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  National Threat Level: Elevated
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U.S. Coast Guard
Personnel Service Center

Enlisted Assignments Branch EPM-2

    COMMANDER (PSC-EPM-2)
    PERSONNEL SERVICE CENTER
    US COAST GUARD STOP 7200
    4200 WILSON BLVD STE 1100
    ARLINGTON VA 20598-7200

Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA)
 In November 2002, PATFORSWA stood up as a contingency operation, following a US NAVY request for patrol boats in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  PATFORSWA was later commissioned as a permanent duty station in June 2004. Standard tour length is one year, dependent restricted, non-isolated PCS assignment.

***New*** All Petty Officer and above 2010 PATFORSWA assignments, including RAID and METT, have been filled and orders have been cut.  Members interested in these assignments should check the message board periodically for any rating specific off season solicitations that might include unplanned critical fills for PATFORSWA.  A nonrate solicitation for the fall 2010 Predeployment Training (PDT) will be released in March. Anticipate the AY 2011 PATFORSWA solicitation to be released in AUG 2010 for PDT that will commence in FEB, MAY, and SEP 2011. .

Cutter Positions
Cutter underway OPTEMPO is very high, often in excess of 4000 hours annually.  While underway, cutters conduct maritime interception operations, maritime security operations, river patrols, off-shore oil infrastructure security, and training engagements with regional partners.  In-port routines are similar to that of a stateside 110' patrol boat with a combination of crew rest, training, maintenance and mission preparations.  Cutter personnel are responsible for cutter maintenance and normal in-port watch stations. Due to berthing area configurations, afloat positions are restricted to male candidates, except for CGC MONOMOY.

Shoreside Positions
Shore-side personnel augment and share responsibility for all cutter maintenance, much like a MAT and a Sector. In addition, all shore-side personnel provide anti-terrorism force protection (ATFP) support, which is why all personnel are required to obtain a PDW, M-16/M-4 qualifications, and pass Task 1-01 Physical Fitness Standards of the Boarding Team/Boarding Officer PQS.  All shore-side positions are available to men and women. 

RAID Positions (*NEW*)
The current RAID Team consists of Coast Guard members deployed with the U.S Army in support of the shipment of materials in and out of the war zones.  Their mission is to assist DOD with the safe re-deployment of containerized cargo as well as the storage and segregation of hazardous materials.  The Coast Guard's goal is to ensure hazardous material is properly prepared for shipment and for re-entry to U.S. ports.  The team moves from one Forward Operating Base to another, making them among the few Coasties that have been that far forward with the US Army in a combat zone. 

2010 is the first time RAID Team members fall under the PATFORSWA Command structure.  This is now a Priority 1 PCS assignment, with the same compensations as listed below for PATFORSWA.  Members assigned to these positions will be attending RAID specific PDT in March 2010.  For more information on Pre-deployment follow this link: https://cgportal.uscg.mil/lotus/myquickr/training-team-east---patfor-swa/library

All PATFORSWA information and checklists will apply to RAID positions.

In addition to meeting the general PATFORSWA assignment criteria below, it is desired that applicants have container inspection experience. However, all interested members of the appropriate paygrades, regardless of their assignment history and rotation date, are encouraged to apply.  Please reference our ALCGENL message for more information and available positions by paygrade.

Middle East Training Team Positions (*NEW*)
The Middle East Training Team (METT) is responsible for providing specialized LE training to all the cutters in theater and certifying their Level II Non-Compliant Boarding Teams. In addition, they regularly augment other teams and assets in theater and perform boardings in the Gulf, train foreign military units throughout the region and conduct special demonstrations for visiting VIP's.

We anticipate these positions being designated as the following:

MEC - DDE METT LEADER INSTRUCTOR
BM1 - DDE METT INSTRUCTOR
BM2 - DDE METT INSTRUCTOR
BM2 - DDE METT INSTRUCTOR
ME3 - DDE METT INSTRUCTOR

METT instructors go through a highly demanding train the trainer program in addition to the pre-deployment training attended by all other PATFOR SWA personnel.  They learn how to teach Close Quarters Battle, Container Climbing and Breaching along with other specialized skills.  Personnel assigned must be highly motivated, able to work on their own and extremely professional.

These METT positions are also designated as Instructor, and require further assignment criteria as per Chapter 4.E of the PERSMAN.  We are looking for applicants who will be confident when training other Coasties and other international law enforcement and military units.  Also, applicants with extensive law enforcement experience, especially at an MSRT, TACLET or MSST DSF, are most desired.  This is a great assignment opportunity for those who are interested in the law enforcement community, or who are looking to boost their LE experience prior to applying for the ME rating. 

Assignment Criteria
The assignment criteria for all enlisted PATFORSWA positions HAVE BEEN UPDATED as follows:
     (a)    Must be at least 18 years of age at deployment date.
     (b)   Members who are tour complete in the current assignment year will be given
      preference.  Members with tour completion dates for the following two
      assignment years will be considered.
     (c)    Must be suitable for overseas assignment in accordance with Chapter 4.H.3
      of the PERSMAN.
     (d)   Must be a U.S. Citizen.
     (e)    Must be eligible for a secret clearance or higher.
     (f)     Must meet OBLISERV requirements (15 months from report date).
     (g)    Member must have completed Task 1-01, Physical Fitness Standards,
     of reference the CG Boarding Officer/Boarding Team Member PQS,
     COMDTINST M16247.3B within the past six months. (*NEW*)
     (h)    Member must meet Coast Guard Weight Standards in accordance
     with CG Weight and Body Fat Standards Program Manual, COMDTINST
     M1020.8G.      (*NEW*)
     (i)      E-resume must include an endorsement by the Commanding Officer. 

