R 241955Z FEB 23 MID600052813368U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 081/23
SSIC 1000
SUBJ: CEREMONIAL ADVANCEMENT
A. Enlistments, Evaluations, and Advancements, COMDTINST M1000.2C
1. OVERVIEW. This ALCOAST announces the continuation of the
Ceremonial Advancement policy announced in ACN 024/21. This policy
allows Coast Guard enlisted members the best opportunity to plan,
prepare, and execute meaningful advancement ceremonies to recognize
career milestones, while also considering unit operations and
Service needs. This policy allows for a larger planning window for
enlisted advancement ceremonies from the release of the monthly
Enlisted Personnel Advancement Authorization (EPAA) or Enlisted
Reserve Advancement Authorization (ERAA), on or around the 20th of
each month, to advancement on the first day of the following month.
This expanded window helps with the logistical arrangements for
family and friends to witness and participate in the advancement
ceremony.
2. POLICY/PROCEDURE. This policy established an option for Coast
Guard enlisted members to be ceremoniously advanced on a date most
conducive to the member's desires and the unit's operational
schedule. Prior to this change, members on the Active Duty or
Reserve Supplemental Advancement Eligibility Lists were not afforded
sufficient time to plan advancement ceremonies because the
supplemental advancement cycle did not include an eligibility
determination prior to release of the monthly EPAA or
ERAA.
3. The following paragraphs will be incorporated into Chapter 3 of
REF (A) paragraph A.35: Ceremonial Advancements.
    a. General. A Ceremonial Advancement allows an enlisted member
above a published cut to be advanced prior to their name appearing
on an EPAA or ERAA. The Ceremonial Advancement establishes an option
for Coast Guard enlisted members to be ceremoniously advanced on a
date most conducive to the member's desires and the unit's
operational schedule while providing flexibility in managing
logistics to plan an appropriate event.
    b. Authority. COs and OICs are authorized to conduct Ceremonial
Advancements at any point during, and 30 days prior to, the
lifecycle of the current advancement eligibility list (SWE or MCAP),
see 3.A.3.d of REF (A) for discussion regarding the Terminal
Eligibility Date (TED). COs/OICs do not need to request
authorization from or notify CG PSC prior to conducting a Ceremonial
Advancement but should consider a member's relative placement on the
list in scheduling an appropriate date. Ceremonial Advancements are
different than frocking and thus are not specifically intended to
establish a member's stature nor change their primary duties,
privileges, or entitlements. COs/OICs shall consider the full
implications for the member and unit prior to conducting a
Ceremonial Advancement.
    c. Entitlements.
      (1) Insignia. Ceremoniously advanced members are authorized
to assume the title and wear the insignia of the rank to which
ceremoniously advanced.
      (2) Housing. Ceremoniously advanced members are entitled to
housing commensurate with the lower permanent rate.
      (3) Armed Forces Identification Card. A new Armed Forces
Identification Card, DD Form 2 CG, will not be issued to reflect
the higher rate until the actual advancement date.
      (4) Pay, Allowances, and Travel Entitlements. Pay, allowances,
and travel entitlements will continue to accrue at the lower
permanent rate/pay grade. Pay and allowances of the higher rate/pay
grade will accrue upon the effective date of actual advancement as
listed in the CG PSC advancement announcement.
      (5) Performance Evaluations. Enlisted performance evaluations
will continue to be submitted in the lower permanent rate.
      (6) Authorities of Ceremoniously Advanced Pay Grade.
Ceremonial Advancement does not authorize increased disciplinary
powers under Article 15, UCMJ.
      (7) Time in Grade. Time in grade computation for retirement
and advancement is computed from the date of actual advancement,
not the date ceremoniously advanced.
      (8) Local entitlements, e.g. duty, berthing arrangements,
watch standing rotations, etc., are at the discretion of the CO/OIC.
4. A ceremonial advancement certificate template can be found at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-
for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Director-of-Military-Personnel-CG-13/
Military-Personnel-Policy-CG-133-/Military-Policy-Development-
Division-CG-1331/

5. These changes will be incorporated into the next revision
of REF (A), which will be released within the next year.
Policies and standards in REF (A) not specifically addressed
by this ALCOAST remain unchanged.
6. This message will be cancelled on 23 FEB 2024.
7. Questions regarding ceremonial advancements or other human
resource management matters may be directed to Office of Military
Personnel Policy (CG-133) at: HQSPolicyandStandards@uscg.mil.
8. CAPT A. W. Williams, Acting Director of Military Personnel
(CG-13), sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.