ALCOAST 225/26 - JUL 2026 ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RATING FORCE MASTER CHIEF RESERVE FORCES ADVISOR (RFMC-RFA)

R 212030Z JUL 26  MID120041404175U
FM COMCOGARD PSC WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 225/26
SSIC 1306
SUBJ: ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RATING FORCE MASTER CHIEF RESERVE FORCES
ADVISOR (RFMC-RFA)
A. Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) Rating Force Master Chief
(RFMC) and Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) Program, COMDTINST 1306.1I
B. Organization Management, COMDTINST 5400.7G
C. Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST 1000.8A
1. This ALCOAST serves as an announcement on the creation of the
Reserve Forces Advisor (RFA) per REFs (A) through (C).
    a. This advisor reports directly to their assigned RFMC and are
referred to as "RFMC-RFA." RFAs are the direct representative of the
Reserve Component (RC) to their assigned RFMC.
    b. RFAs are the senior subject matter experts in their respective
rating and serve as an advocate and advisor for all matters that
could impact the health and professional development of their
rating. RFAs assist in program policy development and
implementation, outreach to the rating, and provide accurate and
timely dissemination of information to the workforce of their
rating.
    c. RFAs monitor the training and operational readiness of
reservists in their assigned rating. RFAs will advise the RFMCs on
the state of the rating within the RC and coordinate and address
leadership training processes which support the advancement and
activation readiness of reserve personnel.
2. RFA Vacancy Solicitation and Selection. Solicitation for any
vacant position are released via ALCGRSV annually concurrently or
in conjunction with the RFMC solicitation. This ALCOAST outlines the
expected application process.
3. Training, Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Leadership Course (SELC).
Upon assignment as an RFMC-RFA, any Service member who is not
already a graduate of the SELC must attend the earliest convening
training based on the course availability.
4. Duties and Responsibilities of the RFA. Duties and
responsibilities of the RFA include but are not limited to:
    a. Providing regular updates to RFMC, reserve CSEL network
and COMDT (CG-R) regarding current or planned programs and policies
that affect their respective ratings, to include readiness
and performance.
    b. Meeting periodically with members of their rating, traveling
to field units to evaluate rating needs, and collaborating with
elements of Coast Guard Headquarters program management and members
of their rating performing the mission.
    c. Monitoring paygrade-to-position matches and staffing standards
to ensure alignment with program, missions, and competency
requirements.
    d. Developing and recommending new training requirements and
analyzing and maintaining existing training requirements.
    e. Participate in the Rating Training Advisory Council (RTAC).
    f. Ensuring that documentation of credentialing and education for
lateral entry accessions encompass relevant rating performance.
    g. Forecasting resource proposal and Organizational Modification
Request (OMR) impacts on rating and recommending solutions/options.
    h. Liaising with the Assistant Commandant for Reserve (CG-R) and
providing programmatic input on enlisted workforce initiatives
including but not limited to:
       (1) Open rate list;
       (2) Enlistment/Selective Reenlistment Bonus/Special Pay;
       (3) Rate determination packages;
       (4) Advancement initiatives and requirements (core
competencies, etc.);
       (5) Waiver Request; and,
       (6) Change of rating/lateral process.
    i. Upon invitation, participating in headquarters or PSC-convened
boards, panels and studies that impact the enlisted workforce.
    j. Recommending actions to improve job satisfaction of personnel
within their rating.
    k. When fiscally feasible, RFAs shall make periodic visits to
Training Centers with courses in their rating to better understand
processes and issues facing junior personnel at these development
points. In addition, they should make visits to the CPOA and SELC
to interact with staff and students, thereby gaining a better
understanding of challenges facing senior enlisted members.
In-person visits are preferred, however, video teleconference and
other cost-effective means of virtual connectivity should be
leveraged to maintain relationships.
5. Enlisted Competency Code. Commands are authorized to assign
competencies upon successful completion of one year of duty as
an RFA. The Code that will be assigned is: CMCRF.
6. Relief for Cause (RFC).
    a. If the principal loses confidence in the RFA due to poor
performance or conduct, the principal will initiate a RFC, using
procedures outlined in REF (A). Additionally, a copy of the relief
letter/documentation will be forwarded to the Office of the MCPOCG.
    b. Once the authorizing official approves the permanent relief
for cause, reassignment will be made based on the needs of the
service.
    c. A request for RFC is not applicable to members serving in
Collateral Duty SEL positions.
7. Eligibility. All members in pay grade E8/E9 or those members
who have been determined eligible for the Reserve-Senior Chief
Advancement Panel (R-SCAP) or Reserve-Master Chief Advancement
Panel (R-MCAP).
8. Application Process:
    a. Member will complete a request for consideration memo in
accordance with solicitation message for the RFA positions.
    b. To be considered by the RFA Screening Panel, members shall
add the RFA position on their PCS e-Resume and submit for RFA
members will follow guidance in the solicitation message.
    c. The Commander/Commanding Officer endorsement must be provided
by an O-6 (or higher) and must certify the candidate is fully
qualified to assume the duties of a RFA. It is the responsibility
of the endorsing officer to validate the eligibility requirements
outlined in this section, prior to endorsing the member's request
for consideration. The application may not exceed one page.
    d. Command endorsements will attest to the member's eligibility
and ability to fulfill the duties of this position, as well as
address backfill concerns, if applicable.
    e. Abbreviated DA endorsement must include but not limited to;
"Member meets all requirements IAW 1000.8 (series) 5.C." followed
by submitting the RFMC Screening Form with complete command
endorsement attached (Application details will be provided in
solicitation message).
    f. Members will be screened for the position and selected based
on desire, background, and performance.
9. REF (A) will be updated per internal controls requirements.
10. POC. CDR Jesse D. Webster, Chief, CG PSC-RPM
11. MCPO-CGR William B. Adams, Master Chief Petty Officer -
Coast Guard Reserve, sends.
12. Internet release is authorized.