ALCOAST 421/25 - OCT 2025 ASSIGNMENT YEAR 2026 (AY26) RESERVE AVIATOR POSITIONS

R 081650Z OCT 25 MID120012118542U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 421/25
SSIC 3710
SUBJ: ASSIGNMENT YEAR 2026 (AY26) RESERVE AVIATOR POSITIONS
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 041824Z MAR 22/ALCOAST 075/22
B. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 301328Z AUG 24/ALCGRSV 053/24
C. Coast Guard Air Operations Manual, COMDTINST 3710.1I
D. NATOPS General Flight and Operating Instructions Manual,
CNAF M-3710.7 (series)
E. Reserve Duty Status and Participation, COMDTINST 1001.2A
F. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 181834Z SEP 25/ALCOAST 391/25
G. CNATRA Flight Instructor Standardization and Training Program,
CNATRA INST 3710.13 (series)
H. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 0917222 SEP 21/ALCOAST 320/21
I. COMDT COGARD PSC WASHINGTON DC 041708 JUN 25/ALCGRSV 029/25
J. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 231504Z AUG 24/ALCOAST 324/24
1. In support of the formal establishment of the Reserve Aviator
officer positions established in REFs (A) and (B), this message
serves to announce the availability of and requirements/application
process for Reserve Aviator positions in AY26.
2. AY26 Reserve Aviator Positions: There are multiple options for
assignment as a reserve aviator. Each assignment will follow
standard reserve tour lengths as described in REF (E). The
following subparagraphs provide position descriptions of the
billets that will be available to RPM-2 for assignment in AY26.
     a. CG Aviation Unit (Reserve Aviator): Responsible for safe and
effective operations of CG aircraft, supervision of aircrew, and
fulfilment of On Scene Coordinator (OSC) responsibilities for SAR,
LE, PWCS, MEP and other authorized missions. Required to maintain
medical, safety, and currency requirements for respective competency
as prescribed in REF (C). Potential to fill 24-hour duty standing
periods or 8-hour drill periods for flight training and instruction.
     b. ATC Mobile (Reserve Standardization Instructor Pilot):
Conducts classroom, simulator, and in-flight instruction for both
USCG student pilots and fleet pilots. Develops, designs, and
implements tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) for the fleet.
Maintains medical readiness and currency requirements as described
in REF (C). Supports ATC Mobile Operations Department or CG Air
Stations with flight support as directed by ATC Mobile Training
Department.
     c. Chief of Naval Aviation Training (CNATRA) Advanced or Primary
Flight Training (DDE Reserve Aviation Instructor Pilot): Conducts
classroom and in-flight instruction of USN, USMC, USCG, and
International Student Naval Aviators. Mentors USCG student pilots.
Pilot-in-Command of Navy training aircraft. Maintains medical
readiness and currency requirements as described in REFs (D) and
(G), including the 90-day flight currency.
     d. CBP JPO Long Range UAS located at San Angelo, TX: Customs
and Border Protection (CBP) Joint Program Office (JPO) Long-Range
Unmanned Aircraft System (LR-UAS): Candidate would receive training
to fly the MQ-9 and would operate the aircraft out of the JPO at
NASOC San Angelo, Texas. Member would fly LE and surveillance
missions in support of USCG and CBP. If selected, the member will
spend approximately 1 month at a training course in Grand Forks,
North Dakota for the MQ-9 followed by one month of flying at the
NASOC to obtain initial qualification.
     e. Small UAS Trainer: Field instructor for in-person flight
training of sUAS at ATC Mobile's dedicated training facility.
Member would be required to attend the Coast Guard SR-UAS Pilot
Course at ATC Mobile. Member would assist with policy development,
training curriculum development, creation of digital training
content, and occasional travel for post-production unit training.
3. Major Duties and Responsibilities: All reserve aviators at an
operational unit shall seek to maintain their flight designations
and qualifications at the highest level (i.e. Aircraft Commander
designation and the Advanced SAR Qualification at a SAR unit, AUF
Mission Commander at an AUF Unit, etc.). The program's goal does
not restrict Commanding Officers from setting or adjusting
designations and qualifications IAW REF (C) Chapter 7.A.1.
Furthermore, it encourages units to develop a flexible reserve
aviation workforce to support mission requirements and maximize
training capabilities unique to individual units. Flight operations
shall be conducted IAW REF (C) or REF (D) and local unit standard
operating procedures. Reserve Aviators in flying positions are
required to maintain Duty Involving Flying Operations (DIFOPS)
semi-annual minimums in all assigned maneuvers and complete all
annual proficiency and standardization requirements IAW REF (C)
or REF (D). In addition to flight duty, reserve aviators may be
required to perform other aviation operations or aviation training
duties. Reserve Aviators shall also participate in Command sponsored
aviation safety events.
4. Drill Requirements: Reserve aviators shall drill per the
guidelines set by COMDT (CG-R8) and applicable SELRES requirements
IAW REFs (E) and (F) and per the guidelines set by COMDT (CG-R82) in
the fiscal year Inactive Duty Requirements IAW REF (F). In addition
to 48 paid inactive duty for training (IDT) periods, Reserve
Aviators maintaining a flight qualification or performing
flight/simulator instructional duties are authorized up to 48 paid
Additional Flight Training Periods (AFTP) IAW REF (F) for FY25
guidance. Maintaining these requirements usually requires at
least 48, 8-hour drill days plus two-weeks of active duty a year.
Failure to complete annual and semi-annual training requirements
shall be handled IAW REF (C) or REF (D).
5. Minimum Eligibility Requirements: The following are minimum
eligibility requirements to submit for a Reserve Aviation position
without a waiver. Waiver requests to the minimum eligibility may
be submitted via a memo to Office of Aviation Forces (CG-711),
thru RPM-2.
     a. All Reserve Aviators seeking unit flying assignments or
Reserve Standardization Instructor Pilots:
        (1) Current or previous designation as a USCG Aircraft
Commander.
        (2) A minimum of 750 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of a
military aircraft.
        (3) A minimum of 1500 total hours in a military aircraft.
        (4) Must have separated from active duty, or have an approved
separation on file, no earlier than 01 OCT 2026. (If separating from
active duty prior to 01 OCT 2026 contact RPM-2 for guidance).
        (5) A Coast Guard or DoD flight physical will be required
prior to the assumption of flight duties.
     b. All Reserve Aviators seeking flying assignment as Reserve
Standardization Instructor Pilots to a CNATRA command, in addition
to a.(1) - a.(5) require the following:
        (1) Must possess current NATRACOM instructor qualification
and shall have flown in an instructional sortie in type/model/series
within the past 365 days IAW REF (G).
     c. All reserve aviators seeking assignment to a CBP JPO LR-UAS
are exempt from requirements in paragraph 5.a. and 5.b. above,
IAW REF (J) but must possess FAA Commercial Instrument rating,
eligible for an FAA class 2 physical, with at least 1000 flight
hours in manned aircraft.
     d. All reserve aviators seeking assignment as a Short Range
UAS Instructor at ATC Mobile are exempt from requirements in
paragraph 5 section a. and b. above, but must possess FAA Airman
Knowledge Test and have a Remote Pilot Certificate for Small
Unmanned Aircraft Systems and must attend the Coast Guard SR-UAS
Pilot Course at ATC Mobile within one year after assignment.
In addition, a non-flying waiver is required for a Short Range
UAS Instructor assignment.
6. Training Availability and Requirements: Transition and
requalification courses may be offered pending budget approval
for USCG aircraft to support the needs of the Coast Guard.
Contact COMDT (CG-711) to determine availability.
7. Selection Criteria: There are a limited number of billets
available for assignment in AY26. Factors such as airframe,
designation and qualifications, total flight time, and a
candidate's performance in the aviation specialty will be
considered in the assignment process. RPM-2 will assign the best
qualified candidates and offer positions based on Office of
Aviation Forces program guidance and IAW PSC business rules.
8. Application Process: It is recommended members reach out to RPM-2
via email (HQS-SMB-CGPSC-RPM-2-ASSIGNMENTS@uscg.mil) for career
counseling prior to submitting for a Reserve Aviator Position.
The application process will change based on your current status
(active duty, SELRES, etc.).
9. Members who need a waiver to meet minimum eligibility
requirements (to include separating active duty, SELRES Aviation
reservists due to rotate, and SELRES reservists not part of the
aviation program) must submit a waiver to COMDT (CG-711) through
RPM-2 utilizing the template found on RPM-2 webpage: Assignment
Year 2026 in addition to the respective steps below.
     a. Active duty separating without approved TEMPSEP:
        (1) Submit for Regular to Reserve (RTR) Panel via RPM-1 site:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-
Human-Resources-CG-1/Personnel-Service-Center-PSC/Reserve-Personnel-
Management-PSC-RPM/RPM-1/R2R/

