ALCOAST 082/26 - MAR 2026 PHYSICAL READINESS PROGRAM (PRP) UPDATE 1

R 301300Z MAR 26   MID320018612131U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 082/26
SSIC 6100
SUBJ: PHYSICAL READINESS PROGRAM (PRP) UPDATE 1
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 in 2025 dtd 02SEP25
D. DoW MEMO Military Fitness Standards dtd 30SEP25
E. DoD MEMO Combat Arms Standards dtd 30MAR25
F. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 081426Z JAN 26/ALCOAST 007/26
1. The Coast Guard (CG) is becoming more agile, capable, and ready
in alignment with REFs (A) through (E). As part of this
transformation, we are increasing emphasis on physical readiness
to ensure our crews are able to execute all CG missions. This
ALCOAST provides additional Physical Readiness Program (PRP)
guidance as announced in REF (F)
2. Thank you for your enthusiastic participation in the first
Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) in 2025. 43,000 CG members
participated in the PFA process, and over 37,000 completed the
entire assessment with an overall pass-rate of 88%. We are becoming
a stronger Service.
3. This ALCOAST heavily references the PRP SharePoint site where you
can go to get in-depth information on the program.
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

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

4. This ALCOAST also serves as a reminder to complete your second
PFA. REF (F) directed all hands to complete a (second and final)
consequence-free PFA before 30JUN26 and have that result entered
into the PFA Tracker located on the PRP SharePoint site. All Flag
Officers, Gold Badge CSELs, Silver Badge CSELs, O6s, and E9s (AD
and SELRES) must report their PFA scores via Direct Access (DA) as
soon as the DA module is operational this April, but no later than
30JUN26.
5. Effective 01JUL26, CG members will transition from the PFA to a
Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The PFT consists of the same three
events: push-up, plank, and cardio (run, row, or swim), and is
functionally identical to the PFA. Further details can be found
in the PFT Guide on the PRP SharePoint site.
6. The CG Physical Readiness Leader (PRL).
    a. PRLs are a new collateral-duty position responsible for
overseeing unit PRP, safely administering the PFT, and recording
PFT results.
    b. Initial PRL training will be delivered through a facilitated
online course by FORCECOM's Athletic Performance Branch (APB), with
open enrollment anticipated to begin in March for April, May, and
June 2026 training sessions.
    c. After 01JUL26, new PRLs will complete a two-day in-resident
training course at APB in Elizabeth City, NC. An exportable PRL
training option is also in consideration.
    d. To be considered for PRL training, a member must:
        (1) have a passing score on the most recent PFA, and
        (2) be in compliance with Body Composition Screening.
    e. No later than 15APR26 - Field Commands, HQ Assistant
Commandants or Directorates, and equivalent staff offices with
50 or fewer members must identify one primary and one alternate PRL.
Commands with more than 50 members should identify additional PRLs
as needed to effectively manage the unit program.
    f. These prospective PRLs will attend the 3-hour facilitated
online course in April, May, or June, delivered by APB personnel.
    g. Once members have completed the PRL training and associated
examination, Commands may officially designate that member as a PRL.
The PRL designation template can be found on the PRP SharePoint
site.
    h. Commands with geographically dispersed personnel or other
logistical challenges are encouraged to collaborate with other
units, including pooling PRLs, to facilitate the PFT process.
    i. Commands should anticipate PRLs will need additional support
staff for timekeeping, recordkeeping, and medical assistance during
each PFT.
7. PFT Process.
    a. The PFT Guide, which includes the full administrative process
and age- and sex-normed scoring tables, is available on the PRP
SharePoint site. Key process highlights are summarized here for
convenience.
    b. After completing the PFT, members' raw scores (push-up count,
plank time, and cardio time) are entered into Direct Access (DA).
DA automatically converts these scores (using the age/sex-normed
tables) into an overall score ranging from 1 to 7. This score
determines whether the member passed or failed the PFT and will be
used for evaluation purposes.
    c. To pass, members must earn at least 45 points in each event;
failing any event results in an overall failure.
    d. Members who fail an official PFT may, within 24 hours, request
one consequence-free retest, which must be taken at least 30 days
after the failed attempt.
    e. If the retest is failed or a member elected to not retest,
that member will be placed on probation, receive administrative
remarks, and may face additional administrative actions, including:
        (1) Withholding of advancement, promotion, and frocking,
        (2) Assignment limitations (e.g., command cadre, special
assignments, high-visibility billets),
        (3) Impacts to PCS and Reserve orders, and
        (4) Restrictions on resident training.
    f. Members will return to compliance by passing a subsequent PFT.
8. Future Guidance and Program Development to be released in the
next PRP ALCOAST.
    a. Waivers, abeyances, and exceptions:
        (1) We will address topics such as medical and operational
waivers including but not limited to: pregnancy, postpartum, and
reproductive health, isolated duty, high-altitude, mission and
scheduling conflicts, etc.
    b. Superior Performance Incentives:
        (1) The PRP aims to incentivize superior levels of physical
readiness and unit cultures of excellence. A working group has been
established to identify incentive options for individuals and units
demonstrating excellence.
        (2) If you have suggestions for how to incentivize superior
levels of physical readiness and reinforce a culture of excellence,
please submit your ideas via the Questions/Feedback Form link on the
PRP SharePoint site.
    c. Physical Training Uniform (PTU):
        (1) The IPT is pursuing a new CG PTU with a focus on
performance factors including but not limited to appearance, fit,
and performance.
        (2) A standardized PTU will enhance professionalism, safety,
esprit de corps, and morale within the CG and align with other
Military Services.
    d. Community Fitness Test (CFT):
        (1) REF (E) directed all military branches to establish
(in addition to the Service PFT) functional fitness standards to
ensure personnel are physically prepared for operational scenarios
within their community. For the CG, these standards will
collectively be referred to as Community Fitness Tests (CFTs).
        (2) To be considered a CFT, test standards must be:
              (a) Sex-neutral,
              (b) Exceed CG PFT passing score standards, and
              (c) Align with the functional fitness intent outlined in
REF (E).
        (3) The CG currently has several communities, such as Aviation
Survival Technicians, Deployable Special Forces, Divers, and
Boat Forces, whose established functional physical readiness
standards and testing requirements may qualify as a CFT with no or
minimal modifications.
        (4) Communities seeking approval of their readiness standard
and test as a CFT may submit a request through the PRP in standard
memo format through the appropriate O6 no later than 15APR26 for
consideration in the first PFT cycle beginning 01JUL26.
        (5) If the submitted standards qualify as a CFT, future policy
may allow (1) CFT to count towards a member's (2) required PFTs per
year.
9. Feedback Request. The PRP IPT has received over 400 questions and
recommendations from the field and wants to hear more. Questions,
advice, and feedback may be shared via the Questions/Feedback Form
link located on the PRP SharePoint site.
10. We want to thank the CG Academy, CG Cyber, Sector Virginia,
Base Alameda, TRACEN Cape May, HITRON, ATTC Elizabeth City, and
CGCs Midgett and Stone as well as the hundreds of volunteer members
who participated in work and focus groups to provide feedback and
shape the direction of the PRP.
11. RADM Charles E. Fosse, Deputy Commandant for Personnel
(CG-DCP), sends.
12. Internet release is authorized.