ALCOAST 399/25 - SEP 2025 2026 COAST GUARD CULINARY TEAM (CGCT) SOLICITATION

R 251221Z SEP 25   MID120012094416U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 399/25
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: 2026 COAST GUARD CULINARY TEAM (CGCT) SOLICITATION
A. Body Composition Standards Program, COMDTINST 1020.8I
B. Culinary Operations Management, COMDTINST 4061.5B
1. This ALCOAST invites Culinary Specialists (CS) to apply for the
Coast Guard Culinary Team (CGCT). The team will represent the Coast
Guard in North America's largest culinary competition, held at the
Army Quartermaster School, Joint Culinary Center of Excellence, at
Fort Lee, Virginia. The team will undergo 20 days of
training and competition, which includes advanced culinary
instruction and offers a unique opportunity for CSs to showcase
their individual skills and teamwork. A total of 11 members and two
alternates will be selected.
2. All E-4 through E-9 CSs who meet the criteria in paragraph three
are eligible to apply for the CGCT.
3. To ensure the CGCT is reflective of the best CSs in the Coast
Guard, applicants must:
    a. Have a passion for the culinary arts.
    b. Have a genuine desire to perform challenging culinary
techniques in a competitive setting.
    c. Be eager to receive advanced culinary education.
    d. Be self-motivated and work well in a team environment.
    e. Be able to communicate effectively.
    f. Present an outstanding military appearance and be in
compliance with REF (A).
    g. Model the Coast Guard's core values.
    h. Be available to compete from 15 February 2026 thru
06 March 2026.
4. Eligible members who meet the above criteria may submit an
application for the 2026 CGCT via their chain of command for one or
more of the following positions: team manager (one position), team
captain (one position), team member (three positions), pastry chef
(one position), student pastry chef (one E4 member), student chef
(one E4 member), and student team (four E4 members). Applicants must
list the specific position(s) for which they are applying and need
to include the following:
    a. A memo (not to exceed one page) specifically addressing why
the member desires to be selected for the CGCT.
    b. A command endorsement specifically addressing the items in
paragraph three of this ALCOAST with an emphasis on performance,
professionalism, communication, interpersonal skills, and
leadership.
5. Student applicants must have less than two years in rating,
not to include "A" school, prior to 01JUN2026. All other positions
do not have time in rating or rank requirements.
6. CGCT applications will be submitted through the Culinary Share
Point no later than 15 October 2025.
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/USCG-CSPORTAL

A selection board will convene in November to review all
applications. Selected members and commands will be notified by
the Culinary Services Division (CG-CMO-3).
7. The 2026 team mentors for the 2026 competition season are
CSCS Nichol Billow and CSC John Toman. For questions about the
competition rules and guidance please contact on of the mentors.
8. Funding for CGCT members will be provided by COMDT (CG-CMO-3) in
accordance with REF (B). An information packet will be mailed to the
members selected and will need to be returned 15 days after the
selection message is released. Failure to do so will result in
members replacement on the team.
9. POCs for the CGCT are Mr. Chad Adams, (202) 475-5149,
Chad.A.Adams@uscg.mil and CSCS Chris Ricketts, (206) 820-2843,
Christopher.M.Ricketts@uscg.mil.
10. RADM Paul Jung, Chief Medical Officer (CG-CMO), sends.
11. Internet release is authorized.