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
• Flying aboard an Air Station Sacramento C130 with the Navy Leap frogs Not all assignments were enjoyable, however. The most difficult, by far, in my career as a Reserve PA was during the loss of the CG1705 crew from Air Station Sacramento in 2009. Since departing the 11th District in 2010, I attended the Chief Petty Officer Academy, worked in the Joint Information Center at Deepwater Horizon, helped in the Coast Guard Command Post at the NATO Summit in Chicago, have been involved in more amazing assignments in the Midwest, helped establish a Public Affairs Detachment in Chicago, and later this year will conclude another year of active duty. I share my story with my fellow reservists, particularly our younger shipmates (and not just PAs), to highlight that you are in charge of your Coast Guard career and can make it what you want it to be. There are amazing opportunities in which to grow personally and professionally, whether it's leadership development, exercises and drills, "C" schools, short-term or long- term ADOS, or volunteer opportunities during times of emergency. Seek out those opportunities and take advantage of them when and if you can. Your time in the Coast Guard will go by fast. Make a difference. Don't look back with regrets. For some of those opportunities, it just might be — now or never. — Story by PACS Al Haraf, 9th District Public Affairs, PADET West Reserve PAs from across the country convene for virtual training Thirteen Reserve public affairs (PA) specialists from three districts across the nation met to network, share their experience and knowledge, and help each other acquire skills necessary to fulfill their rate qualifications. And, they achieved this all without a travel budget or travel for that matter. In mid-January, PAs from the 5th, 7th and 11th Districts convened using the Department of Defense's online tool, Defense Connect Online. The group listened to and engaged in 6 ten to twenty minute presentations on the Freedom of Information Act, fact-gathering, community relations, writing press releases, media embarkation and news briefings. These aligned with specific RPQs, and some "good to know" subjects designed to help fulfill rate qualification requirements. Both junior and senior enlisted petty officers offered thoughtful, creative and well-researched presentations. "Our Public Affairs team is not only leveraging technology to support Reserve PA Force Management goals and objectives, they are also looking at the cost benefit of utilizing their skills by focusing on collaboration and networking," notes Public Affairs Senior Chief Marguerite DeMartino whose role is to oversee training and development of Reserve PAs. The joint online training sessions were the result of a brainstorming session in the spring of 2014 between PAC Sherri Eng (11th) and PAC Judy Silverstein (7th). The duo began discussing a joint training session idea to help their crews attain qualifications. They began exploring an appropriate delivery tool and hashing out potential curriculum. Operating in different time zones, working full-time jobs, and going to school made it challenging for both PACs to hammer out details and work through both technical and scheduling issues. Engaging their respective crews, they hosted the first joint training between their respective districts on Nov. 8, 2014 with eight reservist participants in attendance. Topics included copy-editing, providing initial public affairs support, fact-gathering and public affairs guidance. PA Detachment Baltimore joined the Dec. 6, 2014 webinar with 13 reserve PAs from the three districts. Topics included AP Style changes, 508 compliance, social media, release of information during an incident, and preparing a Coast Guard spokesman. The goals of the sessions have always been to: • Improve networking and collaboration within the rate • Enhance skills sharing • Develop presentation skills • Help members attain critical qualifications The sessions provided a great networking opportunity as many PAs reconnected with one another – many had gone to 'A' School, been stationed or deployed together. They further highlighted the immense skills and experience embedded within the reservist side of the PA rate. Given our small numbers and limited drilling hours, the webinars proved collaboration is the key to skills development and enhancement. Perhaps more importantly, it has fostered an interesting and open dialogue about key topics. One of the highlights of these training evolutions has been learning about the incredible skills and experience of PA reservists. Participants have been incredibly enthusiastic, adaptable, creative and supportive of fellow presenters, asking thoughtful questions and offering tips and tactics from their experiences. It has been inspiring to hear an array of perspectives and a lot of food for thought has been offered. Once technical glitches are addressed, it is planned that future sessions will include a more user-friendly online platform and inclusion of more districts and reservists. Issue 2 • 2015 � RESERVIST 17