ACN 074/21 - JUL 2021 FY21 WORKFORCE PLANNING TEAM RESULTS – CGCYBER ENLISTED INTERVENTIONS

R 281421Z JUL 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST COMDT NOTICE
BT
UNCLAS
ACN 074/21
SSIC 7220
SUBJ: FY21 WORKFORCE PLANNING TEAM RESULTS – CGCYBER ENLISTED
INTERVENTIONS
A. Military Bonus Programs, COMDTINST M7220.2 (series)
B. 37 U.S.C. – Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services
C. Coast Guard Medical Manual, COMDTINST M6000.1 (series)
D. Coast Guard Weight and Body Fat Standards Program Manual,
COMDTINST M1020.8 (series)
E. 10 U.S.C. – Armed Forces
F. Coast Guard Pay Manual, COMDTINST M7220.29 (series)
G. Performance, Training and Education Manual, COMDTINST M1500.10
(series)
H. Enlisted Accessions, Evaluations, and Advancements, COMDTINST
M1000.2 (series)
1. OVERVIEW: This ACN announces two Critical Skills Retention Bonus
(CSRB) offers under Chapter 3 of REF (A) and Section 355 of REF (B)
for eligible active duty enlisted members with designated critical
military skills and is in addition to any other pay and allowances
to which a member is entitled.
    a. This ACN authorizes two interventions recommended by the FY21
Enlisted Workforce Planning Team (EWPT). This is necessary to
support Coast Guard missions to fill critical assignments and
optimize Coast Guard Cyber Command (CGCYBER) workforce readiness.
    b. The bonuses are authorized for eligible active duty members
(see 4.a-e) who submit completed bonus agreements and associated
enlistment contract or extension agreements obligating the new
active duty service commitment (ADSC) during FY21. The ADSC is the
number of years a Service member agrees to obligate service on the
Bonus Agreement.
    c. The bonus offerings in this ACN are for 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). Monetary interventions may
be adjusted or terminated not less than 30 days in advance by
announcement via ACN.
2. ELIGIBILITY: These bonuses are a special incentive pay to retain
active duty CGCYBER members filling essential CGCYBER roles. IAW
REFs (A) and (B), qualified active duty enlisted personnel are
entitled to the following bonuses:
    a. A $100,000 CSRB is authorized for enlisted members who possess
the DCO Cyber Operator Competency (CYB-DCO) and enter into a bonus
agreement for an additional four (4) years of active service
obligation. Members must agree to remain in a DCO related position
for the entire four (4) years of active service obligation. This
includes positions within CGCYBER Operations Department and Computer
Network Operations (CNO) positions within the Coast Guard
Cryptologic Group (CGCG). Eligible members must abide by the
following fully-qualified criteria during the entirety of the ADSC:
        (1) Assignment of Enlisted members to CGCYBER Cybersecurity
Operations Center (CSOC), CGCYBER Cyber Protection Teams (CPT),
Cyber Mission Team (CMT), Cyber Operational Assessments Branch
(COAB), Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) DET,
USCYBERCOM DET, CGCG CNO positions, or Information Warfare Training
Command Corry Station;
        (2) Possess and maintain a final, adjudicated TS/SCI security
clearance and favorable Counter-Intelligence (CI) Polygraph;
        (3) Successful completion of Joint Cyber Analysis Course
(JCAC) or equivalent six-month course;
        (4) Successful completion of Cybersecurity Service Provider
(CSSP) Analyst, Infrastructure Support, Incident Responder,
Auditor, or Manager Certification, DoD 8570.01-M;
        (5) Successful completion of Joint Qualification Requirements
(JQR) and board process for CGCYBER watch positions of CSOC Watch
Supervisor or Intelligence Watch Officer; completion of all Cyber
Protection Team (CPT) training pipeline requirements; National
Security Agency (NSA) CNO JQR and all NSA-mandated training
requirements; or be a qualified Cyber Mission Force Instructor at
Corry Station.
