Reservist

ISS2 2015

Reservist Magazine is the award-winning official publication of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Quarterly issues include news and feature articles about the men and women who comprise America's premier national maritime safety and security

Issue link: https://uscgreservist.epubxp.com/i/498190

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 8 of 55

I t is humbling to witness the level of commitment and dedication each of you exhibits in service to our nation. During unit visits or while reaching out to recently advanced Reserve members, the common sentiments are a deep love for our country and a drive to make our Coast Guard shine. Over the past several months our Coast Guard has survived a tense period of not having a congressional appropriation as well as working through an upgrade to the Global Pay System. Both of these situations caused stresses and I am thankful to all of you for hanging in there and waiting for the dust to settle. I can't emphasis enough, when issues come up and it seems like dark storm clouds are on the horizon, pay particular attention to what you all do best: execute the mission, train for the next big event, and take care of each other. The Coast Guard Reserve just celebrated its 74th birthday; it was inspiring to share this day with OS2 Steven Markley as he qualified as a Communications Unit Controller (CUC) at Sector St. Petersburg. Oftentimes when the topic of Operations Specialist competencies comes up the common answer is, "the depth of knowledge and time to attain proficiency exceeds a reservist's time limitations." Thanks for proving us wrong Steve! And a special thanks to OSCS Rick Burke and his crew for putting in the time and giving the encouragement that facilitated this significant accomplishment. It's important to put a plug in for our Chief Petty Officers Academy. This opportunity is an important part of our Chief's Mess professional development. The importance of attending and networking with your fellow Chiefs can't be overstated. If you are wearing anchors and haven't attended please look at it as a benefit rather than a chore. Attendance and "buy-in" will pay dividends, while failing to attend will eliminate your opportunity to advance. Quality of life is always a top concern. For reservists being assigned within a reasonable commuting distance (RCD) to your place of residence is among one of the most frequent challenges we face. Reserve Personnel Management (RPM) has been very responsive to take corrective action when an assignment just doesn't make sense. If you find you are in a travel situation that is just unsustainable, work through your chain of command with RPM and at least determine what options are available. Oftentimes I'm hit up at all hands with RCD concerns that the member has just become resigned to the fact that they have to just suck it up. Please if you are in a bad spot, reach out for help. MCPO-CG Steve Cantrell and I share a common goal; let's do everything as smartly as possible and where we find policies, procedures, and practices that no longer make sense let's devote time and energy to driving towards wise changes. We need to ensure the men and woman of the Coast Guard are able to attain mission excellence without undue risk or hardship. It is our duty to be your voice in eliminating the road blocks preventing you from performing to the highest potential possible. Thanks for the support I've received since assuming the watch; it is outstanding to have members pulling in one direction. The results are clear as I visit places like Station Miami Beach, Sector Southeastern New England, PSU-313, and an outstanding Chiefs Call To Indoctrination in Philadelphia. Chiefs are leading and looking out for the troops, while the members are attaining certifications and building proficiency in craft. I'm looking forward getting a chance to meet more of our Reserve Force and gathering more of your input. Most importantly, I thank each of you for your service. Keep up the great work; this is an exciting time to be a member of the Coast Guard Reserve! Semper Paratus. Master Chief Petty Offcer Eric Johnson U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Force Master Chief "Let's do everything as smartly as possible and where we fnd policies, procedures, and practices that no longer make sense, let's devote time and energy to driving towards wise changes." ReseRvist Magazine deCkplate soundings Issue 2 • 2015 � RESERVIST 7

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Reservist - ISS2 2015