Heads up, Reserve Chief Petty Officers (CPOs)! A new way to advance to Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) is here. Beginning in November 2025, the Coast Guard will use the Reserve Senior Chief Advancement Panel (R-SCAP) to select the most qualified CPOs for advancement to E-8.
What's Changing?
This new advancement process is different in two ways:
- No More Exam: The R-SCAP replaces the old E-8 Reserve Servicewide Exam. Advancement to all other paygrades up to E-7 remains the same.
- Panel Review: The R-SCAP will review your record, focusing on your professionalism, leadership, and performance.
Remember: You still need to meet all the current eligibility requirements outlined in the Coast Guard's instructions. All requirements must be completed by July 1, 2025. This date is known as the Panel Eligibility Date (PED), similar to the Servicewide Eligibility Date (SED).
What You Need to Do
If you’re interested in participating, be sure to:
- Check Your PDE: In July 2025, verify your Personal Data Extract (PDE) in Direct Access to confirm you're eligible.
- Update Your Record: Review and update your Coast Guard Military Human Resource Record (CGMHRR), Employee Summary Sheet (ESS), and Enlisted Evaluation Reports (EERs). Make sure your CO recommendation is up to date.
- Fix Errors ASAP: If you find any errors on your PDE, report them to your admin staff and make sure corrections are made by September 1, 2025. If not, submit a trouble ticket to PPC-DG-CustomerCare@uscg.mil.
Command Responsibilities
Commands must ensure that all Reserve CPOs are aware of this message and the eligibility requirements. COs must submit SWE-EERs for members who do not have an EER completed after July 1, 2024, and on or before July 1, 2025. If a CO wishes to change an advancement recommendation, they must submit a CO's Recommendation Change (CORC) EER before September 1, 2025.
How the R-SCAP Works
The R-SCAP will create a list of qualified candidates, ranked by overall advancement recommendation. The advancement staff in RPM-1 Status will then work with the Reserve assignment officers to match members with open rating-specific or rating-neutral SCPO positions based on the needs of the Coast Guard and the individual.
Want to Serve on the Panel?
If you're a Reserve officer in paygrade O-5 or above, or a Reserve enlisted member in paygrade E-8 or above, you can volunteer to serve on the R-SCAP. Submit a volunteer request form to CG PSC-RPM-1. This year’s panel dates: November 17-21, 2025.
More details will be posted on the Enlisted Boards & Panels SharePoint site.
This new R-SCAP is a great opportunity to advance your career. Take the time now to ensure your records are up-to-date and you meet all eligibility requirements.
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