        (6) Maintain DCO Cyber Operator Competency (CYB-DCO);
        (7) Eligible members not currently filling an approved CGCYBER
billet may enter into this agreement if they meet the requirements
set forth in 4.d. and 4.e. of this ACN by 30 Sep 2021.
    b. A $50,000 CSRB is authorized for enlisted members who possess
the DODIN OPS Cyber Operator Competency (CYB-DOD), and enter into a
bonus agreement for four years of active service obligation. Members
must agree to remain in a CGCYBER position for the entire four years
of active service obligation. Eligible members must abide by the
following fully qualified criteria during the entirety of the ADSC:
        (1) Enlisted members assigned to CGCYBER Operations Department
such as the Technical Management Branch (TMB), Network Operations
and Security Center, or Centralized Service Desk positions;
        (2) Possess and maintain a final, adjudicated SECRET security
clearance;
        (3) Successful completion of 12 months of duty in any
combination of: a CGCYBER Technical Management Branch (TMB) or
within the Enterprise Operations Center, or 12 months of duty as a
Watch Supervisor at the Centralized Service Desk;
        (4) Successful completion of IAT Level II Certification, DoD
8570.01-M;
        (5) Maintain the DODIN Ops Competency (CYB-DOD);
        (6) Successful completion of one industry training /
certification from one of the groups below. In the event of a name
change, reorganization, new release, or other event that renders the
listed classes obsolete, a waiver must be requested thru CGCYBER to
COMDT (CG-133) to confirm a satisfactory replacement course is
acceptable. Additionally, a list of acceptable courses will be
published under the qualifying exams link section on the CG-791
CGPortal page at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/cg791/planningandresources/Bonus/
SitePages/Home.aspx

              i. Virtualization: VMware Certified Professional 7 -
Desktop and Mobility and VMware Certified Professional 2019 – Data
Center Virtualization;
              ii. Server: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate
(MCSA): Windows Server 2016;
              iii. Collaboration: Administering Microsoft Exchange
Server 2016 (20345-1) and Microsoft 365 Certified: Messaging
Administrator Associate;
              iv. Identity Management: Identity with Windows Server 2016
and Server 2019;
              v. Network: Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician
(CCENT), and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA);
              vi. Content Delivery: Administering System Center
Configuration Manager (20703-1);
vii. Security Software: DISA HBSS Admin 201 Course, DISA
HBSS Advanced 301 Course, and McAfee Enterprise Security Manager for
Engineers.
        (7) Eligible members not currently filling an approved CGCYBER
billet may enter into this agreement if they meet the requirements
set forth in 4.d. and 4.e. of this ACN.
3. DEFINITIONS:
    a. ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE COMMITMENT (ADSC): The ADSC is the number
of years a member agrees to obligate service under a Bonus
Agreement. The ADSC is calculated by adding the number of years
obligated to the effective date of the Bonus Agreement or the date
after the member completes any current obligated service period and
has met all other eligibility requirements, whichever is later.
    b. BONUS AGREEMENT: CGCYBER Enlisted Bonus: A written contractual
agreement between a Service member and the Coast Guard in which the
Service member agrees to remain on active duty for a specific period
of time. In return, the Service member receives the bonus contingent
upon abiding by all eligibility and retention conditions of the
agreement throughout the entire contractual term. The only approved
Bonus Agreement to be used per this ACN is CG Form 5305C, “CGCYBER
Enlisted Bonus Agreement” found on the COMDT (CG-612) Directives and
Publications, CG Authorized Forms Portal site at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/forms

    c. BONUS AGREEMENT SUBMISSION DATE: For management, assignment
and oversight purposes, Bonus Agreements must be signed by the
Commanding Officer no later than 01 Oct 2021. Extension of the
application deadline will not normally be allowed. Members with
exceptional circumstances may request a waiver for submission of
their agreements past the due date from COMDT (CG-133) thru
CG PSC-EPM-2.
