Force Design 2028 (FD28) is the U.S. Coast Guard’s comprehensive plan to address decades of underinvestment and a growing readiness crisis. It seeks to transform the Service from a reactive force into a proactive, modernized, and resilient military branch capable of defending U.S. borders, maritime approaches, and global interests. FD28 calls for establishing a Service Secretary to provide civilian oversight comparable to the other military branches, restructuring headquarters for agility, and creating streamlined Program Executive Offices for surface, air, C5I, shore, and robotics/autonomous systems. It emphasizes future-focused planning through a Futures Development and Integration Directorate, strengthening Coast Guard Cyber Command, and aligning Deployable Specialized Forces under unified operational command.

The plan also commits to a generational workforce expansion—adding at least 15,000 personnel by 2028—through modernized recruiting, training, and talent management. It prioritizes readiness by instituting fitness standards, revitalizing the Reserve for mobilization, and improving family, healthcare, and resiliency support. Technological modernization is central: the Coast Guard will implement integrated surveillance (Coastal Sentinel), adopt AI and data-driven operations, overhaul logistics, and field rapid prototype teams to accelerate innovation. Contracting and acquisitions will be overhauled for speed, accountability, and flexibility, leveraging historic $24.5 billion in funding to recapitalize assets and infrastructure. Together, FD28 positions the Coast Guard to become a leaner, more capable, and technologically advanced fighting force, fully integrated with the Joint Force and prepared to counter 21st-century threats.