ALCOAST 007/26 - JAN 2026 COAST GUARD PHYSICAL READINESS PROGRAM (PRP)

R 081426Z JAN 26   MID320018456263U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 007/26
SSIC 6100
SUBJ: COAST GUARD PHYSICAL READINESS PROGRAM (PRP)
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 211641Z MAY 25/ALCGFD28 002/25
B. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 252052Z JUL 25/ALCGFD28 006/25
C. COMMANDER'S INTENT: IMPLEMENTATION OF REQUIRED MILITARY
PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS, PHYSICAL TRAINING, AND PHYSICAL
FITNESS ASSESSMENT 2025 dtd 02SEP25
D. DoW MEMO Military Fitness Standards dtd 30SEP25
E. Coast Guard Health Promotion Manual, COMDTINST 6200.1E
F. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 022222Z SEP 25/ALCOAST 372/25
G. Body Composition Standards Program, COMDTINST 1020.8I
1. The Coast Guard is becoming a more agile, capable, and
responsive fighting force. The readiness of the Service starts with
the individual readiness of every Coast Guard man and woman. Upon
that cornerstone we build the readiness of the crew, unit, and
force. We are ensuring readiness, including physical fitness, of
Coast Guard military personnel through establishment of the Coast
Guard's Physical Readiness Program (PRP).
2. The PRP is a Service-wide readiness program which mandates daily
physical training, bi-annual physical fitness tests, and Body
Composition (BC) compliance; all aligned with DoW policy guidance
and will soon be incorporated in evaluations, advancements, and
assignments.
3. Per REFs (A) and (B), this ALCOAST establishes the USCG PRP now
and sets course for implementing a Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
starting 01JUL26.
    a. In REF (C), the Acting Commandant required every Active
Duty (AD) and Selected Reserve (SELRES) member who is not medically
restricted from physical exercise to participate in a physical
fitness assessment before 31DEC25. The purpose of this directive
was to:
        (1) Promote a culture of fitness within the CG,
        (2) Ready the Service for a PRP, to include a PFT, and
        (3) Align with the other military services.
    b. In REF (D), the DoW introduced updated military fitness
standards including requirements to perform physical fitness
training every duty day, execute two fitness tests annually, set
test requirements for combat arms and non-combat arms personnel, and
set consistent and fair Body Composition standards.
4. This ALCOAST provides:
    a. Commander's Intent;
    b. Updated interim guidance through 30JUN26;
    c. Direction to transition to a PFT on 01JUL26;
    d. Communication Plan; and
    e. Request for feedback to improve the PRP.
5. Commander's Intent:
    a. Coast Guard military personnel will achieve and maintain
individual warfighting readiness through daily exercise/physical
training, setting standards for physical fitness proficiency, and
periodic testing to assess compliance and proficiency with our high
standards. This will ensure mission readiness.
6. Updated Interim Guidance through 30JUN26:
    a. All Coast Guard military personnel shall conduct physical
exercise/training not less than four days a week, during the
duty day, unless medically restricted or unable due to higher
priority mission requirements as determined by the Commander,
Commanding Officer, Officer-in-Charge, or supervisor.
    b. Physical training/exercise can be based on activity posted on
a unit training schedule or time provided at the discretion of the
CO/OIC or supervisor.
    c. Commands should regularly employ crew or team events as part
of physical training/exercise, which is a key part of building unit
cohesion and esprit de corps of the crew.
    d. The duration, type, and frequency of physical training/
exercise should be informed by established standards outlined in
REF (E) and the Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults, as detailed
on Form CG-6049, CG Personal Fitness Plan. These set physical
fitness guidelines for general health. These guidelines are
currently under review as part of establishing the PRP and are
subject to change.
    e. All CG AD and SELRES who are not medically restricted from
physical exercise shall complete a second (and final) physical
fitness assessment no later than 30JUN26. This final physical
fitness assessment will prepare the Service for implementation of
the CG's first PFT.
    f. Existing PFA guidance is set forth in REF (F). All supporting
documents, guides, and tools described are located on the PRP
SharePoint site; link in Section 11 below. This Community of Support
will continue to mature.
