Force Design: Coast Guard Sets Goal of Increasing Hiring in New Program

The Coast Guard launched a new initiative called "Force Design," which is a plan to transform the Coast Guard by 2028. It addresses what the agency characterizes as decades of chronic manning shortages at front-line units, and it set a goal of increasing its uniformed military personnel by 15,000 members before the end of fiscal year 2028. The increase would represent more than a third of the existing workforce in 2025. Other growth areas would span active duty, reserve, and civilian components, with an emphasis on restoring the enlisted ranks. A January 2026 initial report indicated that 68% of positions across Coast Guard Headquarters were realigned; 14 Admiral positions were eliminated (a 32% reduction); and new leadership roles were created including a Chief of Staff, Deputy Commandant for Systems, and Deputy Commandant for Personnel.