What are some opinions regarding personal cell phones at work? I'm not talking CG issued cell phones here. If the CG is paying you cell phone bill every month, it an officially issued phone for official use, and therefore completely acceptable to answer throughout the work day. If a member takes/recieves a call or sends/recieves text messages on there breaks and/or lunch doesn't bother me. That's there time.

If your a supervisor, do you allow a member to carry there cell phone in the pocket as long as it's on silent of vibrate? Do you allow the member to answer calls, and/or recieve/send text messages. (At the small boat station, while doing a HARPAT, the BM3 as COXN, took a personal phone call from his buddy BM2 2,000 miles away.) If the member is walking across the base, do you allow the member to answer the call and talk as they walk? Aren't phones carried on the belt supposed to be official CG anyways?

Do you allow a member to communicate with you as an official means via text message? IMO, if the message is important enough to text, the message is important enough to call. (I once had a member text me at 0700 that they would be going to sick call. I felt they should've just called me instead.)

I'm looking for different opinions. When I joined the CG, nobody had a cell phone. Now everybody does. How do we manage this technology, without it causing a disruption to our military bearing?

Do you use a personnal cell phone for official busness? i.e. some members list there personal cell phone numbers at the bottom of there CG e-mail account. If a member has to list there personal cell number, isn't there job important enough that they should be issued a CG phone? I've seen some members who are anticipating a return call for official business, give there personnal number verses there office number so the call won't be missed.

All CG members are required to have way of being recalled. Does that absolutly mean they need to carry a cell phone and be available 24/7? What if a member doesn't want the added expense of a cell phone and just prefers a home phone? Is that acceptable. (I once knew a FN who was such a cheap skate that he saved over $10,000 his first year in the CG, wish I would've been that thrifty.)

IMO, at any command, there are a minimum of 5 people who should be issued CG phones, they are the CO, XO, EO, OPS, and CEA.

i think you shouldnt be answering a phone unless it is for offical business. im just a low FN that works at a base that you arent allowed to walk and talk on. the only time my phone will be on where you can here it ring is if my superviser is gone and im not around the quarterdeck so the person can get ahold of me. i dont like someone sitting around texting all day im not saying a text here and there is bad if it is for business or for an emergency at home it is ok.

ALCOAST 011/07
COMDTNOTE 1020
SUBJ: RESULTS OF UNIFORM BOARD NO. 41
A. UNIFORM REGULATIONS, COMDTINST M1020.6 (SERIES)
B. U. S. COAST GUARD MARITIME LAW ENFORCEMENT MANUAL, (MLEM) COMDTINST M16247.1 (SERIES)


2. THE FOLLOWING CHANGES HAVE BEEN APPROVED AND ARE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED:


B. GUIDANCE ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES USE WHILE IN UNIFORM: WHEN WALKING, MEMBERS SHALL NOT SMOKE, EAT, DRINK, OR KEEP HANDS IN POCKETS. USE OF CELL PHONES, HAND HELD AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES IS DISCOURAGED, ALTHOUGH LIMITED USE FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS IS AUTHORIZED. IF DEEMED NECESSARY TO RE-EMPHASIZE AND ENCOURAGE PROFESSIONALISM ABOARD THEIR UNITS, COMMANDS ARE AUTHORIZED TO IMPLEMENT MORE RESTRICTIVE GUIDELINES REGARDING USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN UNIFORM.

If someone is talking on a phone and fails to salute me I wait until they are done and then we "talk"

"If someone is talking on a phone and fails to salute me I wait until they are done and then we "talk"

Does this mean you would accept a salute while a member is still talking on their phone?

I've only been in that situation a couple times, I simply tell the person i'm on the phone with to hold so I can lower the hand with the cellphone (always left for me) and render proper salute/greeting.

This is a pet peeve of mine.

I do not allow any member of my unit to wear a phone on their belt that was not issued to them by the CG. (this is even listed in the uniform regs) My crew is only allowed to use their phones during their lunch break. If there is an emergency at home where a spouse or family member needs to get into contact with the member, they can call the unit.

At no time is it appropriate for a coxswains to take personal calls while serving in that capacity. If I were to find out that one of my coxswains were doing that, you had better believe we would sit down and have a serious chat. I would need to re-examine the member's judgement and determine whether or not I should rescind their certification.

No one should be walking around base talking on the phone. If I am walking base and my phone rings, I either stop walking and tell the person I will call them back when I get to where I am going, or don't answer it. It is never appropriate and completely unprofessional to walk around base talking on the phone.

As for the text thing, I am not a fan of it. I would never, and my XPO would never allow a member to text saying they were headed to sick call.

