WASHINGTON, DC, Sept. 4, 2025 —
The Commandant and Mr. Plankey’s series of Force Design 2028 Town Hall meetings has the workforce energized for lots of exciting and meaningful changes coming to the Coast Guard – many of which will benefit the Deputy Commandant for Systems (DCS) enterprise.
DCS is moving forward quickly to transition from Initial Operational Capability (IOC) to Full Operational Capability (FOC) which is estimated to be achieved at the end of 2026. With the workforce’s support and feedback, DCS will create a modernized organization that functions in a coordinated and sustainable way to achieve the objectives of the Force Design 2028 campaign and executes the more than $24 billion in resources provided by the recent “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
The end of 2026 sounds like a long time from now, but it is ambitious. During the IOC to FOC transition, DCS plans to implement the systems-based approach to asset lifecycle management across its five Domains – that’s no small feat. This transformation will break barriers and ensure integration of new capabilities into a more effective force, keeping assets and systems well-maintained throughout their respective lifecycles.
To keep projects organized and moving apace, DCS will utilize Scrum methodology and Sprint planning. Scrum uses an iterative, incremental approach to optimizing future predictions and managing risk, creating an organization’s ability to respond to change with agility and achieve better results. Sprints are fixed-length events, preceded by a planning period and closing with retrospection. Sprint Planning initiates the Sprint by collaboratively defining what will be delivered (Sprint Goal) and how the work will be achieved. The Coast Guard workforce can learn more about Scrum methodology and sprints, as well as how DCS plans to share progress updates in ALCOAST 361/25 (CAC required).
Regular feedback will become part of a continuous cycle of systematic improvement throughout the DCS organization. The workforce is encouraged to their thoughts with their leadership or, reach out via the feedback form provided here (CAC required).