This is a DOD initiative, but it will likely effect the Coast Guard as well. According to this report from GlobalSecurity, Secretary of Defense Carter is looking to increase flexibility in the DOD’s personnel promotion and acquisition system for both military and civilians under what he calls the “Future Force Initiative.”

I would add that (based on some admittedly old observations) a lot of the federal government’s hiring problems are related to how long it takes to complete mandatory background checks. The best people will simply will not wait months for a job offer.