ALCOAST 168/26 - JUN 2026 PHYSICAL READINESS PROGRAM FULL OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY

R 091856Z JUN 26 MID120041307452U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 168/26
SSIC 6100
SUBJ: PHYSICAL READINESS PROGRAM FULL OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 252052Z JUL 25/ALCGFD28 006/25
B. COMMANDER'S INTENT: IMPLEMENTATION OF REQUIRED MILITARY
PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS, PHYSICAL TRAINING, AND PHYSICAL
FITNESS ASSESSMENT IN 2025 dtd 02SEP25
C. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 022222Z SEP 25/ALCOAST 372/25
D. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 291700Z SEP 25/ALCOAST 404/25
E. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 081426Z JAN 26/ALCOAST 007/26
F. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 301300Z MAR 26/ ALCOAST 082/26
1. Purpose. This ALCOAST announces the Full Operational
Capability (FOC) of the Physical Readiness Program (PRP).
This message delivers final policy updates, establishes the new PRP
Program Office, unveils a high-performance physical training (PT)
uniform, and introduces innovative tools designed to help you
elevate your physical readiness and nutrition. Together, these
advancements empower every Coast Guard member to achieve new levels
of fitness and resilience in support of our mission.
2. Background. Since the Commandant required the first Physical
Fitness Assessment (PFA) in 2025, the Coast Guard has invested
extensively in establishing this robust readiness program. We have
acquired 1,200 new pieces of fitness equipment, including rowers and
treadmills, trained 3,200 Physical Readiness Leaders (PRLs) to
safely administer Physical Fitness Tests (PFT), and have created a
PRP community of support. The Service has also completed nine months
of PFAs to prepare members and commands for the inaugural PFT
requirement, beginning 01 July 2026.
3. PRP Vision. Service readiness begins with personal readiness, and
personal readiness is rooted in physical readiness. The PRP is more
than a set of standards; it is a commitment to your health, strength,
and readiness. With these resources, every Coast Guard member is
empowered to meet our service's demanding missions with confidence,
resilience, and pride and prepared to answer the call whenever and
wherever duty requires.
4. Program Management. Effective immediately, Commander, Force
Readiness Command (FC-L) assumes programmatic responsibilities for
the PRP. The newly established PRP Office will serve as the hub for
program information, resources, and communications, ensuring every
member has access to the tools and support needed for success.
5. PRP Updates:
    a. Commandant Instruction (COMDTINST). The comprehensive PRP
COMDTINST will be released prior to 01 July 2026. It will
consolidate all PRP policy (REFs (A) through (F)) and, together
with the CG Fitness Guide, and the PRP SharePoint Site, will serve
as the authoritative source for Coast Guard Physical Readiness.
Members can expect the following additional policy sections:
        (1) Waivers/Exemptions. Physical readiness can be impacted by
life events or factors beyond a member's control. Authorized waivers
and exemptions will be detailed in the new COMDTINST, with guidance
for documentation in Direct Access (DA).
              (a) Exemptions: Excusals for a set period based on
qualifying criteria.
                    i. Medical exemptions (e.g., pregnancy, post-partum
recovery, pre-term loss) are approved by Primary Care
Managers (PCMs).
                    ii. Administrative exemptions (e.g., unrestricted
reports of sexual assault, terminal leave, certain duty locations)
are approved by Commands.
              (b) Waivers: Temporary excusals from PFT requirements.
                    i. Medical waivers (e.g., assisted reproductive
procedures, restricted reports of sexual assault, surgery recovery)
must align with duty status and are approved by PCMs.
                    ii. Administrative waivers (e.g., operational waivers,
deployments, emergency leave) are approved by Commands.
    b. Direct Access (DA). Beginning 01 July 2026, all PFT scores
must be recorded in DA. Links to DA Guides are available on the
PRP SharePoint Site.
    c. Evaluations. This is a separate record capture requirement
to DA. PFT results will be incorporated into evaluations through a
phased approach. In 2026, all Flag Officers were directed to report
their PFA (and later PFT) scores on their Flag Fitness Reports.
Starting in 2027, all Officers should expect evaluations to reflect
their PFT efforts; enlisted members will see this requirement begin
in 2028. Additional guidance will be provided by PSC in Fall 2026.
    d. Community Fitness Tests (CFT). In alignment with Department of
War (DoW) guidance, communities requiring a more rigorous,
sex-neutral fitness standard are authorized to substitute one
semi-annual PFT with a CFT.
        (1) Successful completion of a CFT will be recorded as
compliant in DA for the corresponding PFT period. CFT scores will
not be documented on member evaluations.
        (2) The AST community has established the Coast Guard's
first CFT. Other communities (e.g., Deployable Special Forces,
Divers, Boat Forces) wishing to establish a CFT must route requests
to Commander, Force Readiness Command (FC-L) in accordance with
REF (F).
    e. Uniforms. A new Coast Guard PT uniform is currently in
production. This high-performance, crew-selected uniform will soon
be issued to all accessions and available for purchase through the
CG Exchange System in June. Pictures of the uniform can be viewed on
the PRP SharePoint Site.
    f. Fitness and Nutrition Tools. The Coast Guard has developed a
variety of tools and resources, available through the PRP SharePoint
Site, to help you improve your overall fitness, including:
       (1) Coast Guard Workout Guide
       (2) Coast Guard Nutrition Guide
       (3) Fitness webinars covering PFT training tips, nutrition
guidance, and workout plans
6. Questions. Most questions can be answered by visiting the new,
permanent PRP Sharepoint site at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/PRP

Additionally, members can submit new inquiries to the newly
established PRP office via the Microsoft Questionnaire on the
PRP SharePoint site, and is available via this link:
(Copy and Paste Url Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/PRP/_layouts/15/listforms.
aspx?cid=NDdkYzlhMTQtYTNiYi00M2M3LTg5ZDktZGYyODNjZmQ2YjJk&nav=YT
AyZjgzMjItZmE0OC00YzhiLWIwOTYtZDEwZGFkZWZjYjNl

7. Thank You. To all beta-units, focus groups, military members,
and civilians who embraced physical readiness, thank you for your
dedication and commitment. Your efforts continue to drive our
success and strengthen the Coast Guard.
8. RADM Charles E. Fosse, Deputy Commandant for Personnel Readiness
and Chief Human Capital Officer (CG-DCP), sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.