    d. CURRENT OBLIGATED ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE: Current obligated
active duty service period includes:
        (1) All service obligations for initial entry into the Coast
Guard;
        (2) Obligated service under an existing bonus agreement or
obligated service incurred by a monetary payment;
        (3) Obligated service for receipt of graduate/advanced
education or training greater than 20 weeks;
        (4) Current obligated active duty service does not include
obligated service for promotion, advancement, permanent change of
station (PCS), BRS continuation pay, or service obligation as
directed by the Coast Guard. These service obligations will run
concurrently to a bonus service obligation.
    e. EFFECTIVE DATE OF BONUS AGREEMENT: The Bonus Agreement will be
effective the date a fully qualified Service member’s Commanding
Officer approves the agreement or, for those members not fully
qualified by the Commanding Officer’s approval date, the date the
member meets all eligibility requirements after the approval date,
whichever is later, but not later than 01 Oct 2021. For members who
met (and have continuously maintained since) all eligibility,
qualification, and ADSC requirements prior to the release of this
ACN, but not earlier than 01 Oct 2020, the Bonus Agreement will be
effective the date they met all requirements. In such cases, both
the member’s and Commanding Officer’s signature dates on the Bonus
Agreement are authorized to be back-dated to the appropriate date in
FY21.
4. POLICY: To receive the bonus, Service members must abide by and
continuously maintain the eligibility criteria of this ACN for the
entirety of the obligated ADSC in the designated career field.
    a. A Service member paid a bonus under this offer during the
period of ADSC covered by the signed Bonus Agreement and who fails
any of the following eligibility criteria must be subject to
recoupment for any and all unearned portion of the bonus under
provisions of Section 373 of REF (B). General eligibility criteria
are:
        (1) Remain qualified under the eligibility criteria of this
ACN for which the bonus is paid;
        (2) Remain assigned to an approved CGCYBER position under the
Bonus Agreement;
        (3) Maintain physical and medical standards for continuous
retention IAW REF (C); and
        (4) Maintain weight and body fat standards IAW REF (D).
    b. If a member loses qualification, or is no longer qualified for
those assignments in 2.a. or 2.b. of this ACN due to any individual
fault, any unearned portion of the bonus payment will be repaid as
of the date of removal.
        (1) Entitlement to this bonus will not be restored when loss
of qualification was due to personal fault and the member later
re-qualifies during the original ADSC.
        (2) The Bonus Agreement is not a guarantee a member will
remain on active duty for the entirety of the ADSC if earlier
administrative separation, retirement or, involuntary separation for
cause is awarded, or appropriate.
    c. Eligible members may apply for a bonus if:
        (1) Their current obligated active duty service, as defined
in Paragraph 3.d. of this ACN, expires on or before 30 Sep 2021;
        (2) They are tour complete in AY2021, if not currently filling
a CGCYBER position, and are in receipt of orders to a CGCYBER
position;
        (3) They apply for the bonus by completing and submitting the
Bonus Agreement by the date in Paragraph 3.c. of this ACN; and
        (4) They obligate an additional four (4) years of ADSC.
Obligation of ADSC under a CSRB will be executed as an extension to
the current enlistment contract. If the additional service
obligation extension will exceed the six (6) year extension limit
of an enlistment contract, the member may be discharged and
immediately reenlisted, by convenience of the government, for the
total service obligated in whole years.
    d. Determining eligibility.
        (1) Have no current obligated active duty service, as defined
in Paragraph 3.d. of this ACN, beyond 30 Sep 2021.
        (2) Meet all of the requirements set forth in 2.a. or 2.b. by
30 Sep 2021. (Note: Failure to obtain the requirements will result
in termination of the Bonus Agreement and repayment of all unearned
bonus funds paid).
        (3) Accept assignment to a CGCYBER position during the AY2021
process if not currently assigned to one.
