U.S. Coast Guard at a glance
1790
Founded in 1790
Washington, DC
Headquartered in Washington, DC
10 lives per day
Coast Guard personnel save 10 lives a day on average
250
Over 250 active Coast Guard centers in the US
The Challenge
Modernizing IT infrastructure
The USCG is navigating a period of significant technological evolution aimed at modernizing its IT infrastructure. Its legacy systems have served well over the years but need updates to enhance efficiency and security. Transitioning from older systems to modern solutions like the cloud presents an opportunity to address technical debt and improve overall mission performance​​.
The USCG also needs to ensure personnel have the skills to use new technologies. The rapid advancement of tech like AI and cybersecurity requires continuous upskilling.
Cybersecurity remains a top priority as the USCG works to protect its systems against evolving threats. Implementing a zero-trust security model and modernizing cybersecurity practices is critical to enhancing the resilience of USCG operations against potential cyber threats​​​​.
The USCG is also focused on consistently deploying new technologies and training programs across its units so all personnel, regardless of location, have access to the necessary resources to operate new systems effectively and maintain operational uniformity and efficiency​​.
The big win with Pluralsight is that it offers targeted, job-specific training, which ensures personnel are trained and proficient in their specific operational area.
The Solution
Bridging the training gap
The USCG partnered with Pluralsight to address these challenges and provide extensive upskilling opportunities for personnel. Leadership tapped into robust platform features like hands-on labs and sandboxes, tailored learning paths, and data-driven analytics to close cloud and security skills gaps and boost tech fluency across the agency.
Put simply, the USCG’s partnership with Pluralsight has effectively bridged the training gap, enabling personnel to gain critical knowledge and certifications necessary for their roles​​.
Pluralsight's targeted, job-specific training has been crucial in improving proficiency in cloud and cybersecurity. Different teams within the USCG, such as security, applications, and cloud, can access courses and hands-on experiences tailored to their needs. This ensures personnel are proficient in their roles, enhancing the USCG’s overall mission effectiveness.
The results? Significant. The USCG has seen a 40% improvement in personnel upskilling. Pluralsight has enabled members to quickly gain expertise in areas where they previously had limited knowledge, contributing to more effective and efficient operations. Feedback from learners has been positive, highlighting the platform's ease of use and comprehensive training.
The challenge I'm facing as a new addition [to the team] is getting caught up to the knowledge level everyone else possesses. Pluralsight has been a huge help in bridging that gap.
Next steps
Improving mission effectiveness
The USCG aims to continue its transformation to a cloud-centric agency, expanding its cloud capabilities and ensuring all mission-critical applications are securely managed in the cloud.
The USCG also plans to deepen its use of AI and advanced data analytics to further enhance decision-making and operational efficiency—and the agency will leverage Pluralsight to support their efforts. The USCG intends to continue using the platform to keep its personnel at the cutting edge of technology and ready for future challenges​​.
The USCG's partnership with Pluralsight has been instrumental in its technological transformation. The agency is modernizing its operations and improving mission effectiveness with a focus on cloud, cybersecurity, and AI, and Pluralsight’s expert-led content is helping personnel close critical skills gaps and enabling the USCG to confidently navigate new tech.
With continued emphasis on upskilling and leveraging advanced technologies, the USCG is well positioned to achieve its objectives and maintain its critical role in national security and maritime safety.
The use of brand names and/or any mention or listing of specific commercial products or services herein is solely for educational purposes and does not imply endorsement by the United States Coast Guard or their partners, nor discrimination against similar brands, products or services not mentioned.
Pluralsight has been a critical piece for us because our team has obtained the knowledge to become subject matter experts in our cloud journey.
Key benefits of Pluralsight for the U.S. Coast Guard
Rapid upskilling across teams
The USCG saw a 40% improvement in personnel upskilling and rapid upskilling across critical teams thanks to tailored content and hands-on learning.
Increased proficiency 
and self-sufficiency
The USCG’s outcomes included heightened project proficiency, bolstered security measures, and increased self-sufficiency in cloud development.
Transformation to a cloud-centered model
The USCG has undergone a transformation to a commercial cloud-centered operational model in partnership with Pluralsight.
AWS and Azure proficiency
To embrace the cloud, the USCG prioritized AWS and Azure proficiency, guided by three principles: speed, resilience, and value.