Considering higher education? It’s open season for postgraduate and advanced education (PG/Adv Ed) opportunities — and time to get your application materials in order!
In May, the Coast Guard announced changes for PG/Adv Ed opportunities for assignment year 2024 (AY24). Both the command endorsements and the member’s comments have been shortened to 500 characters, and applications must avoid gender indicators, first names, and other prohibited content.
“These opportunities are important for our members, both personally and professionally,” said Lt. j.g. Max McClay, the advanced education panel coordinator for the enlisted workforce. “These programs help [enlisted members] achieve personal goals, but simultaneously, [PG/Adv Ed opportunities] help the Coast Guard develop key skills we need within our workforce.”
If you’re tour complete in 2024 or 2025, now is the time to review your record and program eligibility requirements. Servicemembers always have access to their records in iPERMS, so check ahead of time to ensure all documentation — including awards — will be available to the panel. Visit the EPM-1 Boards and Panels SharePoint site for a record preparation checklist and information on applicable enlisted programs.
Prior to submitting an application, schedule an appointment with EPM-4 to see whether a PG/Adv Ed program works with your career goals and to ensure your application package is put together with the best chances for approval. Appointments can be scheduled through the “EPM-4 Career Advisory Request” located on their SharePoint site.
All applications need to be submitted by June 25 through the Direct Access “My Panel Submission” link. Members are required to receive acceptance into a school approved by the program manager. See the Process Guide for amplifying guidance on completing your application and command endorsement portion correctly, and how to verify that your application was received.
“These advanced education opportunities are great, because they build up specialty knowledge and give our members the opportunity to get a degree as well,” said McClay.
Primary and alternate selections will be announced via ALCGENL message after the PG/Adv Ed panel adjourns and the results are approved. Upon results message release and transmission of an official acceptance memo from EPM-1, primary selectees will have five business days to formally accept. Participants will be assigned curriculum-related duties upon completion of the program.
For more information, including obligated service requirements following completion of the program, see ALCGENL 104/23.