Commandant
United States Coast Guard
Commandant (G-PC-1)
U. S. Coast Guard
Washington, DC 20593-0001
(202) 267-1706
COMDTINST 12315.2
3 NOV 1986
COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 12315.2
Subj: Probationary Period for New Supervisors and Managers
Ref: (a) Public Law 95-454, Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA) ((NOTAL)
(b) Federal Personnel Manual, Chapter 315, Probation on Initial Appointment to a
Supervisory or Managerial Position (NOTAL)
1. PURPOSE
. This Instruction sets forth Coast Guard policy and procedures for a
probationary period upon initial appointment to a supervisory or managerial position in
conformance with references (a) and (b).
2. BACKGROUND
. Reference (a) established a "period of probation before initial
appointment as a supervisor or manager becomes final." The purpose of the probationary
period is to give new supervisors and managers a chance to develop the unique skills and
abilities which cannot readily be taught or developed in other kinds of positions. The
probationary period provides the Coast Guard with an opportunity to assess the new
appointee's supervisory or managerial performance and to return an employee to a
nonsupervisory or nonmanagerial position without undue formality should circumstances
warrant.
3. POLICY
. It shall be Coast Guard policy to:
a. Maintain high quality performance by new supervisors and managers through
effective use of a 1 year probationary period requirement;
b. Provide new supervisors and managers adequate opportunity to prove themselves and
encourage support of efforts to help them succeed;
c. Consider the competencies and possible developmental needs of each such employee
and provide appropriate training as well as other support and assistance;
