Several enlisted jobs in the United States Coast Guard are considered "Special Duty Assignments." In these jobs, CG personnel generally work at duties outside of their normal rating (job) for a designated period of time, then return to their original rating. Examples of Special Duty Assignments are recruiter duty A-School Instructor duty.
Special Duty Assignments are generally restricted to enlisted members with experience, i.e., those who have more than four years of active duty. Eligibility requirements for all Coast Guard Special Duty Assignments are contained in the Coast Guard Personnel Manual, Section 4E.
Although not considered mandatory, a good career pattern is very desirable. Special Duty Assignments members should have a wide knowledge of the many duties and activities of the entire Coast Guard. A recent tour of sea or restricted duty also is desirable, but is not required.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
1. Must consistently exhibit mature judgment, even temperament, tact, diplomacy, and discretion.
2. Have the abilities to correspond with and address the public pleasantly and confidently and to speak and write clearly.
3. No court-martial or felony convictions (federal, state or local) in the past six years.
4. No non-judicial punishment or misdemeanor convictions (federal, state or local) in the past four years.
5. No alcohol incident during the past four years.
6. No unsatisfactory conduct mark or characteristic factor average less than three during the past four years.
7. No individual factor average less than four during the last two years.
8. Must be eligible for the security clearance required for the assignment requested.
9. Have more than four years’ active duty in the Coast Guard.
10. Qualify to operate a motor vehicle, hold a valid state-operating license, and have no history of repeated traffic violations.
11. A history of demonstrated financial responsibility; no record of excessive indebtedness or indication of non-payment of just debts
12. Men must be clean-shaven; however, a neatly trimmed mustache is allowed. Those with approved shaving waivers for folliculitis are not eligible for Special Duty Assignments.
13. Have sharp military bearing and a smart appearance. Must comply with Coast Guard weight standards. Must not have been on probation for exceeding maximum allowable weight or body fat standards anytime in the past two years.
14. Must obligate service for a full tour in billet assigned.
15. Must serve at least 2 years in billet commencing on the reporting date prior to voluntary retirement.
Special Duty Assignments
Recruit Regimental Duty (Basic Training Instructor)
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor Duty
Military Entrance Processing Station
Military Civil Rights Counselor
Application Procedures
All Special Duty Assignments in the Coast Guard, starts with a Commander's recommendation. According to the manual:
Members should use the Assignment Data Card, CG 3698A, to request a special duty assignment. 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 for the special duty.
Besides a statement of opinion of the applicant's potential to perform the duties of the requested Special Duty assignment, the CO's endorsement also shall include:
1. A definite recommendation stating the member meets the qualification requirements and addressing the member's potential to perform the duties required of the assignment requested.
2. A statement on any request for waiver if the member does not meet all qualification requirements,
3. A statement on any pronounced accent or speech defect.
4. The member's Navy Battery test scores.
Approval/Disapproval Procedures
The application initially goes to the member's rating Assignment Officer (AO) at Coast Guard Personnel HQ. There, each rating AO will review the applications for Special Duty assignment to determine the following:
a. Is the member tour complete or available for transfer?
b. Has the member met or will this assignment lead to difficulties in meeting rating and career requirements; e.g., sea duty requirements for advancement, High Year Tenure, etc.?
c. Is the rating staffed sufficiently to support the member being assigned out of rate? The AO will consult with the Workforce Forecasting and Analysis Staff, Commandant (G-WP-1), for this determination.
If the applicant does not meet these criteria, the rating AO will send the application to the Special Duty AO, who will retain the application for one year and if a special or critical Service need arises, the member's application may be reconsidered.
Once the member is released by their rating AO for a special duty assignment, the Special Duty AO will ensure the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the desired assignment as specified in this chapter.