        (4) Have at least 04 Years, 00 Months and 00 Days of total
active duty as of the effective date of the Bonus Agreement.
        (5) Have less than 25 years, 00 months, and 00 days total
active duty service at the completion of the Bonus Agreement term.
        (6) May not have an existing Bonus Agreement.
        (7) The effective date of Bonus Agreement will be in
compliance with Paragraph 3.e. For those members failing to meet the
eligibility requirements before 01 Oct 2021, the bonus agreement
will not become effective.
        (8) Members serving in a retired recall status are ineligible
to apply.
    e. Bonus Agreement limits and payment of bonus. Eligible members
must obligate their ADSC in accordance with Paragraph 4.c.(4) of
this ACN prior to receipt of bonus payment. The bonus will be paid
in lump sum IAW REF (B) 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 bonus.
        (1) The lump sum payment will normally be paid within 2 pay
cycles after effective date of bonus agreement or the date the
member has obligated ADSC, whichever is later, but not later than 01
Oct 2021.
        (2) Once a Bonus Agreement is signed, it will remain in effect
until the agreement expires. Members may request a new agreement
upon expiration of their existing agreement provided a bonus is
being offered and the members meet the eligibility requirements of
the bonus program then in effect.
        (3) IAW Section 371 of REF (B), a member is prohibited from
receiving a bonus payment pursuant to Subchapters I and II of Title
37, U.S.C., for the same activity, skill, or period of service.
       (4) It is prohibited for a member to receive multiple bonus
payments for the same period of service, unless specifically
authorized by the Assistant Commandant for Human Resources (CG-1).
    f. ADSC Adjustments and Bonus Agreement non-compliance.
       (1) When a bonus for a member is suspended or terminated as
described in this ACN, CG PSC-EPM will not automatically adjust the
ADSC for the member. A member whose bonus eligibility ends may
submit a request, with supporting material, to change the ADSC to
CG PSC-EPM, who will consider the request and supporting material in
making a determination as to whether or not to change the ADSC.
       (2) An ADSC does not guarantee a member will remain on active
duty indefinitely if earlier administrative separation is
appropriate.
       (3) The Coast Guard can also initiate involuntary separation
under Military Separations, COMDTINST M1000.4 (series), earlier than
the ADSC date.
    g. Repayment of Unearned Bonus Amounts. Per Section 373 of REF
(B), unearned bonuses must be repaid, unless collection is excepted
under authorized conditions.
        (1) Except under conditions described in Paragraph 4.h. below,
the Coast Guard will demand repayment of any unearned bonus
commensurate with time remaining on the member’s active duty
obligation when discharged, released from active duty, or the date
the member has been determined to no longer be in compliance with
the Bonus Agreement.
        (2) CG PSC-EPM will include a statement on the separation
authorization for any member with remaining obligated service from a
bonus agreement and any unearned bonus must be repaid by the member.
These separation authorization statements must include the reason
for demanding repayment and advise the member of the opportunity to
apply for an exception to repayment along with the procedures on how
to submit the request.
    h. Authorized exceptions to repayment of unearned bonuses include
the situations listed below and must be cited by CG PSC-EPM in
separation authorizations or other documentation:
        (1) Separated, retired, or loss of bonus eligibility by reason
of combat-related physical disability, illness, or injury, and not
due to misconduct.
        (2) The term “combat-related” has the same meaning as in
Section 1413a of REF (E) and further described in Section 16.D.6. of
REF (F).
        (3) Combat-relatedness determinations will be made by
CG PSC-PSD-MED.
