Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s unveiling of Force Design 2028 at the US Coast Guard Academy commencement included a proposal to establish a secretary of the Coast Guard. While seemingly at odds with the Trump Administration’s focus on government job cuts, this idea, if implemented thoughtfully, could be pivotal for the service’s future.
Beyond a Secretary: The Need for Supporting Infrastructure
While creating a secretary is a step forward, it’s insufficient without the necessary bureaucratic infrastructure. The Coast Guard needs a lean but functional secretariat to achieve parity with its military counterparts.
A History of Bureaucratic Limbo
Historically, the Coast Guard has moved between departments without achieving the independent stature of other military services, highlighting the need for a clear structure similar to that established by the Goldwater-Nichols Act for other military departments.
A Lean Secretariat Model: Deputy Assistant Secretaries as Key
Rather than the full slate of assistant secretaries seen in other departments, a cadre of Deputy Assistant Secretaries (DASs) would be more appropriate given the Coast Guard’s size. These DASs would oversee vital functions, ensuring civilian control while balancing the Commandant’s operational responsibilities.
Proposed DAS Roles and Responsibilities:
- DAS for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics (AT&L): Oversees major programs, ensuring strategic alignment and accountability. Independence would be bolstered by transferring acquisition approval authority from DHS to the Coast Guard and eliminating coordination with the Navy on heavy icebreakers.
- DAS for Manpower & Reserve Affairs (M&RA): Leads all human resources functions, addressing challenges like those raised in Operation Fouled Anchor to restore public trust and workforce resilience.
- DAS for Financial Management and Comptroller: Owns budget strategy, representing Coast Guard interests within DHS and OMB negotiations. Helps restore credibility through a viable capital investment plan.
- DAS for Installations, Energy, and Environment (IE&E): Manages infrastructure and environmental resilience, advocating for budget priorities.
Strengthening Civil-Military Dynamics
These DAS roles would strengthen the Coast Guard’s civil-military dynamics, relieving uniformed members from political budget and policy fights.
The Cost of Inaction: Remaining „Hollow”
While some may oppose bureaucratic growth, disjointed procurement, talent attrition, and lack of strategic direction stem from inadequate institutional scaffolding.
A Front-Line Actor Needs Civilian Firepower
As a key player in great power competition, the Coast Guard needs senior political leaders to advocate for its funding, priorities, and innovation. Without this, the Coast Guard risks being overshadowed by better-resourced agencies.
Embracing the Paradox: Building Smart Capacity
The administration’s focus on trimming national security may inadvertently offer the Coast Guard the institutional muscle it needs. Reform sometimes requires building targeted capacity where it’s long overdue.
Completing the Job: Elevating the Coast Guard
If the Trump Administration is serious about elevating the Coast Guard, it must embrace this contradiction and fully support the establishment of a lean, functional secretariat.
