R 281945Z MAR 25 MID120001823633U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC TO ALCOAST
BT UNCLAS
ALCOAST 150/25 SSIC 1220
SUBJ: INCENTIVIZING THE OFFICER IN CHARGE (OIC) BOARD CANDIDATE PARTICIPATION FOR THE ACTIVE DUTY 
BOATSWAIN MATE (BM)
RATING - BM1 AND BMC
A. Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST 1000.8A
B. Officer In Charge Review Board, COMDTINST 1410.3
C. Enlistments, Evaluations, and Advancements, COMDTINST 1000.2C
1. This ALCOAST announces a temporary incentive for Active Duty Boatswain's Mates (BM) to earn 
Officer in Charge (OIC) certification. Those with OIC certificates will receive twenty
(20) Servicewide points for the 2026 and 2027 BM Servicewide Exam (SWE). This is considered a beta 
test impacting the 2026 and 2027 OIC Boards. This beta test impacts REFs (A) through (C) and is 
intended to reinforce the importance of OIC Board Candidate participation and expectations for BM1s 
and BMCs.
2. The BM rating is unique. A BM has the opportunity to serve as an OIC at one of 251 Coast Guard 
stations, aids to navigation teams, and cutters throughout all nine districts. Unfortunately, a 
steady decline in OIC Review Board candidates has led to a significant increase in difficulty 
filling OIC and other senior enlisted
assignment vacancies. In Assignment Year (AY) 2025 there were 28 OIC and senior BM assignments 
unfilled after the slate was completed.
It is the Service expectation for BMs to aspire to hold OIC command positions and to participate in 
the OIC Review Board process as a necessary step.
3. Effective only for the 2026 and 2027 Active Duty SWEs and AYs 2027 and 2028, all BM1s 
participating in the BMC SWE who hold at least one OIC certification described in REF (B) will 
receive 20 additional SWE incentive points. These points shall be entered into Direct Access via 
the incentive points module by unit administrative personnel. All entries must be dated on or after 
1MAY2025 and entered prior to the PDE correction deadline.
4. This beta test will not prevent BM1s without OIC certifications
from advancing to BMC, however, their placement on the advancement list may be below those BM1s who 
hold an OIC certification.
5. This policy does not apply to Reserve members and does not impact Reserve SWEs or Reserve 
assignments.
6. Upon conclusion of AY2028, COMDT (CG-1M) will evaluate the efficacy of this beta test and 
determine whether a permanent policy change is warranted.
7. All eligible BMs that have earned a recommendation to participate in the OIC Review Boards are 
highly encouraged to pursue
this career-defining certification.
8. The BM Rating Force Master Chief (RFMC) is the POC for all questions pertaining to OIC 
certification and this beta test at: Grant.D.Heffner@uscg.mil
9. Policy questions or changes may be directed to Office of Military Personnel Policy COMDT (CG-1M1) at:
HQS-PolicyandStandards@uscg.mil.
10. This message will be cancelled on 27 MAR 2026.
11. CAPT R.P. Matson, Acting Assistant Commandant for Military Personnel (CG-1M), sends.
12. Internet release is authorized.