As for the issuance of phones, contrary to popular belief in today's CG, not everyone should be issued a CG owned phone. Personally, I feel as though we have too many issued already and are wasting money. It was not that long ago that I can remember when CO/OIC's of cutters and shore units did not have an issued phone.

As a supervisor, you clearly have the right to restrict the use of personal phones during the work day. Don't be afraid to do this or hold them accountable.

Couldn't have said it better myself Cajun!!

i agree but not everyone practices what they preach, which is hipicritical B.S.

The texting thing really doesn't bother me as long as they aren't doing it at work during work hours. It's just a different generation. If the supervisor doesn't like it, all they need to do is correct it. At least they're keeping their chain informed.

As far as walking while on the cell, I hate it. If you need to talk, stop and find a place to talk. Kind of like drinking coffee/soda while walking. I don't care if you're carrying it. All I'm asking is that you get to your destination before you drink it.

I don't really care for the way a cell phone looks on a belt in uniform, but if it is work issued, and they require you to be reachable, it looks a lot better than having a huge bulge in your uniform pants (at least in trops). Also, since the phone was paid for by the CG, it could be damaged in your pocket, so it makes more sense to have it in a protective case on your belt.

I regularly stand back up duty...An on-call at home status. I have not been issued a cell phone for this. So, My Cell Phone is used for offical duty, but paid for by me. If my wife calls me at work...I think letting me answer the phone is a fair trade. And I am not talking about a bs phone call...but if my kid is hurt or my wife needs help. Why not call me direct.

Also Since I am not always near the shop phone, my Cell is the easiest way to get a hold of me. Her other options would be to tie up the ops cen, or the maintence phone...which seems a bit silly to disrupt those phone lines when she can call me direct.

I also think that thier are people in the CG that do have the need to be walking and talking on the phone at the same time. A pilot talking to the Sector in regards to a SAR case comes to mind. Stopping while talking is simply foolish in this manner. It serves no utilitarian use. he needs the information, and needs to get ready...So thier are appropriate times when this should be allowed.

Also are flight gear issue P.O. uses his personal cell phone for offical buisness to order goods. Because the phone system on Selfridge requires you punch in a security code for every long distance call you make. this is a serious waste of time.

So, I think that discretion is a good idea. But again I work with responsible guys whom do not abuse thier privelage. It's never even been an issue at the unit.

No. That is a complete sentence.

In my job having a cellphone on your person either in a primary or secondary inspection area is grounds for suspension and all the way up to termination.

CBP is quite serious about no personal cellphones in the workplace. Some argue they have personal issues that may dictate receiving a personal call - land line the unit and page the person. It has happened - a dirty Inspector has called his smuggler connection and said - hey I am in lane #3 from 2100 - 2200, bring the shipment across!

In my opinion their is no place for a personal electronic device being used during the work day; imagine this - Wait a minute Chief, I have to answer my cellphone while I twitter facebook and text a reply to my girlfriend about hooking up after you go home at noon...

Funny that this pops up on the board today. I'm in the middle of trying to figure out what I should do with a specific case.

I'm a 2nd about to make 1st, and he's a 2nd who just made it from 3rd. So while we are at the same pay grade, I'm still the "superior" and the shop supervisor, and he knows he still reports to me. He's got a preggo wife, about 6 months along, so we've allowed him to keep his cell phone with him. But today I got home to see on Facebook (yeah yeah, I'm on that thing) an update from him...texted in, while he was at work...and it's him complaining about being bored.

My first inclination is to go in tomorrow and make sure he never has any reason to ever complain about being bored. But I'm hesitant to go crazy on a "fellow" 2nd.

As for the texting thing in general, yeah, I use it for communication with my crew. Especially for after-hours stuff that's not of high importance. For instance, I can type up one text, send it to all three of my guys at the same time, saying "CDR might be showing up tomorrw, bring inspection-ready uniform." (Not that they shouldn't have one already, but still I like to set them up for success.)

There are many times when I prefer to communicate via text. I can send out a single text to everyone simply stating what I need. Saves me a lot of time calling, leaving messages, hoping they call back, etc.

And for routine issues, incoming texts work great. If I am driving or in a meeting, it allows the text to come in, but I don't have to retrieve a voice mail and call back.

Today would be a perfect example. I was flying. Once I land and turn my phone on, a text that was an hour old comes thru making a simple request. I was easily able to communicate that back thru.

It helps me manage my time...

As far as talking on the cell phone while walking... That's been covered for years. Nothing new here. And we are failing if we aren't enforcing it. On the rare occasion where I've had to do it and I'm approaching a saluting situation, I quickly excuse myself for a moment, lower the phone, render salute then carry on. No biggie...