        (2) Review the Reserve Personnel Career Counseling Guide:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/psc_spo/psc-rpm/RPM2/SitePages/
ROCC.aspx

        (3) Complete Form CG-2002 and send to RPM-2
(HQS-SMB-CGPSC-RPM-2-ASSIGNMENTS@uscg.mil).
     b. Active Duty with Approved TEMPSEP: Complete Form CG-2002 and
send to RPM-2 (HQS-SMB-CGPSC-RPM-2-ASSIGNMENTS@uscg.mil) with
approved TEMPSEP documentation.
     c. SELRES reservists due to rotate (to include SELRES members
currently in the aviation program and those in non-aviation
reserve billets):
        (1) Submit an eResume in Direct Access IAW the following
guidelines:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/psc_spo/psc-rpm/RPM2/SitePages/
RPM-2%20Home%20Page.aspx

        (2) Apply for a general Flexible PAL position number
00042876 IAW REF (I) ALCGRSV 029/25 paragraph 4.b.
        (3) Use the member comments section to indicate preferred
drill unit in order of preference (example: ATC Mobile, NAS
Pensacola/Corpus Christi, UAS San Angelo, or a specific CG AIRSTA).
        (4) eResume submission period is 01 SEP 2025 to 01 NOV 2025
IAW REF (I) ALCGRSV 029/25 paragraph 10.
If submitted outside of this period, complete form CG-2002 and
send to RPM-2 (HQS-SMB-CGPSC-RPM-2-ASSIGNMENTS@uscg.mil).
     d. Command endorsements are required for the following
situations:
        (1) Early rotations (with an approved short tour request)
        (2) Tour extensions
        (3) All eResumes submitted outside of the submission period,
even for members who are tour complete.
10. POC: For Aviation reserve assignments and orders questions
contact PSC RPM (RPM-2): Send all inquiries addressed to
Aviation Pilot Reserve Assignments via Email to:
HQS-SMB-CGPSC-RPM-2-ASSIGNMENTS@uscg.mil
11. RDML Amy B. Grable, Assistant Commandant for Capability (CG-7),
sends.
12. Internet release is authorized.