ALCOAST 030/21 - JAN 2021 COVID-19: IMPACTED ASSIGNMENT YEAR 21 (AY21): PCS AND HHG SHIPMENTS - SITREP 1

R 282150Z JAN 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST

UNCLAS
ALCOAST 030/21
SSIC 1320
SUBJ:  COVID-19: IMPACTED ASSIGNMENT YEAR 21 (AY21): PCS
AND HHG SHIPMENTS - SITREP 1
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 090803 JUN 20/ALCOAST 224/20
B. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 280957 DEC 20/ALCOAST 465/20
C. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 021304 NOV 20/ALCOAST 396/20
D. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 211536 MAY 20/ALCOAST 187/20
1. This message cancels REF (A) and provides information
and resources for Coast Guard members transferring in the
upcoming assignment year. While the information provided
in this message will be of particular interest to those
transferring in AY21, it also includes critical information
to commands, supervisors, and SPO/ADMIN offices to assist
their members in planning, preparing for, and executing
PCS orders. Communications will continue to be a key factor
in the overall success of the transfer season. COMDT (CG-13)
will continue to use all available communication methods to
provide updated guidance through the year.
2. The national COVID-19 pandemic impacted the 2020 PCS season
but through good risk mitigation we were able to successfully
move 11,958 members and their household goods to keep the
lifeblood of the Coast Guard flowing. COVID-19 will influence
the execution of the 2021 PCS season. Building on the lessons
learned from PCS 2020, the following business practices are
implemented for PCS 2021.
   a. The Continued PCS Risk Assessment Team (CPRAT): Established
under the direction of the Assistant Commandant for Human Resources
and in coordination with the Director of Operational Logistics,
CPRAT was a key component in determining the risk to authorizing
PCS moves for the entire Service or for a particular region.
The CPRAT consisting of COMDTs (CG-1), (CG-8), (CG-094), DOL,
PSC, and FORCECOM representatives will continue to assess the
risk and provide recommendations to COMDT (CG-1) regarding
execution of PCS 2021.
   b. Float Plan: The Float Plan was developed to ensure the
safe transfer of members in the heightened-risk environment.
The Float Plan was approved by both the departing and receiving
commands and proved beneficial in the oversight of members’
movements and contributed to unit readiness decision making.
Commands are authorized to delegate approving authority to E-7
and above. Given the ongoing state of the pandemic, the use of
Float Plans will be mandated for PCS 2021. The PCS Float Plan
form located at:https://www.uscg.mil/Coronavirus/pcs/
   c. New Shipmate Form: In recognition of the challenges of
operating and working in a remote and dispersed manner
and to facilitate a member’s inclusion to the unit, a new
Shipmate Form was created as a means for the new unit to
learn about their incoming shipmate and ease the member’s
transition. The Shipmate Form is available, at:
https://www.uscg.mil/Coronavirus/pcs/.
   d. PCS Assist Team: Due to the unique challenges facing
members in conducting a PCS amidst the national pandemic,
DOL created the PCS Assist Team at every Coast Guard Base,
Training Center Petaluma and Yorktown, and a centralized
desk in Norfolk. The objective of the PCS Assist Team was
to serve as a support mechanism to ensure safe and efficient
moves for Coast Guard members. With the projected impact of
COVID-19 to continue into the PCS 2021 season, the PCS Assist
Team will be utilized as a resource for members conducting
PCS moves. The composition of the PCS Assist Teams is still
being developed as to be best postured to support PCS 2021.
3. Policy Guidance:
   a. CONUS/OCONUS PCS and HHG shipments are authorized until
further notice.
   b. PCS to and from foreign countries are authorized as long
as DoD or Chief of Mission (as applicable) restrictions are met.
Members should carry out PCS after receiving guidance from their
receiving commands.
   c. Canada/Alaska: U.S. Embassy, Ottawa, has updated their
reporting requirements. PCS travel to, from, and through Canada
remains authorized. Ten days prior to departing your permanent
duty station, all members planning travel through Canada are
required to send an e-mail to D17-DG-M-K-BaseKodiak-Admin@uscg.mil,
with the following information:
       i. Rate/Rank
       ii. First M. Last name of service member
       iii. First M. Last name of all authorized travelers on orders
       iv. D17 Unit assigned/departed
       v. Type of Travel (PCS Departing from/Reporting to Alaska)
       vi. Estimated date of entry into/departure from Canada
       vii. Canadian Border Crossing/Port of Entry
       viii. Estimated date of entry into/departure from U.S.
       ix. U.S. Border Crossing/Port of Entry
       x. Vehicle make, model and license plate info
       xi. Phone number while in a travel status
   d. Alaska Marine Highway System: Members PCSing to and from
Alaska via the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), a.k.a (the
Alaska Ferry) have experienced delays with the ferry system in
the past. If you are contemplating using the AMHS you must obtain
approval with your receiving command via the Float Plan. If you
choose to use the AMHS and delays are incurred, your receiving
command may only authorize non-chargeable absence IAW CGS-JTR
050205 for any additional days spent en route waiting for a
scheduled or delayed ferry, no additional travel days or
entitlements will be authorized.
   e. Vehicle Processing Center (VPC): As detailed in REF (B),
members transferring in 2021 may utilize the VPC of their choosing
as long as that facility is the closest to their old PDS, new PDS,
or along the direct route between the two.
   f. Personally Procured Move (PPM): The Joint Travel Regulations
(JTR) has permanently authorized a member executing a PPM to
receive a monetary allowance that is equal to 100% of the
Government’s “Best Value” for the actual HHG weight transported
up to the Service member’s maximum authorized weight allowance.
The decision to use a PPM during a PCS transfer is a personal
and complex choice. Members should contact their local Personnel
and Administration Office (P&A)/Personal Property Shipping Office
(PPSO) for additional information.
   g. Travel and Leave Update: All personnel shall be aware of
changing conditions in locations they intend to travel to and
through when making travel decisions. Commands should weigh all
risk factors including state and local government posture at the
destination, mode of transportation, planned activities, lodging,
and precautions taken by the Coast Guard members. REF (C) contains
the latest policy guidance and information.
   h. Special Leave Accrual: Per REF (D) members shall continue
to manage their accrued leave balances to avoid loss of leave.
Commands are encouraged to work with members to plan leave which
balances member and family needs with mission readiness. Due to
the Coast Guard response to COVID-19, Special Leave Accrual (SLA)
for all active and qualified reserve military personnel was approved
with the following maximum leave balance carryover for FY21-FY23
End of date FY:                      Total Carryover Limit
30SEP21                                 80 days
30SEP22                                 70 days
30SEP23                                 60 days
4. The Coast Guard maintains a website with authoritative documents,
frequently asked questions, and a link to submit your questions.
This site is updated continuously and should be referenced often:
https://www.uscg.mil/Coronavirus/.
5. POC: Office of Military Personnel and Policy, COMDT (CG-1331)
at HQS-PolicyandStandards@uscg.mil or COMDT (CG-1332)
at HQS-DG-1ST-CG-1332-Travel@uscg.mil.
6. RADM J. M. Nunan, Assistant Commandant for Human Resources
(CG-1), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.