FORCE DESIGN
DHS LOGO  2028  USCG Emblem

Decisive, Transformational Change for the Coast Guard of the Future

The following priorities will guide transformation through Force Design 2028:
U.S. Coast Guard Force Design 2028 icon
 
  • A More Agile, Capable, Responsive Fighting Force: We will grow and develop the force structure and operating concepts required to execute and support Coast Guard missions.  
  • Contracting and Acquisition Reform: We will reform Coast Guard acquisitions to rapidly deploy capabilities to execute our missions.  
  • Deployment of Cutting-Edge Technology: We will exploit technology at every turn to enhance mission execution and support.  
  • Relentless Effectiveness, Maximum Return on Investment: We will eliminate non-essential or obsolete programs.  
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 One-Pager
FD2028 One-Pager
ALCGFD28 Messages

 

Establish a Service Secretary

 

 

Flags

Civilian leadership and control of the military is a fundamental construct within the Constitution. It ensures that the Nation’s Armed Forces are subordinate to the elected representatives of the American people.  

 

The other branches of the Armed Forces have Service Secretaries that provide direct civilian political leadership, control, oversight, accountability, and advocacy. The Coast Guard does not, and despite the Service’s efforts to succeed, that has contributed to its neglect and drift for decades.  

 

FD2028 is a new path forward that allows the Coast Guard to better serve the American people, align with the other five military services, and swiftly effect needed change through strong civilian oversight and control. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Kristi Noem, working with Congress, will pursue the legislation needed to establish a Coast Guard Service Secretary within the Department of Homeland Security to correct this historical institutional disadvantage that has left it less ready to protect the American people. A Secretary of the Coast Guard will restore its readiness and strategic direction and fully align the Service to execute the President’s priorities. 

 

Key details: 

  • The Secretary will be legislatively authorized, nominated by the President, and Senate confirmed.  
  • The Secretary will be accountable to the President and the DHS Secretary, and subject to congressional oversight, for all aspects of Coast Guard functions and operations.  
  • The Secretary will establish the strategic direction for the Coast Guard and direct actions to organize, man, train, and equip the Coast Guard to be ready to meet mission demands today and in the future.  
  • The Secretary will be authorized to exercise the DHS Secretary’s authorities under Titles 14 and 50, including acquisition and procurement, and fulfill duties commensurate with the other Secretaries of military departments under Title 10.  
  • The Secretary of the Coast Guard will report directly to the DHS Secretary. The Secretary of the Coast Guard will be supported by a Senate-confirmed Under Secretary of the Coast Guard.  


 


 

 

Campaigns

 

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

 

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.
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.
Coast Guard Cutter Argus christening ceremony in Panama City, Florida

Contracting and Acquisition​

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. 
 

 

 

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.

 


Latest Force Design 2028 News

Today’s 24/7 global operations demand faster decisions, better technology, and support designed to meet your needs.

Change to Surface Use of Force (SUF) rules

Jul. 17, 2025
San Diego crew uses new authority to quickly halt human smuggler in high-speed pursuit.
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An HH65C model helicopter from Air Station Atlantic City flys low over the Atlantic Ocean. The newly re-engined helicopters are part of the Coast Guard's Deepwater program. Photo by PA2 John Edwards.

Coast Guard renames operational districts

Jul. 03, 2025
Districts will more accurately reflect the regions they serve.
Read More

Coast Guard District 5 renamed to Coast Guard East District

Jul. 03, 2025
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The U.S. Coast Guard announced the renaming of its operational districts from numerical to geographic designations, Thursday, as a key initiative under Force Design 2028 (FD2028).Within this Service-wide renaming initiative, Coast...
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Coast Guard crews from Station Little Creek, Virginia and Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina conduct helicopter hoist training off the coast of Virginia Beach, July 26, 2021. Coast Guard members around the nation practice their craft daily to remain Semper Paratus, Always Ready. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Stephen Lehmann.

Coast Guard releases updated Incident Management Handbook

Jul. 02, 2025
New handbook enhances user experience and provides updated guidance.
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Today’s 24/7 global operations demand faster decisions, better technology, and support designed to meet your needs.

USCG HQ is reorganizing to better serve the nation’s finest fighting force

Jun. 25, 2025
Today’s 24/7 global operations demand faster decisions, better technology, and support designed to meet your needs.
Read More