        (4) In cases where a member with a current Bonus Agreement in
effect 1) dies or 2) is retired or separated with a combat-related
disability, and the death or disability is not the result of the
member’s misconduct, any bonus installment amount previously paid
must not be recouped. Further, the full amount of the Bonus
Agreement amount not yet paid prior to the date of 1) death or
2) retirement or separation due to combat-related disability but to
which the member was eligible immediately before the death,
retirement, or separation and would otherwise be paid if not for the
death, retirement, or separation must be included as a lump sum in
the member’s final settlement of pay and allowances. The lump sum
must be equal to the full remaining amount specified in the
agreement as if the member continued to be eligible for the
remaining bonus payments. This payment must be paid not later than
90 days following the member’s death, retirement, or separation.
        (5) Sole survivorship discharge.
        (6) When explicitly excepted from repayment by Coast Guard
personnel policy.
        (7) All other requests for exceptions to repayment of unearned
bonus amounts must be approved by COMDT (CG-8C). Consideration for
exception to repayment determinations will generally follow the
standards for remission of indebtedness as described in Section
11.G.5. of REF (F).
        (8) Unearned bonus calculations will be based on the Defense
Finance and Accounting Services accounting method described in
REF (A).
    i. COMDT (CG-791) will review separate assignments from those
duty locations to determine the assignment eligibility requirement
in Paragraph 2.a. and 2.b. of this ACN for CSRB eligibility.
    j. Any bonus paid to a member who completes a full tour in a duty
location approved by COMDT (CG-791) and subsequently receives
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) transfer from CG PSC-EPM-2 may be
eligible to retain any unearned portion of their bonus while still
under the ADSC.
    k. Members who previously signed contracts under REFs (G) and
(H), are prohibited from cancelling their existing contract to sign
a new contract to meet the requirements of this ACN.
    l. Extensions and re-extensions previously executed by members
may be canceled prior to their operative date for the purpose of
executing a longer extension agreement or reenlistment contract IAW
REF (H) Chapter 1.
5. BONUS APPLICATION PROCEDURES.
    a. Applicant Responsibilities. Review the contents of this ACN
prior to signing a Bonus Agreement and visit CG-791 Portal page for
Cyber Enlisted Bonus Application Process Guide and Checklist.
        (1) Complete, sign, date and forward the Bonus Agreement and
supporting documents IAW CG-791 Cyber Enlisted Bonus Application
Process Guide to the designated command representative in a timely
manner.
        (2) Keep a copy of the signed agreement for record purposes.
    b. Command Responsibilities. Designate a command representative
who will counsel all bonus eligible members assigned to the unit.
The initial counseling session should be a one-on-one meeting
between each eligible member and the designated command
representative that outlines the needs of the Coast Guard, how a
bonus fits into the overall CGCYBER retention effort, and the
Service member’s eligibility. The command must:
        (1) Ensure eligible members are aware of the bonus offering
submission deadline of 01 Oct 2021, eligibility window, payment
authorization, and the ADSC associated with accepting the bonus
offer.
        (2) Ensure each member fully understands the implications of
the agreement and meets all eligibility requirements.
        (3) Explain that any unearned portions of bonus will be
recouped on a pro-rata basis for all conditions listed in this ACN.
        (4) Explain that eligible members with an approved date of
separation (DOS) must request withdrawal of the DOS prior to or upon
submission of their bonus application. Members will not receive
bonus payments if the DOS withdrawal request is disapproved.
        (5) Commands that are not staffed to effectively conduct this
counseling session should coordinate counseling with COMDT (CG-791).
    c. SPO Responsibilities to process the bonus contract.
        (1) Ensure the Bonus Agreement has been properly completed.
        (2) Ensure the applicant and his/her Commanding Officer sign,
initial and date the Bonus Agreement as appropriate. Incomplete
forms cannot be processed by PPC-MAS delaying bonus payment.
        (3) Place a copy of the Bonus Agreement in the member’s PDR
and submit a copy along with associated documentation of ADSC
obligation to PPC-MAS via a PPC Customer Care Trouble Ticket for
processing within five working days of the effective date of bonus
agreement or the date member obligated ADSC, whichever is later.
