ALCOAST 504/25 - DEC 2025 DEVOTION TO DUTY PAYMENT

R 181900Z DEC 25 MID180038469499U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 504/25
SSIC 7220
SUBJ: DEVOTION TO DUTY PAYMENT
A. Title 37, United States Code, Section 352
B. Secretary's Memorandum of 16 Dec 2025
C. Special Duty Pay (SDP), COMDTINST 1430.1Q
1. In recognition of the unprecedented success of the Coast Guard in
2025, the Secretary of Homeland Security is pleased to announce a
one-time Special Duty Pay (SDP) will be issued to all eligible
members in accordance with REFs (A) and (B). The men and women of
the Coast Guard demonstrated tremendous dedication, bravery, and
innovation since the Service embarked on a mission to fundamentally
transform how we operate today and invest in tomorrow through Force
Design 2028. Throughout 2025, President Trump and Secretary Noem
publicly recognized Coast Guard members for their outstanding
service. To further emphasize Service member contributions,
Secretary Noem is issuing a $2,000 Devotion to Duty Payment to all
eligible members, which will result in an after-tax payment of
approximately $1,776. SDP policy requirements contained in REF (C)
are not applicable to the Devotion to Duty Payment.
2. ELIGIBILITY.
     a. The Devotion to Duty Payment will be paid to Coast Guard
Service members on active duty through 31 Dec 2025 in the paygrades
of O6 and below who agree to the obligated service requirement
outlined in paragraph 4.b. below.
     b. Reserve Service members that were on Active Duty for 31 or
more consecutive days as of 31 Dec 2025, that remain on active duty
as of 31 Dec 2025 are eligible.
     c. Cadets are not eligible to receive the Devotion to Duty
Payment.
     d. Service members not entitled to basic pay are not eligible to
receive the Devotion to Duty Payment.
3. PAYMENT.
     a. SDP payment will be processed as a one-time lump sum payment
in the amount of $2,000 in December 2025.
     b. This payment is taxable income. As such, members should expect
normal Federal and State withholdings.
4. MEMBER ACTION REQUIRED.
     a. REF (A) requires a written agreement to receive an SDP
payment. This ALCOAST constitutes the required written agreement.
Those Service members who do not agree to the terms of this ALCOAST
must follow the opt-out guidance in paragraph 4.c. below.
     b. Members who agree to receive the SDP payment will incur a one-
day service obligation, to be served on 31 Dec 2025. This obligated
service will run concurrent to (overlap) any existing obligated
service. The Devotion to Duty Payment service obligation will not
extend any Service member's current enlistment, obligated service,
or assignment orders.
     c. Service members who do not wish to receive the Devotion to
Duty Payment and incur the accompanying service obligation must
affirmatively opt out NLT 31 Jan 2026 by sending an email to
smb-comdt-compensation@uscg.mil with the Subject "Devotion to Duty
Payment Opt-Out" and the body stating "I, [Your Full Name], request
to opt out of the one-time Devotion to Duty Payment." Members who
opt out before the payment is issued will not receive the payment.
Members who opt out after the payment is issued will have the
payment recouped in early 2026.
     d. Any member meeting eligibility criteria who does not opt out
using the procedure outlined above in paragraph 4.c. will have
affirmatively accepted the one-day obligated service period and
receipt of the Devotion to Duty Payment.
5. SYSTEM AND ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS.
     a. Direct Access changes will be programmed to account for the
new SDP category.
     b. Units shall ensure all eligible members promptly review this
message and the applicable opt-out procedures.
6. Questions regarding this ALCOAST may be directed to the Office of
Military Pay, Compensation, and Travel (CG-WMM-22) at:
smb-comdt-compensation@uscg.mil.
7. VADM Tom Allan, Acting Vice Commandant (VCG), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.