirements and procedures for enlistment under
the ORL are contained in REF (C). For rating-specific concerns, contact the appropriate
Assignment Officer (AO) or RFMC.
      a. Maximum active duty time for paygrade E-4 applicants is six (6) years TIS and the
maximum active duty time for E-5 applicants is ten (10) years TIS. Applicant
qualifications for enlistment will be reviewed by the appropriate 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 in paygrades E-4 and E-5: AET, AMT, AST, BM,
CS, DC, EM, ET, GM, HS, IS, IT, ME, MK, MST, OS, PA, SK, and YN.
      c. The ORL includes the following rates in paygrade E-6: IS, ME, and OS.
14. ADMINISTRATION.
      a. All bonuses authorized by this ACN will be paid in lump sum IAW REF (A) subject
to 22% federal and applicable state income tax withholdings that are not contributed to
a tax-deferred Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account. Members desiring to contribute bonus
monies to a TSP account must consider the TSP Elective Deferral limit and confirm election
not less than 30 days prior to receipt of the bonus.
      b. Change to REF (B), Military Bonus Programs. 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 will have the unearned portion of payment recouped upon
appointment.”
      c. 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.
      d. The Pay & Personnel Center (PPC) receives a high volume of bonus questions and
submissions. Unanswered questions must be routed through the member’s SPO before engaging
PPC. Payments may take up to two (2) months from the date a member's SPO has submitted a
trouble ticket to PPC. Refrain from contacting PPC about a bonus until two (2) months have
elapsed from a trouble ticket’s 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.
      e. COs and OICs are reminded that all members who agree to obligate service and are
within three (3) months of their end of enlistment, or within three (3) months of their
six (6) and ten (10) year active duty anniversary date will: (1) be counseled on their
SRB eligibility; (2) have the opportunity to read REF (B) in its entirety; and (3) sign
the appropriate Administrative Remarks, Form CG-3307, for their record.
      f. 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.
      g. 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.
      h. 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 message.
Members must still meet the remaining requirements of this ACN and REF (B).
      i. 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 Commandant (CG-133)
at: HQS-PolicyandStandards@uscg.mil.
      j. Special Assignment Considerations: Members in critical ratings are encouraged
to apply for special assignment opportunities; PSC-EPM will work within each rating
to ensure a proper balance is achieved between special assignments and rating needs.
15. Questions regarding EWPT policies outlined in this message or other human
resource management matters may be directed to Office of Military Personnel Policy
(CG-133) at: HQS-PolicyandStandards@uscg.mil. Questions regarding Class A-Schools
may be directed to CG PSC-epm-2, at: ARL-SMB-CGPSC-EPM-ASCHOOLREQUESTS@uscg.mil.
16. COs and OICs must bring the contents of this ACN to the attention of all personnel.
17. Released by RADM J. M. Nunan, Assistant Commandant for Human Resources.
18. Internet release is authorized.