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My Coast Guard
Commentary | Dec. 15, 2020

Deck Watch Officers: New $40K bonus to go afloat

The AY21 officer afloat bonus is now available to all LT/03 officers who have completed a single tour afloat and hold a current Deck Watch Officer (DWO) competency code.  

The original bonus was only available to officers with an OAF-10 specialty code.

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC 617) conducting a helicopter  in-flight refueling evolution with a MH-65 assigned to Helicopter  Interdiction Tactical Squadron during flight operations off the coast of St.  Augustine, FL, Sep. 26, 2020. ( U.S. Coast Guard photo) Our afloat workforce is essential to ensuring the Service is able to operate and maintain the largest and sustained capital investment to date, our cutter fleet. 

Officers who hold successful department head and executive officer positions are most competitive for future command, promotion, and other career enhancing opportunities. 

Afloat opportunities are not limited to those who have identified the operational afloat career path as their primary specialty. Some of our most successful officers have held another primary specialty, but have continued to rotate back to afloat positions. 

Apply now!
The new deadline for CO signature is Dec. 24.

The $40K bonus is payable upon execution of orders when the active duty service obligation begins. The officer will incur four years of active duty service obligation.

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