Enlisted Special Assignment Opportunities

Coast Guard Special Assignments Overview
The Special Duty assignment screening process requires the member to meet standard minimum qualifications, submit an application with command endorsement, be reviewed by the rating and special duty assignment officers and the command or program manager, and be selected for the specific special duties desired.

Coast Guard Special Duty Assignments include:

• Recruiter Duty
• Career Development Advisor Duty
• Recruit Company Commander Duty
• CPO Academy Instructor Duty
• Performance Improvement School Instructor Duty
• Leadership Instructor Duty
• LE Instructor Duty

As explained below, many of the normal assignment policies are waived or do not apply to this type of duty and assignment. All members are expected to remain current in their rating.

In recognition of the arduous duty that some of our members must serve based on Service needs, assignment priority is a primary factor in routine enlisted assignments for rated personnel. However, it is not a major factor in Special Duty assignments which are driven primarily by Service need for individuals with special skills, knowledge or abilities outside those expected of members of the same rate and rating.

General Selection Criteria and Standards
Members requesting Special Duty assignments must be aware that assignments are based on the qualifications of the member for the particular Special Duty requested, not on the specific location of that duty. Geographic stability should not be the primary reason for requesting such duty. If selected for Special Duty, members must be available for assignment to that duty regardless of geographic location.

Members must possess standard minimum qualifications for all Special Duty assignments. Additional requirements which may apply are included elsewhere in this chapter under the appropriate heading for the specific type of assignment. Commands will ensure the member, during the application process and also before executing his or her orders, meets the standard minimum qualifications. Commander (CGPC-epm) will review the Discriminator Identification and Tracking System (. Chapter 8.O) to determine the candidate’s eligibility. If an applicant becomes ineligible anytime after applying for a Special Duty assignment, his or her command shall send a message to Commander, (CGPC-epm).

The standard minimum qualifications are as follows:

• Must consistently exhibit mature judgment, even temperament, tact, diplomacy, and discretion.
• Have the abilities to correspond with and address the public pleasantly and confidently and to speak and write clearly.
• No court-martial or felony convictions (federal, state or local) in the past six years.
• No non-judicial punishment or misdemeanor convictions (federal, state or local) in the past four years.
• No alcohol incident during the past four years.
• No unsatisfactory conduct mark or characteristic factor average less than three during the past four years.
• No individual factor average less than four during the last two years.
• Must be eligible for the security clearance required for the assignment requested.
• Have more than four years’ active duty in the Coast Guard.
• Qualify to operate a motor vehicle, hold a valid state-operating license, and have no history of repeated traffic violations.
• A history of demonstrated financial responsibility; no record of excessive indebtedness or indication of nonpayment of just debts
• Men must be clean-shaven; however, a neatly trimmed mustache is allowed. Those with approved waivers for folliculitis are not eligible for Special Duty assignments.
• Have sharp military bearing and a smart appearance. Must comply with weight standards contained in . Allowable Weight Standards for the Health and Well- Being of Coast Guard Military Personnel, COMDTINST M1020.8 (series). Must not have been on probation for exceeding maximum allowable weight or body fat standards anytime in the past two years.
• Must obligate service for a full tour in billet assigned.
• Must serve at least 2 years in billet commencing on the reporting date prior to voluntary retirement.

Application and Command Endorsement
Members should use the Assignment Data Card, CG 3698A, (now on PeopleSoft) to request a special duty assignment. In most cases candidates must be tour complete to qualify.

COs shall use discretion in recommending applicants for Special Duty assignments. Before endorsing a candidate’s request, the CO shall interview an applicant to determine if he or she fully meets the standard qualifications in . Article 4.E.2.a. of the Coast Guard Persman.