COMDTINST 1650.37 — External Affairs Awards

COMDTINST 1650.37 governs the Coast Guard’s External Affairs Awards Program and its administration.

Search COMDTINST 1650.37

  • Publication number: COMDTINST 1650.37
  • Title: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AWARDS
  • Date: 12/1/2021
  • Proponent: CG-092

View COMDTINST 1650.37 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers the John J. Jaskot Governmental Affairs Officer of the Year Award, public affairs awards, and Public Service Awards. It establishes eligibility, judging, award administration, distribution, records management, and change-request provisions.

Applies to: All Coast Guard unit Commanders, Commanding Officers, Officers-In-Charge, Deputy/Assistant Commandants, and Chiefs of Headquarters staff elements must comply with the provisions of this Instruction.

Topics covered

  • Governmental Affairs Officer awards
  • Public affairs awards
  • Public Service Awards
  • Award eligibility
  • Award judging
  • Environmental considerations
  • Electronic distribution

Questions and answers

Who is eligible for the Governmental Affairs Officer of the Year Award?

Only active duty, civilian, reserve, and Auxiliary members assigned to GAO responsibilities are eligible. (paragraph 8)

How are Governmental Affairs Officer of the Year Award nominations judged?

A judging panel comprised of Commandant (CG-0921) personnel will evaluate the nominations and provide its recommendations to the Chief of Commandant (CG0921) for final approval. (paragraph 8)

Are members of other military services eligible for the Chief Journalist Alex Haley Award?

Members of other military services are not eligible to compete. (paragraph 9)

How is COMDTINST 1650.37 distributed?

No paper distribution will be made of this Instruction. (paragraph 6)

How must records created under COMDTINST 1650.37 be managed?

Records created as a result of this Instruction, regardless of format or media, must be managed in accordance with the records retention schedules located on the Records Resource Center CGPortal site: https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/cg61/CG611/SitePages/Home.aspx. (paragraph 7)

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