ALCOAST 171/23 - APR 2023 AUTHORIZATION OF WEAPON MOUNTED LIGHT (WML) FOR CONVENTIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT UNITS (LEUS)

R 281709Z APR 23 MID120000014236U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 171/23
SSIC 16247
SUBJ: AUTHORIZATION OF WEAPON MOUNTED LIGHT (WML) FOR CONVENTIONAL
LAW ENFORCEMENT UNITS (LEUS)
A. U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Manual (MLEM),
COMDTINST M16247.1H
B. U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Competency Qualification
Manual (LECQM), COMDTINST M16247.3G
C. Ordnance Manual, COMDTINST M8000.2F
D. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Development and Use
of Strategic Sourcing Contract Vehicles, Directive Number: 060-01
1. This ALCOAST announces the authorization of weapon mounted
lighting (WML) by conventional law enforcement units (LEUs) (e.g.,
Stations, Cutters, Sectors, Security Forces, etc.) on the personal
defense weapon (PDW).
2. Conventional LEUs conduct approximately 75,000 law
enforcement (LE) operations annually. Of those, approximately 15%
were conducted during a low-light/no-light environment. In
situations where the drawing of the PDW may be necessary, the use
of a WML offers significant benefit to the operator providing for
two-handed operation of the PDW resulting in greater muzzle
control, increased visibility for prompt threat identification,
and simplified weapons handling.
3. The following policy updates are effective immediately and will
be incorporated into the next revision of REFs (A) and (B).
However, units are not permitted to begin purchasing the WML
until they have received their allotment of the Gen 5 Glock 19
pistol.
    a. REF (A), 6.C.2. will be amended to add:
C.2.d. Weapon Mounted Lighting (WML). The WML system is an
optional piece of equipment for use by boarding team members at
designated law enforcement units. WML system users are reminded a
Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) may be drawn from its holster only
when deadly force is authorized; or there is a reasonable
possibility that the use of deadly force may be required.
C.2.d.(1) Authorized Weapon Mounted Lighting (WML). The
purchase of the WML system is optional and must be funded by the
unit. Ordering information for the WML system is located on the
COMDT (CG-MLE-2) SharePoint (linked in Paragraph 5) and is
the only authorized light for conventional LEUs.
C.2.d.(1)(a) The use of a WML will require the BTM to also change
to the optional holster designed to receive the WML system.
Ordering information for the optional holster is located on the
COMDT (CG-MLE-2) SharePoint (linked in Paragraph 5) and is
the only authorized operational holster for conventional LEUs.
C.2.d.(1)(b) The use of a WML system will require additional
training requirements as outlined in the U.S. Coast Guard Law
Enforcement Competency Qualification Manual (LECQM),
COMDT M16247.3G prior to the member using the
WML for operations.
C.2.d.(1)(c) The purchase of the WML system may require the
acquisition of a different weapon storage rack. Any unit
considering this purchase should ensure their weapons storage
system can store weapons with the authorized WML attached;
units should first consult with their servicing armory to ensure
the new weapon's storage system complies with Coast Guard policy
before making a new purchase.
C.2.d.(2) Initial Issuance Administrative Requirements. Upon
initial issuance of the WML system to a member, a designated law
enforcement instructor is required to provide the member(s) with
training covering:
C.2.d.(2)(a) When a PDW may be drawn from a holster as outlined
in the MLEM. The drawing of a PDW for the purpose of utilizing the
WML as a light source is strictly forbidden;
C.2.d.(2)(b) Basic operation of the WML system utilizing the
operators guide provided with the product, to include pre-checks
of light function; and
C.2.d.(2)(c) That the WML must be utilized for all training and
operational evolutions including non-gun training, classroom
firearms training, live-fire training evolutions, and whenever
operationally issued a firearm. The member is not permitted to
alternate between utilizing and not utilizing the WML system.
Note: The operator must successfully complete Phases I - IV and
Judgmental Use of Force with the WML attached to the PDW prior
to operational use.
C.2.d.(3) WML Installation. Only a unit law enforcement instructor,
unit Weapons Officer/Weapons Petty Officer, or Gunners Mate is
permitted to install the WML on the PDW. The WML may not be
installed on a PDW while the PDW is loaded. The following two
procedures are authorized to install the WML:
C.2.d.(3)(a) Pre-identified PDWs have the WML installed on the
PDW, and it remains attached unless removal is necessary for
cleaning; or
C.2.d.(3)(b) Install the WML when issued the PDW for training or
operations, but prior to being issued ammunition.
    b. REF (A), 6.H.1. will be amended to add:
Note: If a trainee utilizes the WML operationally, it must be
utilized during all non-gun training evolutions. The member is
not permitted to alternate between utilizing and not utilizing
the WML.
    c. REF (B), 3.A.5. will be amended to add:
Note: If a trainee utilizes the authorized WML operationally, it
must be utilized during all firearms classroom and live-fire
training evolutions. The member is not permitted to alternate
between utilizing and not utilizing the WML.
    d. REF (B), Appendix B. Task 1-15, Tactical Procedures on the
Boarding Team Member Initial Certification Task Accomplishment
Record, Boarding Team Member Recurrent Certification Task
Accomplishment Record, and the Boarding Officer Recurrent Task
Accomplishment Record with all be amended to add:
Note 1: The following TACPRO evolutions must be completed
(if trainee utilizes the WML operationally, it must be utilized
during all training evolutions. The member is not permitted
alternate between utilizing and not utilizing the WML):
      1 - Single person TACPRO, lighted environment
      2 - Single person TACPRO, low-light/no-light environment
      3 - Multi-person TACPRO, lighted environment
      4 - Multi-person TACPRO, low-light/no-light environment
4. Procurement information for the WML is located on the COMDT
(CG-MLE-2) SharePoint linked in Paragraph 5. The only WML
authorized is the StreamLight TLR-7A Flex. In accordance with REF
(D), the only authorized procurement source for the WML is through
the DHS Strategic Sourcing Vehicle.
5. COMDT (CG-MLE-2) SharePoint:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/cgmle/cgmle2/SitePages
/Home.aspx

6. POC: COMDT (CG-MLE-2), CWO4 Lee Conroy, (202) 372-2171,
Lee.J.Conroy@uscg.mil.
7. RDML Jo-Ann F. Burdian, Assistant Commandant for Response Policy
(CG-5R), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.