On an average day, I receive anywhere between 30 and 125 emails at the office, and somewhere between 10 and 50 text messages. Worst day was 225 emails and text messages for an activation. I agree with 906, just because you receive a text message, it doesnt mean you need to reply to it right now. If you enforce a few personal accountability rules, you wont have an issue.

Dont check it when talking to your supervisor. Dont check it when talking to your subordinates.
Use vibrate at all meetings.

I kind of get the impression at times that the CG makes things harder than what they really are or should be. We can send our lads and ladies into combat and entrust them to protect their own life, and that of the team. We can send our Coasties into some of the worst weather this world has to offer and entrust them to save a life, while protecting their own, but treat them like infants with cell phones. Got to admit there is a little comedy there.

Kind of reminds me of the first class I saw in Yorktown once who saw an empty coke can lying on the ground. He picked it up to take it to the trash, and then got yelled at by the base OOD for walking around drinking a coke.

As far as the guy who is bored, how is what he did, any different from those who take smoke breaks?

Brechty,

If someone offers me a salute while they are still talking I quietly tell them it's time to hang up so we can talk. I then quietly explain how disrespectful it is to those who died wearing this uniform to so lightly take the honor of the salute down to a simple must do requirement.

When I was at NOLA I forbade walking and talking unless you were running to an emergency and needed help. TRACEN Yorktown had a similar policy when I was there.

Your method of lowering the phone (in your left hand) to render the salute always works for me, I am sure that would never get you in any hot water.
We use to have the same problem with smokers when they would walk and smoke.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by CajunBM:
This is a pet peeve of mine.

"As a supervisor, you clearly have the right to restrict the use of personal phones during the work day. Don't be afraid to do this or "HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE"
This phrase said it all!! If I was still sailing, I would have the phone "Walk the Plank"

quote:

Originally posted by GromitCU:
But today I got home to see on Facebook (yeah yeah, I'm on that thing) an update from him...texted in, while he was at work...and it's him complaining about being bored.

My first inclination is to go in tomorrow and make sure he never has any reason to ever complain about being bored. But I'm hesitant to go crazy on a "fellow" 2nd.

I don't know the whole situation but maybe this is the time for a career development counseling rather than "going crazy". Seems like he would benifit more from someone helping him set up a plan for advancemnet (with tangible, daily goals) than geting slammed.

quote:

Originally posted by militia1:
As far as the guy who is bored, how is what he did, any different from those who take smoke breaks?

Good point.

This should really be a no-brainer. Official Business Portable Devices - ok...personal devices - Blackberrys, cellphones, etc. NO. I go to work today, at 57 years old and I am expected to work for 8 hours with two 15 minute breaks. I can assure you it is never boring or dull at the border crossing I work at; our rules are different; even with the protection of a union contract - personal phones, etc. are forbidden. If you are lucky - a 5 day suspension for a first offense would be considered lenient.

quote:

Originally posted by FlynnPatrick:
ALCOAST 011/07
COMDTNOTE 1020
SUBJ: RESULTS OF UNIFORM BOARD NO. 41
A. UNIFORM REGULATIONS, COMDTINST M1020.6 (SERIES)
B. U. S. COAST GUARD MARITIME LAW ENFORCEMENT MANUAL, (MLEM) COMDTINST M16247.1 (SERIES)


2. THE FOLLOWING CHANGES HAVE BEEN APPROVED AND ARE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED:


B. GUIDANCE ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES USE WHILE IN UNIFORM: WHEN WALKING, MEMBERS SHALL NOT SMOKE, EAT, DRINK, OR KEEP HANDS IN POCKETS. USE OF CELL PHONES, HAND HELD AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES IS DISCOURAGED, ALTHOUGH LIMITED USE FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS IS AUTHORIZED. IF DEEMED NECESSARY TO RE-EMPHASIZE AND ENCOURAGE PROFESSIONALISM ABOARD THEIR UNITS, COMMANDS ARE AUTHORIZED TO IMPLEMENT MORE RESTRICTIVE GUIDELINES REGARDING USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN UNIFORM.

If someone is talking on a phone and fails to salute me I wait until they are done and then we "talk"

So, even though that message is moot, it clearly says that a member may walk and talk on their cell phones unless strictly prohibited by their commands.

Z you are absolutely right that ALCOAST was dated 2007 which means of course it has long been canceled and is thus moot.

Current Uniform Regs (COMDTINST 1020.6F) is dated February 18, 2009 and they state at 2.A.1

"Cell Phones, Pagers, Handheld or Pocket Electronic Devices
Worn with uniform of the day as required only for military duties or a legitimate urgent need, clipped to waistband behind side seam of shirt or in pocket if they do not detract from uniform appearance. Items are not authorized if participating in ceremonial details."

No where does it say you can walk and talk.