In addition to the above criteria, the assignment criteria for Middle East Training Team (METT) positions also include: (*NEW*)
    
     (a)    OPSHL qualification code
     (b)  Command endorsement for special assignment instructor position in
      accordance with Chapter 4.E.6 of the PERSMAN.
     (c)    TACLET, MSST DSF or MSRT experience is a highly desired, but not
      required, assignment criterion for the METT positions.

Assignment Procedures
Enlisted members should follow the assignment procedures as listed in their rate-specific solicitation and/or website.  Due to the dynamics and pipeline training required for each rating, e-resume deadlines will differ.  All members interested in being placed in the pool for any advertised position are required to submit a command endorsed e-resume. 

To be most competitive for this assignment, members should seek every opportunity to meet all the above assignment criteria before applying to these positions.  However, we completely understand that patrols, deployments, local support facilities, and other operational and logistical constraints may make it unfeasible to complete all of this before your e-resume deadline. Your comments and your commanding officer’s endorsement should discuss whether you are or will be able to meet the assignment criteria prior to arrival to Pre-Deployment Training.

Enlisted applicants should be aware that documented rated experience and qualifications, as well as weapons qualifications may take precedence over assignment priority when ordering members into these critical fill positions.

Weapons Requirements
Members are encouraged to spend as much time on the range, as possible, prior to Pre-Deployment Training.  All members reporting to PATFORSWA Training should have a 'Basic' qualification with either the SIG .40 cal or the Berretta 9mm. A 3029 showing proof of a Basic qual (or PPC in lieu of basic in accordance with MLEM) with either of these weapons will allow us to move forward with the PPC course of fire on the Berretta 9mm. This method of qualification is identical with the M-16/M-4; the member must provide at least a 3029 showing proof of a 'Basic' qualification (or showing proof of the PRC).

Command Endorsements
Commanding Officer’s endorsements for all PATFORSWA positions should address:
    
     (a)    Any previous law enforcement or Anti-terrorism/Force Protection
      experience.
     (b)    Any recent (within 5 years) shipboard experience or direct shipboard
      support experience.
     (c)    Summary of training/experience.
     (d)    List of member’s CG Small Arms qualifications, including most recent
     certification date.  Prior to arrival, all members are expected to qualify on 9MM
      or SIG .40 CAL Basic course and the M-16 or M-4 Basic courses.  If member
      does not have a current qual for either a PDW or rifle, the endorsement should
      address member’s potential to qualify prior to arrival to PDT.
     (e)    Indicate that member has completed an overseas screening checklist as
      per Exhibit 4.H.2 of the PERSMAN.
      (f)  Member completed Task 1-01, Physical Fitness Standards, of
      reference the CG Boarding Officer/Boarding Team Member PQS,
      COMDTINST M16247.3B within the past six months. (*NEW*)
     (g)      Any backfill requirements.

Compensations:
Members assigned to these support positions will be entitled to the FOL compensation PKG:
    -  Imminent Danger Pay, currently $225 per mo.
    -  Family Separation Allowance, currently $250 per mo for all eligible
       members.
    -  Combat Zone Tax Relief - currently all Federal Pay is Tax-Exempt (Most
       states are also Tax Exempt).
    -  Any Selective Rating Bonuses earned while assigned to PATFORSWA will
       also be tax free.
    -  Rest and Recuperation (R & R) Leave Period with travel at Government
       expense per 12 month tour. 
    -  Increased Thrift Savings Plan Opportunities.
    -  Savings Deposit Program eligibility - Special Savings Program allowing
       deposits up to $10K earning 10% interest.
    -  Transfer as an assignment Priority 1 or 2
    -  Level 3 Sea Pay for Afloat Positions, commensurate with pay grade and
       cumulative sea time.

PCS Entitlement Guide - PCS Entitlements and SPO Instructions for Personnel Reporting To PATFORSWA and Cutters Supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Also refer to Chapter 2.F of the Personnel and Pay Procedures Manual.

Pre-Deployment Information:
Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) is MANDATORY for ALL members assigned to PATFORSWA and its cutters. PDT is usually 8 weeks in length and is held in Portsmouth, VA.  Some additional training requirements may apply to specific assignments.

PDT Dates for 2010 are as follows:
31 JAN 10 PATFORSWA Class 1 PDT
17 MAR 10 RAID PDT
3 MAY 10 PATFORSWA Class 2 PDT
SEP 10 PATFORSWA Class 3 PDT

Detailed information regarding pre-deployment training with pre-arrival requirements and forms are available for download at the following Training Team East PATFORSWA website:  https://cgportal.uscg.mil/lotus/myquickr/training-team-east---patfor-swa/library.

For more information concerning Pre-Deployment Training or the operational nature of this assignment, you may also call USCG Training Team East PATFORSWA at (757)295-2220.

EPM-2 PATFORSWA Contact Information:

Central Assignment Coordinator
LT Kristen Nihill
Phone: (202) 493 - 1260
FAX:      (202) 493 - 1269
E-mail: kristen.a.nihill(at)uscg.mil         

For Rating specific information concerning assignment to PATFORSWA, please visit the individual rating websites:
 
MK: CWO Kieth Bopp
EM: CWO James Longton
BM ASHORE: CWO Troy Loining
BM AFLOAT: CWO Jeff Kerner
FS: CWO Michael Duchossois
OS: CWO Luis Amador  
ET: CWO Mark Pointek
IT & ETC: CWO Eric Thomas
YN: CWO Amy Cerino
DC: CWO Dan Johnson
SK: CWO Mitzi Robinson
GM: CWO Douglas Winstein
HS: CWO Mike Ford
 ME: CWO Steve Engle 
NONRATE: Primary: SKC Vanessa Lang        Secondary: YNCS Rhonda Killmon  

 

 

 

 

 


 

Last Modified 2/2/2010