ALCOAST 440/24 - NOV 2024 SOLICITATION FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALISTS FOR VISUAL PRODUCTION TEAM

R 211626Z NOV 24 MID120001568822U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 440/24
SSIC 5700
SUBJ: SOLICITATION FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALISTS FOR VISUAL
PRODUCTION TEAM
1. This message outlines the eligibility criteria and application
procedures for active-duty Public Affairs Specialists seeking
consideration for AY25 assignment to the Visual Production Team
(previously referred to as the Digital Media Content Team or DMCT)
at Coast Guard Headquarters. The VPT is integrated with the COMDT
(CG-0922) staff with the objective of growing the Coast Guard's
social media presence to highlight the great work of our Service,
to better connect with the American people, and to reach new recruit
populations. The team creates digital content for official Coast
Guard sites, solicits for and vets digital content from the field
for official Coast Guard sites, and with COMDT (CG-0922) approval,
liaises with established social media influencers to increase public
awareness of, and engagement with, the Coast Guard. Members
interested in serving on the VPT are encouraged to review this
message carefully to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and
strictly observe the application procedures.
2. Eligibility criteria. To be considered for a VPT position in
AY25, members must be:
    a. An active duty PA3, PA2 (or PA3 above the cut for PA2), PA1
(or PA2 above the cut for PA1) or PACS (or PAC above the cut for
or eligible for advancement to PACS);
    b. Compliant with Coast Guard body composition standards; and
    c. Have no EER mark less than 4 in the previous year.
3. Billet availability. Eligible members desiring a position on the
VPT may apply to fill the following screened positions regardless of
current tour completion date:
    PACS: 2
    PA1: 2
    PA2: 1
    PA3: 1
4. Application Procedures. Members seeking VPT positions must submit
a memo application not to exceed two pages outlining their desire to
be assigned to the VPT. Applications must be emailed to COMDT
(CG-0922) at Publicaffairsprograms@uscg.mil NLT 02 Dec 2024.
Application memos must include the following:
    a. Member's desire to be considered for VPT selection.
    b. Member's ideas for reaching new audiences using existing Coast
Guard social media accounts.
    c. Qualities and qualifications the member possesses that make
them an ideal candidate.
    d. Public Affairs Awards earned, such as Alex Haley and DoD
Defense Media Activity awards, and significant projects and products
the applicant managed or created.
    e. Statement of understanding that assignment to VPT is a 2-year
assignment and will require PCS to Coast Guard Headquarters in
Washington, D.C. in the summer of 2025 and extensive travel for the
duration of assignment. Due to the team's requirement for close
collaboration and frequent travel remote work will not be
authorized.
    f. Memos for PA1 and below applicants must include links to a
maximum of 10 multimedia products that best highlight the
applicant's work. Applicants should ensure their portfolio
highlights their ability to communicate effectively with video,
audio, still photography, layout design, information graphics and
social media multimedia products on various platforms. Portfolios
do not have to solely focus on Coast Guard missions and may include
up to three products created in an off-duty or personal capacity.
    g. Applications must include an attached command endorsement.
Commands not recommending applicants for a VPT position must provide
concerns to COMDT (CG-0922) by the application deadline.
    h. Backfill concerns shall not preclude members from applying
for a VPT position. Backfill concerns will be managed by EPM in
conjunction with COMDT (CG-0922) and the PA RFMC through A School
graduation assignments, advancements, and other workforce strength
management tools.
5. Screening and Selection Procedures. COMDT (CG-0922) will convene
a selection panel the week of 02 Dec 2024. All applicants will be
notified of their selection status on or about the week of
16 Dec 2024.
6. Members are highly encouraged to review, and if necessary, update
their Official Military Personnel File in iPerms and ensure their
personal profile in Direct Access is accurate.
7. Waiver requests for the eligibility requirements in Par. 2 must
be sent to COMDT (CG-0922) via memo to
Publicaffairsprograms@uscg.mil and must be received by 27 Nov 2024.
Waivers for eligibility requirements may be considered on a
case-by-case basis.
8. POC: Questions regarding eligibility requirements or the
application process should be submitted to CWO Lauren Jorgensen at
Lauren.L.Jorgensen@uscg.mil and PACM Charly Tautfest at
Charly.A.Tautfest@uscg.mil.
9. RDML W. E. Watson, Director of Governmental and Public Affairs
(CG-092), sends.
10. Internet release is authorized.