    g. As with the first physical fitness assessment opportunity in
2025, failure to meet minimum standards for this PFA will not result
in administrative consequences. However, this is a maximum effort
event for the purpose of achieving proficiency and physical
readiness, not minimum compliance.
    h. As before, commands are required to record results in the PFA
Tracker in accordance with REF (F) for all Service members.
    i. For All Flag Officers, Gold Badge CSELs, Silver Badge CSELs,
O6s, and E9s: Last Winter, the Acting Commandant required all Flag
Officers and Gold-Badge CMCs to lead from the front and report their
PFA scores via a separate tracking system. In keeping with the
tradition of leaders leading from the front, this message requires
all Flag Officers, Gold Badge CSELs, Silver Badge CSELs, O6s, and
E9s (AD and SELRES) to report their PFA scores via Direct Access
(DA) as soon as the DA module is operational this Spring, but no
later than 30JUN26. Paragraphs 6.g and 6.h apply to these scores;
however, data entry is mandatory. Further direction on DA data entry
will be provided separately.
    j. This program is meant to improve the fitness and readiness of
the Total Workforce; all civilian general schedule, wage grade, and
senior executive service employees are strongly encouraged to use
existing wellness resources and voluntarily participate in physical
fitness activities, to include group/unit fitness activities per
REF (E). All Community of Support resources referenced below are
available for their use.
7. Transitioning to a PFT 01JUL26:
    a. Beginning on 01JUL26, all Service members will conduct the
Boat Crew Physical Fitness Test, but this time for an accountable
score.
    b. These PFT results will become a part of member's official
record via a DA entry, and then follow-on recording on a members'
annual, semi-annual, or biennial evaluation.
    c. The next CG PRP Update will cover administrative requirements,
an updated age and sex stratified performance matrix, and
consequences associated with program compliance.
8. Communication Plan: Following REF (F) and this message, DCP will
continue to provide updated direction and guidance pertaining to
the PRP. At a minimum, the following additional ALCOASTs will be
published:
    a. Within 60 days, the next CG PRP Update will be published and
cover administrative requirements and consequences, an updated age
and sex stratified performance matrix, and ultimately how it will
impact future employment decisions such as promotion, advancement,
and selection for programs and special assignments.
    b. In MAY26 an update announcing final program details, to
include direction on abeyances, excusals, and additional ways this
program will be resourced and supported.
9. General information about the PRP:
    a. The goal of this program is to improve Service readiness and
provide the necessary education, assistance, and programmatic
support to every Service member, from recruitment to separation or
retirement. This will include improved methods for introducing and
maintaining physical fitness at our accession points, training
centers, and units. It will also include providing resources
(both online and in-person) to best meet program goals.
    b. Additional pillars of a successful and enduring PRP are
outlined below:
        (1) Commanders, Commanding Officers, Officers-in-Charge, and
the Chiefs Mess are responsible for setting a strong example,
ensuring compliance, and prioritizing physical training while
balancing unit readiness and operational demands. A fitness culture
must be present at every CG unit.
        (2) AD and SELRES on LT-ADOS or EAD orders should anticipate
completing bi-annual PFTs beginning on 01JUL26.
        (3) SELRES in drilling status should anticipate completing a
minimum of one PFT per calendar year.
        (4) For members already subject to fitness testing
requirements under a separate policy or mandate (e.g., Aviation
Survival Technicians, Divers, Tactical Law Enforcement) or members
attached to U.S. and allied foreign militaries, future policy may
permit one of the two required PFTs to be fulfilled by passing their
community's fitness test. Specific qualifications and details
regarding this policy will be outlined by 01MAY26.
10. The CG's Body Composition policy in REF (G) remains in effect.
11. Feedback Request:
      a. CORNERSTONE IPT wants to hear from you. Please send your
questions, advice, and feedback using the Questions Form link
located on the PRP SharePoint site, located at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/USCG-CG-1M/CG-1M1/SitePages/
CG%20Physical%20Readiness%20Program.aspx

      b. We want to thank the US Coast Guard Academy, CG Cyber,
ATC Mobile, Sector Virginia, Base Alameda, ATTC Elizabeth City,
and CGCs Midgett and Stone for providing unit feedback and program
shaping.
12. RADM Charles E. Fosse, Deputy Commandant for Personnel
(CG-DCP), sends.
13. Internet release is authorized.