ALCOAST 106/26 - APR 2026 MANDATORY A-SCHOOL ASSIGNMENTS

R 272022Z APR 26   MID120041210005U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 106/26
SSIC 1500
SUBJ: MANDATORY A-SCHOOL ASSIGNMENTS
A. Performance, Training and Education Manual (PTEM),
COMDTINST 1500.10D
B. COMCOGARD PSC WASHINGTON DC 261845Z FEB 26/ALCGENL 023/26
C. Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST 1000.8A
1. The Coast Guard is recovering from recruiting shortfalls and is
posturing for Force Design 2028 transformational growth in support
of strategic objectives; we have added 1,200 more non-rates in
preparation. As of April 2026 there are approximately 800 non-rates
eligible but have not elected to apply for an A-School. The Service
is carrying more than 1,300 E4/E5 vacancies. To ensure readiness,
non-rate progression into ratings and advancement to E4 must be
accelerated.
2. All non-rates who meet the eligibility requirements to submit an
A-School request per REF (A) are strongly encouraged to do so.
Supervisors and unit commands should engage with their members on
their career aspirations. Per REF (B), the 4-month wait for A-School
has been waived for all critical ratings. A guide on how to submit
A-School requests can be found here:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/psc_spo/psc-epm/EPM-2/
SitePages/Non-Rates.aspx

3. Effective 01 June 2026, non-rates that have been at their unit
for 12 months without selecting an A-School may be assigned to an
A-School waitlist by Personnel Service Center - Enlisted Personnel
Management (EPM) based on ASVAB scores and needs of the Service.
Members with less than 24 months remaining on their enlisted
contract who do not intend to continue service beyond their contract
may submit a Career Intentions Worksheet to EPM indicating their
intention to separate. EPM will reevaluate this process at the end
of Assignment Year 2027 to determine if its continued use is
necessary to meet the Service's strategic goals.
4. Points of contact:
    a. For questions on assignment to an A-School, contact EPM:
HQS-SMB-CGPSC-EPM-ASCHOOLREQUESTS@USCG.MIL
    b. A-School information: Force Readiness Command
    c. Rating Force Master Chiefs: Rating Force Master Chiefs - Home
5. RADM C. E. Fosse, Deputy Commandant for Personnel
(CG-DCP), sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.