ALCOAST 022/26 - JAN 2026 ENHANCED PCS FLEXIBILITY TO AGGRESSIVELY SUPPORT SUMMER 2026 CRITICAL OPERATIONS

R 211750Z JAN 26 MID320018485654U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 022/26
SSIC 1000
SUBJ: ENHANCED PCS FLEXIBILITY TO AGGRESSIVELY SUPPORT SUMMER 2026
CRITICAL OPERATIONS
A. Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST 1000.8A
B. ALCGOFF 036/25
C. ALCGENL 037/25
1. This summer the Coast Guard faces unique challenges and
opportunities as we support the various "America 250" celebrations
and 2026 FIFA World Cup Activities. Supporting these large-scale
events - most with a maritime nexus - demand our full focus.
As such, the Coast Guard is amending Service Policy with respect to
Active Duty Permanent Change of Station (PCS) timelines to afford
maximum flexibility to field commanders supporting these activities.
2. This ALCOAST promulgates a temporary adjustment to REF (A) for
Assignment Year 2026 (AY26) to surge readiness to where it is needed
most, improve the permanent change of station (PCS) experience, and
reduce strain on the household goods (HHG) system. The following
policy interventions are in effect:
    a. Report Date Flexibility. The AY26 PCS transfer window is
expanded and is now 01 April 2026 through 01 October 2026.
Commanding Officers (COs)/Officers in Charge (OICs) are authorized
to approve PCS report dates between these dates without Personnel
Service Center (PSC) approval.
    b. PCS Prioritization. COs/OICs must ensure that adjusted report
dates are coordinated with the gaining and losing commands and
ensure changes are reflected on official orders in a timely manner.
Units directly supporting America 250 commemorative activities and/
or 2026 FIFA World Cup operations will receive priority
consideration for resolving conflicting PCS report date requests.
    c. Personnel Service Center. PSC has the authority to adjust
individual PCS timelines when needed to preserve critical mission
capabilities. Commands and program managers should coordinate with
PSC when PCS concerns cannot be mitigated IAW this ALCOAST. COs/OICs
of units supporting America 250 commemorative activities and/or the
2026 FIFA World Cup must identify and report key billets and
time-sensitive requirements to PSC for coordination.
3. Strategic Leave and TDY Management. Members are strongly
encouraged to schedule leave outside of the peak PCS transfer season
(01 June–01 August). Commanders must manage TDY assignments
strategically to prevent avoidable personnel gaps during surge
periods and high-risk operational windows. Commanders should
consider phased turnovers, overlap periods, and advanced
arrival/late departure options when exercising their PCS date
adjustment authority to ensure continuity of operations.
4. Future Initiatives. NLT 01 November 2026, CG-PSC will submit a
report to CG-WM with a recommendation regarding the advantages/
challenges of expanding the PCS transfer season permanently.
COs/OICs are encouraged to offer feedback of this policy change to
the mailbox listed below. Commands are expected to fully leverage
the authorities granted in this ALCOAST while maintaining clear
communication with PSC and affected members.
5. For PCS-specific questions, contact the relevant assignment
officer (AO). AOs are listed in REFs (B) and (C), respectively.
6. Direct policy questions and feedback to COMDT (CG-WMM-2) at
HQSPolicyandStandards@uscg.mil.
7. RDML Zeita Merchant, Assistant Commandant for Workforce
Management (CG-WM), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.