ALCOAST 275/25 - JUN 2025 HIV POLICY UPDATES - DEPLOYABILITY

R 181725Z JUN 25 MID120002016867U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 275/25
SSIC 6110
SUBJ: HIV POLICY UPDATES - DEPLOYABILITY
A. Coast Guard Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Program,
COMDTINST 6230.9A
B. DOD memo, 6 JUN 2022: Policy Regarding Human Immunodeficiency
Virus-Positive Personnel within the Armed Forces
C. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 101215Z JUN 25/ALCOAST 266/25
1. This ALCOAST updates REF (A) and contains several USCG policy
modifications for HIV positive service members IAW the guidance
published in REF (B). The HIV policy updates in REF (C) address
new accessions and are not impacted by this ALCOAST.
2. REF (B) states that in view of significant advances in the
diagnosis, treatment and prevention of HIV, it is necessary to
update policy with respect to individuals who have been identified
as HIV-positive. REF (B) states current service members who have
been identified as HIV-positive, are asymptomatic, and who have
clinically confirmed undetectable viral load (hereinafter "covered
personnel"), will have no restrictions applied to their
deployability or to their ability to commission while a service
member, solely on the basis of their HIV-positive status.
An individual living with HIV is "asymptomatic" when an individual
is not experiencing any HIV-related signs or symptoms, or adverse
effects associated with medical therapy, as determined by the
individual's HIV-treating provider. An "undetectable viral load"
is defined as having clinically confirmed viral suppression of HIV,
as verified by the individual's HIV-treating provider.
This supersedes any restrictions currently in Chapter 1 of REF (A)
for covered personnel, which includes Coast Guard Academy cadets,
ROTC cadets and midshipmen, and other participants in in-service
commissioning programs.
3. Covered personnel will not be deemed "non-deployable" solely
because they are living with HIV. Decisions on the deployability of
covered personnel will be made on a case-by-case basis and must be
justified by the Service member's inability to perform the duties
to which he or she would be assigned.
4. POC: CDR Gretchen Buckler, Chief, Preventive Medicine and
Population Health, COMDT (CG-1K21), (202) 394-4440,
Email: Aileen.G.Buckler@uscg.mil.
5. RADM Paul Jung, Assistant Commandant of Health, Safety, and
Work-Life (CG-1K), sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.