        (4) Send a copy of initial contracts and changes to existing
agreements to CG PSC-EPM-2 within five working days after receipt of
the agreement from the member’s Commanding Officer.
    d. Eligible members in TDY or PCS Status: There will be some
instances when eligible members may not be available for bonus
counseling due to TDY or PCS. The length of the absence should
determine the action.
        (1) TDY: If the expected TDY length will prevent completion of
the agreement by 01 Oct 2021, then the designated command
representative should counsel the Service member by whatever means
available, and forward the Bonus Agreement and a copy of this ACN to
the deployed supervisor of the applicant so he/she can document
bonus acceptance/declination. The agreement should be signed by the
applicant and witnessed by the deployed supervisor and then returned
to the permanent duty station for Commanding Officer approval and
distribution.
        (2) PCS: Departing commands should make every effort to
contact eligible members if they have not left the immediate area
and provide the necessary counseling. If the member has departed and
was not counseled, notify the receiving command of the departing
command's recommendation for approval or disapproval. The receiving
designated command representative will complete the counseling
process and the receiving Commanding Officer will normally approve
or disapprove the Bonus Agreement based on the previous Commanding
Officer recommendation. The receiving command is responsible for
distributing the Bonus Agreement per Paragraph 5.b.
6. DISAPPROVING BONUS AGREEMENTS.
    a. Commanding Officers must disapprove Bonus Agreements for
members who:
        (1) Are awaiting a disqualification resulting from an
Evaluation Board;
        (2) Are awaiting involuntary separation;
        (3) Are awaiting or undergoing investigation into military or
civilian offenses which could result in a documented record of
substantiated misconduct or substandard duty performance;
        (4) Have a documented record of substandard performance or
conduct which render them poor candidates for retention under the
terms of a Bonus Agreement;
        (5) Have a documented record of CGCYBER skills and performance
that makes them ineffective for rated duty; or
        (6) Have an approved separation on file.
        (7) Not in compliance with weight and body fat standards IAW
REF (D).
    b. Notification of disapprovals will be made to CG PSC-EPM.
    c. If any of the above listed conditions change before the Bonus
Agreement submission date in Paragraph 3.c above, the member may
reapply for the bonus within the explicit time limits of this ACN.
7. TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION OF BONUS.
    a. The bonus payments must terminate when a member:
        (1) Is discharged or dismissed as a result of a court-martial,
or is administratively separated;
        (2) Separates after declining selective continuation;
        (3) Voluntarily retires or separates before finishing the ADSC;
        (4) Is disqualified for CGCYBER service;
        (5) Fails to be placed in a CGCYBER position; or
        (6) Separates after being selected by a reduction in force
(RIF) board.
    b. Suspend bonus payments when a member under a Bonus Agreement:
        (1) Is suspended from CGCYBER service;
        (2) Is medically disqualified for CGCYBER service; or
        (3) Is the subject of an investigation.
8. This message will be cancelled on 31 DEC 2021.
9. A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be found at
COMDT (CG-791) Office of Cyberspace Forces CGPortal site:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/cg791/SitePages/Home.aspx

Additional questions regarding the Enlisted Cyber program should be
addressed to COMDT (CG-791), LCDR M. R. Vanderslice at
HQS-SMB-CG-791-CyberspaceForces@uscg.mil or
Matthew.R.Vanderslice@uscg.mil.
10. Questions regarding the assignment process should be directed to
CG PSC-EPM-2 at: ARL-SMB-CGPSCEPM-2-Admin@uscg.mil.
11. Questions from individuals concerning the execution of this
policy should be addressed to their designated command
representatives. Questions from designated command representatives
for policies regarding bonuses or other human resource management
matters may be directed to Office of Military Personnel (CG-133) at:
HQSPolicyandStandards@uscg.mil.
12. Released by Ms. M. R. Godfrey, Acting Assistant Commandant for
Human Resources (CG-1).
13. Internet release is authorized.