ALCOAST 105/26 - APR 2026 SOLICITATION FOR THE TRACEN CAPE MAY (TCCM) RECRUIT COMPANY MENTOR PROGRAM

R 241256Z APR 26   MID120041203638U
FM COMCOGARD FORCECOM NORFOLK VA
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 105/26
SSIC 1513
SUBJ: SOLICITATION FOR THE TRACEN CAPE MAY (TCCM) RECRUIT COMPANY
MENTOR PROGRAM
A. Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST 1000.8A
B. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 021900Z DEC 25/ALCOAST 483/25
1. This ALCOAST solicits applications for the FY27 Recruit Company
Mentor Program at Training Center Cape May, New Jersey. This program
is a vital component in the development of our newest shipmates.
Mentors meet with their Recruit Company at three points during the
eight-week recruit training period; first a meeting on the Saturday
of Week Two, again on the Saturday of Week Five, and finally for
their Company's graduation ceremony during Week Eight. The program's
objective is to expose recruits to relatable, experienced members of
the Service that can help answer questions and guide them through
the challenges and opportunities that they will soon face. We seek
a robust pool of candidates from a variety of ranks and specialties
to enhance recruit exposure to leaders they are likely to encounter
as their supervisors in the fleet.
2. During the selection process, priority will be given to members
with recent experience at units with non-rates assigned. Typically,
no more than two mentors will be assigned per company. Mentors
should be inspiring and able to engage, relate to, and communicate
effectively with recruits. Mentors should also be prepared for a
public speaking role at the Company's graduation.
3. Mentor Application Requirements:
    a. Mentors must apply in pairs, with at least one applicant being
an enlisted member E-6 and above.
    b. The 2026 Coast Guard-wide EPOY, Munro, and McShan leadership
award winners will automatically be reserved a mentor spot for FY27.
An application is still required to confirm desire to participate.
4. The Recruit Company Mentor Program is considered mission
essential travel in accordance with REF (B). In-person attendance
for all mentoring sessions is required, as permitted by operations
and budget appropriations. Funding for mentor travel, including
award winners, is at the mentor unit s expense. Travel authorization
and funding must be approved in accordance with current travel
requirements; acceptance as a mentor alone does not constitute
permission to travel. Government-funded travel (including lodging
in the Cape May UPH) is historically suspended during a lapse in
appropriations, and the program is shifted to virtual and/or
attendance at the member's personal expense.
5. Given the high level of interest in this opportunity and the
limited number of available companies, not all applicants will be
selected. Members not selected in previous years are encouraged to
re-apply. Prior to applying, members must obtain approval from
their Command and unit funds approver to confirm their ability to
participate fully in the program and that unit funds are available
for travel expenses.
6. All interested candidates should submit their Recruit Company
Mentor applications via Microsoft Forms NLT 01 JUL 26 using the
link below:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/fQpzB8b88E

All qualified applicants will be considered by a selection board
held at TCCM and approved by the TCCM Commanding Officer. All
applicants will be notified of their selection status via email
NLT 15 JUL 26. All selected mentors will be notified of the company
that they are paired with NLT 01 SEP 26.
7. The most current application and Mentor Guide can be found at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/
TraCen-Cape-May/Training/Mentor/

8. Company Mentors can be especially compelling advocates to
encourage shipmates at their units to pursue assignments at
Training Center Cape May, including the highly demanding role of
Company Commander. Likewise, eligible Company Mentors are invited
to submit applications for staff, instructor, and CC duty in
accordance with the Special Duty assignment solicitation procedures.
9. POC: LT Wyatt Nelson Phone: (609) 898-6715 or email:
Wyatt.A.Nelson@uscg.mil
10. Ms. J. L. Sinclair, Director, Force Readiness Command
(FORCECOM), sends.
11. Internet release is authorized.