ACN 024/21 - MAR 2021 CEREMONIAL ADVANCEMENT

R 031743Z MAR 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST COMDT NOTICE

UNCLAS
ACN 024/21
SSIC 1000
SUBJ:  CEREMONIAL ADVANCEMENT
A. Enlistments, Evaluations, and Advancements, COMDTINST
M1000.2 (series)
1. OVERVIEW. This ACN announces the addition of a Ceremonial
Advancement policy to allow Coast Guard enlisted members the
best opportunity to plan, prepare, and execute meaningful
advancement ceremonies that properly recognize the career
milestone, while also considering unit operations, and Service
needs. Current policy and procedures allow for only a brief
planning window for enlisted advancement ceremonies from the
release of the monthly Enlisted Personnel Advancement Authorization
(EPAA), on or around the 20th of each month and the advancement
on the first day of the following month. This short planning
window is often insufficient to make the logistical arrangements
for family members and friends to witness and participate in
the advancement ceremony. 
2. POLICY/PROCEDURE. The following policy establishes an
option for Coast Guard enlisted members to
be ceremoniously advanced on a date most conducive to the
member’s desires and the unit’s operational schedule.
Currently, members on the Active Duty or Reserve Supplemental
Advancement Eligibility Lists are not eligible under this
policy as the supplemental advancement cycle does not include
an eligibility determination prior to the release of monthly
EPAA or ERAA.
3. The following paragraphs will be incorporated into
Chapter 3 of REF (A) paragraph A.35: Ceremonial Advancements.
   a. General. A Ceremonial Advancement allows an enlisted
member above a published cut to be advanced prior to their
name appearing on an EPAA. The Ceremonial Advancement
establishes an option for Coast Guard enlisted members
to be ceremoniously advanced on a date most conducive to
the member’s desires and the unit’s operational schedule
while providing flexibility in managing logistics to plan
an appropriate event. 
   b. Authority. COs and OICs are authorized to conduct
Ceremonial Advancements at any point during, and 30 days
prior to, the lifecycle of the current advancement eligibility
list (SWE or MCAP), see 3.A.3.d of REF (A) for discussion
regarding the Terminal Eligibility Date (TED). COs/OICs
do not need to request authorization from or notify CG PSC
prior to conducting a Ceremonial Advancement but should
consider a member’s relative placement on the list in
scheduling an appropriate date. Ceremonial Advancements
are different than frocking and thus are not specifically
intended to establish a member’s stature nor change their
primary duties, privileges, or entitlements. COs/OICs shall
consider the full implications for the member and unit prior
to conducting a Ceremonial Advancement.
   c. Entitlements.
      (1) Insignia. Ceremoniously advanced members are
authorized to assume the title and wear the insignia
of the rank to which ceremoniously advanced.
      (2) Housing. Ceremoniously advanced members are
entitled to housing commensurate with the lower permanent
rate.
      (3) Armed Forces Identification Card. A new Armed
Forces Identification Card, DD Form 2 CG, will not be
issued to reflect the higher rate until the actual
advancement date.
      (4) Pay, Allowances, and Travel Entitlements. Pay,
allowances, and travel entitlements will continue to accrue
at the lower permanent rate/pay grade. Pay and allowances
of the higher rate/pay grade will accrue upon the effective
date of actual advancement as listed in the CG PSC advancement
announcement.
      (5) Performance Evaluations. Enlisted performance evaluation
forms will continue to be submitted in the lower permanent rate.
      (6) Authorities of Ceremoniously Advanced Pay Grade.
Ceremonial Advancement does not authorize increased disciplinary
powers under Article 15, UCMJ.
      (7) Time in Grade. Time in grade computation for retirement
and advancement is computed from the date of actual advancement,
not the date ceremoniously advanced.
      (8) Local entitlements, e.g. duty, berthing arrangements,
watch standing rotations, etc., are at the discretion of the
CO/OIC.  
4. These changes will be incorporated into the next revision
of REF (A), which will be released within the next year.
5. This message will be cancelled on 02 MAR 2022.
6. A ceremonial advancement certificate template can be found at:
https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-
for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Director-of-Military-Personnel-CG-13/
Military-Personnel-Policy-CG-133-/Military-Policy-Development-
Division-CG-1331/.
7. Questions regarding ceremonial advancements or other human
resource management matters may be directed to Office of Military
Personnel Policy (CG-133) at: HQSPolicyandStandards@uscg.mil.
8. Policies and standards in REF (A), not specifically addressed
by this ACN remain unchanged.
9. Released by RADM J. M. Nunan, Assistant Commandant for
Human Resources (CG-1).
10. Internet release is authorized.