FD28 Force Design - U.S. Coast Guard

After decades of underinvestment and severe readiness challenges, the President and Secretary of Homeland Security have directed Force Design to renew the Coast Guard to become a more agile, capable, and responsive fighting force. Here is our plan.

Force Design 2028
Execution Plan Summary
FD2028 Execution Plan Summary
Force Design 2028
Executive Report
FD2028 Executive Report
Senior Leaders Letter
Letter from the Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Commandant to Senior Leaders
Force Design 2028
Initial Update
FD2028 Initial Update

Campaigns

 

As FD 2028 drives the changes needed to transform the Coast Guard, it is focused on four campaigns:

 

Coast Guard offloads over $517.5 million in illicit drugs interdicted in Eastern Pacific Ocean

Organization

Creating a Secretary of the Coast Guard presents an opportunity to reform the Service’s organizational structure to become more efficient, enabling a leaner, more agile, and strategically focused Headquarters. FD2028 initiatives will streamline processes, eliminate redundancies, and empower decision-making at all levels.

Key Initiatives:

  • Design the future Coast Guard force to win.
  • Create Program Executive Offices that fully integrate capabilities.
  • Establish a Deployable Specialized Forces command.
  • Strengthen Coast Guard Cyber Command.
  • Transfer operational and service-delivery functions out of Coast Guard Headquarters.
  • Establish a Director of Staff to streamline decision-making.
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Coast Guard Cutter Olivia Hooker, at its homeport of Pascagoula, Mississippi, during its commissioning on Jan. 22, 2026. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Contracting and Acquisitions​

The Service will streamline its contracting and acquisitions (C&A) to respond to emerging threats. This historic opportunity for significant investment to renew the Coast Guard drives the imperative for the Service to be ready to successfully execute those investments. The Secretary of the Coast Guard will be responsible for senior acquisition decisions and direction to leverage collaboration with industry and the industrial base and ensure performance.

Key Initiatives: 

  • Streamline contracting approvals.
  • Outsource procurement activity to increase efficiency.
  • Establish single points of accountability.
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Coast Guard Boot Camp

People

The Coast Guard is not right-sized for its missions. The Service will grow its military workforce by at least 15,000 members by the end of Fiscal Year 2028.  The Service will also fix the mismatched balance across grade levels and specialties by moving the Coast Guard away from the outdated and ineffective 50-year-old pyramid workforce structure.

Key Initiatives: 

  • Transform the workforce into a stronger, more ready and capable fighting force.
  • Restoring a skilled and ready enlisted workforce.
  • Invest in future officer leaders.
  • Revitalize the Coast Guard Reserve.
  • Remove unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for the civilian workforce.
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Coast Guard technology and operations image

Technology

The Coast Guard will become a leader within the military services and DHS for adoption and use of advanced technology, human-machine teaming, and data to conduct operations, support, and enterprise functions. Coast Guard forces will lead the way in rapid identification, integration, and use of technology to improve operations and deliver mission results.

Key Initiatives: 

  • Create a Coastal Sentinel next generation maritime surveillance capability.
  • Support a revitalized U.S. maritime industry.
  • Support workforce growth with Human Resources information technology.
  • Deliver a modern, effective logistics system.
  • Establish a Rapid Response Prototype Team.
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Latest Force Design News

Beginning May 15, 2025, the Officer Evaluation Report (OER) submission process is changing.

New Officer Evaluation Report (OER) Submission Deadlines

Jan. 23, 2026
New timelines will help us promote the best people faster.
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The new report highlights record-breaking drug seizures, rapid modernization, and significant workforce growth just ten months into the sweeping initiative.

Force Design 2028 delivers immediate impact

Jan. 15, 2026
The new report highlights record-breaking drug seizures, rapid modernization, and significant workforce growth just ten months into the sweeping initiative. 
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Force Design 2028 focuses on infrastructure improvements, personalized learning pathways, and immersive technologies like VR and AR.

Transforming Coast Guard training to meet future challenges

Jan. 14, 2026
 Force Design 2028 focuses on infrastructure improvements, personalized learning pathways, and immersive technologies like VR and AR.
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Coast Guard Academy cadets toss a seabag while disembarking the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle in Rockland, Maine, Aug. 3, 2024. The Eagle serves as a classroom at sea, giving all officers a foundation in seamanship and life underway. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matt Thieme)

Coast Guard pilot program to issue mobile devices to every active-duty member

Jan. 13, 2026
Digital Seabag Initiative issues iPhones and iPads to five Boat Forces.
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USCG Emblem

Coast Guard achieves historic operational success in 2025

Jan. 09, 2026
Highlights include record drug busts, stepped-up border security, tactical tanker boardings, and Texas flood rescue efforts.
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