In accordance with current Memorandums of Agreement with the U. S. Navy, the Coast Guard coordinates with the Navy on those personnel to be trained and assigned to duty as Alcohol Treatment Specialists (ATS) and Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselors (DAC). The importance and sensitivity of these duties require mature, non-judgmental individuals. Motivation and communication skills are prime factors for selection. The normal tour of duty is four years.
Personnel assigned to an ATS or DAC perform these duties:
1. Counseling duties as assigned by the Navy Treatment Facility.
2. Liaison between the Coast Guard and the Treatment Facility. Direct liaison with Commandant (G-WK) on Coast Guard issues is authorized.
3. Assist Coast Guard personnel assigned to the Treatment Facility as patients or in solving any problems that may be unique to the Coast Guard.
Qualifications
Note: The below qualification standards are in addition to the general Coast Guard Special Duty Assignment qualification standards.
1. Be in pay grade E-5 or above serving in second or subsequent enlistment
2. Have a minimum combined VE/AR score of 105 or a previous GCT/ARI score of 105.
3. Be mature and possess sound judgment
4. If a recovering alcoholic, have at least two years of continuous sobriety
Interview
1. Commanding officers shall interview members who request duty as an AST or DAC to ensure they meet all qualifications. If not completely satisfied a member meets all qualifications, the commanding officer shall state the reasons in the endorsement to the member's ADC. If the member is considered to have some outstanding qualities for assignment but is not qualified in some specific requirement, the commanding officer may recommend considering a waiver.
2. CGPC-epm-2 normally assigns individuals being considered for assignment to AST or DAC duty TAD to a district office for an interview by the district commander (ap) and the district D and A Rep. The interviewers will evaluate the member and comment on his or her sincerity, motives for seeking D and Rep assignment, and potential as a dependable, responsible representative of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program. An ATS or DAC also must interview the member at a U. S. Navy Alcohol Rehabilitation Center (ARC), Alcohol Rehabilitation Service (ARS), Counseling and Assistance Center (CAAC), or Navy Drug Rehabilitation Center (NDRC). Send the interviews and recommendations to Commandant (G-WK).
Training
1. Before receiving PCS orders to ATS duty, the selected applicant must satisfactorily complete the Institute in Alcoholism (IAS) Course at the Naval Alcohol Rehabilitation, San Diego, CA. Commandant (G-WK) will obtain the quota for this 10-week course.
2. Before receiving PCS orders to DAC duty, the selected applicant must satisfactorily complete the Naval Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor School, Naval Drug Rehabilitation Center, NAS Miramar, San Diego, CA. Commandant (G-WK) will obtain the quota for this 10-week course.
