Coast Guard Updates Alternative Work Schedules Policy to Give You More Flexibility

The Coast Guard announced a new Alternative Work Schedules (AWS) policy for civilian employees. The new AWS framework provides consistent scheduling options that enable us to support critical Coast Guard missions while providing scheduling flexibilities. This message outlines the authorized schedules, subject to DHS and Coast Guard policy, as well as command guidance for civilians, and clarifies scheduling authorities for military members. 

For Civilian Employees 

We understand that flexibility helps you perform at your best. While AWS is a management privilege based on mission needs rather than an absolute right, we encourage its use where appropriate. This policy applies to all appropriated fund civilians.  

There are two categories of Alternative Work Schedules available, pending command decisions and second level supervisory approval: 

1. Compressed Work Schedules (CWS) 

2. Flexible Work Schedules (FWS) 
    

CWS Explained 

A Compressed Work Schedule (CWS) allows full-time employees to complete their required 80 hours per biweekly pay period in fewer than 10 workdays. If you are on a CWS, your start and stop times are fixed each workday, and you are not eligible to earn credit hours. 

Schedule Type

• 5/4/9 - You work eight 9-hour days and one 8-hour day per biweekly pay period, resulting in one regular day off every two weeks
• 4/10 -  You work eight 10-hour days per biweekly pay period, resulting in one regular day off each week.
• Specialized Watchstander Plans -  Includes specific 12-hour or 16-hour shift schedules approved for units with continuous watchstanding requirements

The Five Flexible Work Schedules Explained 

To understand how these work, remember the two key terms from our policy: Core Hours (the hours you must be working) and Flexible Bands (the morning and afternoon windows where you can choose your start and stop times).  Core hours and flexible bands are determined by the command as described in the ALCOAST. 

Here is how each schedule type uses those rules: 

• Flexitour
  • You pick a specific start and stop time within the flexible bands. Once you choose them, those are your fixed hours every day
  • You decide to work 0700 to 1530. You work that exact schedule every single day.  You cannot change it daily. 
     
• Gliding 
  • You can change your start and stop times each day without asking your supervisor, as long as you work 8 hours a day and are present during core hours. 
  • On Monday, you start work at 0630 and leave at 1500. On Tuesday, you come in at 0830 and leave at 1700. (8 hours each day) 
     
• Variable Day 
  • You can vary the number of hours you work each day, as long as you work 40 hours in the week and are present during core hours
  • You work 10 hours on Monday and Tuesday, 8 hours on Wednesday, and then 6 hours on Thursday and Friday.  You work 40 hours for the week. 
     
• Variable Week
  • You can vary the number of hours you work each week, as long as you work 80 hours total in the biweekly pay period and are present during core hours. 
  • You work 50 hours during week one of the pay period to complete a major project, and only 30 hours during week two.
     
• Maxiflex 
  • This offers the most freedom. You can vary your daily hours and weekly hours. You are also required to meet core hours on fewer than 10 workdays in a pay period.
  • You work 10 hours a day for four days, take Friday off, and work varied hours the next week for a total of 80 hours. You can only work up to a maximum of 12 hours in a workday and must work 80 hours per pay period.

Military Personnel 

Your work schedules remain under the authority of your Commanding Officer (CO) or Officer in Charge (OIC) per Coast Guard Regulations (COMDTINST 5000.3B). Your CO or OIC has the full discretion to establish the unit's daily routine and can authorize individual variations to your schedule to support both mission requirements and your personal well-being. Work with your chain of command if you need schedule adjustments. 

Commands and Supervisors 

You play a critical role in balancing mission readiness with workforce flexibility. Here is what you need to do to implement this policy: 

• Commands must establish, in writing, approved schedule options, core hours, flexible time bands, and standard hours. 

• Familiarize yourself with the command- and organization-approved options and the DHS and CG policies. 

• Use the Right Form: You must use CG-12620 (05/26) to request or alter an AWS. First level supervisors make the initial recommendation to approve or disapprove an AWS request.  

• Approve in Writing: Your second-level supervisor must document and approve or disapprove your AWS agreement in writing. 

Need Help or Have Questions? 

• Civilian Employees: Direct your AWS questions to Civilian.HR@uscg.mil. 

• Military Personnel: Direct your military scheduling policy questions to COMDT (CG-WMM-2) at HQSPolicyandStandards@uscg.mil. 

-USCG-