United States Coast Guard Officer Personnel Management

Aug 17, 2023

Summary

Gives the Secretary of Homeland Security the President's power to manage the jobs of Coast Guard officers, like hiring, promoting, and retiring them.

What problem does this solve?

The President was required to personally approve many routine personnel actions for the Coast Guard, which is inefficient. This order gives that power to the Secretary of Homeland Security, speeding up the process.

What does this order do?

Delegates presidential authority to Homeland Security

Gives the Secretary of Homeland Security the President's power to manage the appointment, promotion, and separation of Coast Guard officers without needing presidential approval.

Manages officer selection boards

Allows the Secretary to approve or change reports from selection boards and remove officer names from promotion lists.

Grants special powers during emergencies

During a war or national emergency, allows the Secretary to pause normal rules for officer promotions or separations and make temporary promotions.

Appoints junior and warrant officers

Authorizes the Secretary to appoint junior officers like ensigns and lieutenants, as well as regular and reserve chief warrant officers.

Transfers authority to Secretary of Defense when needed

States that if the Coast Guard operates as part of the Navy, all these powers are given to the Secretary of Defense instead of the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Who does this affect?

United States Coast Guard officers
Secretary of Homeland Security
Secretary of Defense

What is the real world impact?

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Increases government efficiency

Streamlines the management of Coast Guard officers by giving decision-making power directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security. This avoids delays that can happen when waiting for the President's approval on routine matters.

When does this start?

This order becomes effective on August 14, 2023, the date it was signed.