The Personnel Service Center (PSC) has begun holding boards and panels to consider officer promotions, enlisted advancements, and assignments for 2025.
This means it’s a good time to check out the Commandant’s Guidance to Boards and Panels —the two documents that spell out the skills and attributes, continued professional growth, and excellence in the execution of assigned duties you’ll need to demonstrate to be ready for the next step in your career.
Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan updated her guidance this year to underscore that all leaders should both foster the culture every Coast Guard member deserves and demonstrate the courage to hold accountable those who fail to adhere to our Core Values.
For current and aspiring officers
The Commandant’s Guidance to PY25 Officer Selection Boards and Panels provides a road map for professional development throughout an officer’s career. This guidance defines what is expected of all officers at each rank, as they mature from technical expert to unit leader and commander, and on to enterprise-wide leaders who will represent the Coast Guard at the highest levels of government and industry.
In addition, the PY25 guidance includes new information on what to consider in evaluating Judge Advocates. Noting that military justice is a core area for the service, it advises boards and panels to equally value those with litigation experience, including trial work, defense, special victims, and appellate counsel for these positions.
The guidance also adds a section on Reserve Component Managers (RCMs), the officers that recruit, instruct, and train new reserves. It notes that these leaders should be evaluated in the same way as Reserve and Active-Duty officers in terms of backgrounds, skills, and Core Values expectations.
Every officer should review this guidance with their wardrooms, incorporate it in mentorship discussions, and exemplify the characteristics and leadership traits described.
For enlisted personnel
The Commandant’s and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard’s Guidance to AY25 Enlisted Selection Boards and Panels lays out what is expected of members being considered for selection to Master Chief Petty Officer, Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL), and enlisted special assignments. All enlisted members and officers should review this guidance and reflect the attributes discussed within.
In addition to developing the required technical and leaderships skills, candidates for these positions should have the following:
- MCPOs must have a track record of inclusivity and mentoring junior members, professionalism, ethical behavior, and exemplary conduct on and off duty.
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CSELs must have a strong record of adherence to our Core Values, a clear sense of purpose, and a history of demonstrated leadership within the Chief's Mess and beyond. They should possess strong communication skills and the ability to effectively engage, influence and inspire Sentinels. They must have the ability to understand strategic vision and help principals guide the organization during the most demanding and dynamic times.
Every Coast Guard member is expected to continually develop their proficiency, leadership, and management abilities while staying rooted in our Core Values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. By embodying the qualities outlined in the guidance, as well as investing in a growth mindset, we will continue to strengthen our culture by connecting the full potential of each member to our greater purpose as a Service, to serve the American public.
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