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EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
CAREER DEVELOPMENT FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL
- Enlisted Non-Resident Training
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- Advanced Education Programs
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ADVANCED EDUCATION PROGRAMS
There are many advanced education programs available for both enlistees and officers. These are currently announced over a period of several months by way of ALCOAST, ALCGENL, and other general distribution messages from Coast Guard Headquarters. Below are short descriptions of a few of the most often asked-about programs.
Advanced Computers and Electronics Technology (ACET) Program
ACET is a long-term program with the goal of building a high level of both technical and managerial competency among senior Coast Guard enlisted personnel. This program provides senior enlisted personnel up to 24 months of full time college education to achieve a degree in a technology or engineering discipline.
If selected for this program, you will be required to achieve a minimum of an associate’s degree upon completion. The degree you pursue must be related to your rating, e.g. ETs must get their degrees in majors like electronics technology while MKs must get their degrees in something like mechanical engineering technology.
The most recent solicitation for applicants to the ACET program was in ALCGENL 024/12.
The program is open to senior petty officers (E-6 through E-8) in the regular Coast Guard and in the AET, EM, ET, IT, and MK ratings. Applicants must have at least 6 years of service, two of which have been in the Coast Guard.
For detailed information about the application process, go to the DCMS-81 Advanced Education page on the Coast Guard web site.
Damage Control Industrial Technology (DCIT) Program
DCIT is a long-term program with the goal of building a high level of both technical and managerial competency among senior petty officers. This program provides senior enlisted personnel up to 24 months of full time college education to achieve a degree in fire science, industrial technology, or civil engineering technology.
If selected for this program, you will be required to achieve a minimum of an associate’s degree upon completion.
The most recent solicitation for applicants to the DCIT program was is in ALCGENL 024/12. Selectees will be obligated to serve for three months per month of instruction for the first twelve months, and one month per month of instruction thereafter. If you fail to complete the entire course of study you will still be obligated to serve for each month of education they complete according to the formula described above.
The program is open only to regular Coast Guard DC1s, DCCs, and DCCSs who have at least six years of military service (two of which have been in the Coast Guard).
For detailed information about the application process, go to the DCMS-81 Advanced Education page on the Coast Guard web site.
Physician Assistance (PA) Training Program
Like the ACET program, the Coast Guard's PA program is an incredible opportunity open to highly qualified enlisted personnel from any rating. The program is 29 months long, at the end of which the selectee will not only be a qualified Physician Assistant, with a bachelor's and a master's degree, but will receive a direct commission as an ensign in the Coast Guard.
For more details about the program (which is open to anyone, not just HS personnel) and the application process, see ALCOAST 086/12.
If you decide to apply for the program, here's a check-off sheet you can use to keep track of requirements you've completed or still need to complete. One of the required items is a Privacy Act statement, for which you can use this template.
You'll also want to check out the pages related to the interview part of the application process. And, finally, read about the Page 7 you need to sign as part of the programs application process.
Other Enlisted Advanced Education Programs
In addition to ACET and DCIT, ALCGENL 024/12 describes seven other programs and solicits applicants for them. These programs are:
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Advanced Aviation integrated Weapons System Maintenance
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Aviation Maintenance Technology*
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Environmental Management
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Medical (Health Care) Administration*
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Performance Technology
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Public Affairs
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Strategic Intelligence (bachelor's and master's degrees)
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US Army Sergeants Major Academy
For detailed information about the application process for the programs above which are marked with an asterisk (as well as for others not listed above), go to the DCMS-81 Advanced Education page on the Coast Guard web site.