A bill to amend title 14, United States Code, to require the retention of certain enlisted members of the Coast Guard who have completed 18 or more, but less than 20, years of service, and for other purposes.

More retention for Coast Guard enlisted

If enacted, enlisted Regular Coast Guard members who are within two years of qualifying for retirement on their discharge date would be kept on active duty. The Coast Guard would retain them until they qualify for retirement, unless they are retired or discharged sooner under another law. If enacted, enlisted Coast Guard Reserve members on active duty with at least 18 but less than 20 credited years could not be involuntarily discharged, denied reenlistment, or transferred from active status without their consent, except for physical disability or for cause. That consent protection would last until the earlier of reaching 20 credited years or a time limit: up to three years for those with 18 to under 19 years, or up to two years for those with 19 to under 20 years. These rules would take effect upon enactment.