Ok, I have a problem and I am about to go crazy. First, I have been in the Coast Guard for 13 years, seen lots of things, been to 3 land units, and six cutters. My current unit is my third consecutive cutter. The problem started when I arrived. It seemed like the XPO was giving me a lot to do to start out, but I figured, it has to get better, and if I need help with any of this, all I have to do is ask. I will never complain about my job as an FS because I do think I have had it (job wise) better than some others. I am not sure if any of you out there have had these job titles: FSO, MAA, ACTING XPO, TRAINING PETTY OFFICER, DUTY SCHEDULER, TMT PETTY OFFICER, LOGS SUPERVISOR, and INDOC PETTY OFFICER. There are a few more to list but I can't remember at this time because I am really flustered at this point. Well, I am currently all of these combined and it is starting to take its' toll on me, so much to the point where I think I am really going crazy. I get pissed off very easily when someone comes up to me and asks me a question because I have a never ending pile of s--t that this command keeps bringing to me on a minute by minute/daily basis. I am so far behind on my paperwork that I don't even have my purchases entered in my January report because I am too busy during the day to do it. I do refuse to stay until 8 at night to finish things, so my only sanctuary is my ride home from work. I am constantly thinking of work, late at night, like right now and it has got to a point where I hate going in. I never thought I would say that I hate my job but right now, I feel like I do. I am at the point where, in two years when my enlistment ends, I will be ready to get out (at 15 years in). If someone has gone through something like this before, I would like to hear what you have done for relief. I hate to sound like a winey b----h but I don't know where else to turn.

Don't know where you are, but you can call me anytme.

why dont you tell the CO that you are overwelmed with all the colaterals and need some of them to be pawned off to other petty officers with less, Because these are affecting your primary job. Sounds like your on a PB, if that doesnt work i would contact your Gold Badge.

Holy Smokes Batman!

That is a lot. When I was FSO on the PB I was in charge of MAA, Morale and food. That was it. I would talk to some other PB's in your area and get a feel for what they do. When you have some info then I would present it to the CO. The problem is all they see us do is cook. They have no idea that shopping, especially on a PB, can take a ton of time and effort. I had to be 10 cases of bottled water every two days for my guys when we were in the yard. Your right...it does get overwhelming, and you should have a lightened load.

Get some info from other PB FSO's and tell the CO, "Hey I want to do a good job as the FSO, BUT I don't have as much time to put into the meals as I would like to. My paperwork is suffering because of this this and this. I talked to other FSO's on PB's and this is what they do...Could you consider taking some of the collaterals off of me?" Just remember not to tell him the problem without a solution. Recommend some people that you think could use the collaterals to better equip them for their career.

Good luck spoons

Hey Spoons Hobab's right. You need to talk to the CO/OIC and the XO/XPO about these things going on first before going to your Gold Badge. I am not saying talking to them with your tail between your legs but not in a frustrated way either. You need to talk to them in a calm matter. If need be have your issues written down on paper. I have been at a unit just like you are talking about. I did what I stated and the BMCM seen my point. Do not be affraid to talk to these people. Sounds like you at a PB. Have you tried talking to another CPO at your unit. I used the MKC on my PB. I did not work for him but as a CPO he gave me guidence and support. He even addressed things for me at the command level. The biggest thing you need to do is talk to someone. Let me know how thigs go.

Why is the Bm2 not doing TMT and the Watch Schedule.

Thanks for all of the advice. Let me first say that I can't write too much about the unit on here because I know how some people throughout my career would take this blog and run with it, If you know what I mean. (no offense to any CPO)
What I will say is that I am not on a PB but it is Independent Duty.
About talking to a different CPO at the unit, I can't. The MKC, well, let's just say, he thinks he does a lot already because the XO is not there and the way his and the CO'S mentality is, I would probably have more thrown on my plate. The XPO isn't there and the CO is a BM that has lots of years in and basiclaly thinks people should give up their liberty time to be at the unit instead of enjoying their off time at home.
I also don't know about going "outside" of our unit to talk to someone about "our unit". That would be against everything that I have ever believed in, not to mention look really bad for me. I have to sail with these people and don't want to make it seem like I can't do my job. I know I need to talk to someone though, think I found someone. Thanks again everyone.

Have you tried contacting your area FSAT adviser? That would tops on my list. Get someone in a senior position who knows your job to talk to someone that doesn't know your job. Request an FSAT visit and during the outbrief, they can talk to your command.

Either way, half the collaterals you listed should be handled by a BM type.

CGshipmate is right, the best solution would be to contact FSAT. One awesome thing about our rating is that our senior leadership sincerly care about their people. Take advantage of that.

That being said, I had a chance to talk to other afloat IDFSO's at a conference and found that a lot of us are dealing with similar situations, some worse than others. You seem to have more on your plate than most. I'm TPO(TMT), OOD, FSO, watch coordinator, helmsman, and BTM. My CO told me if I wasn't BTM qualified he would've had me break in QMOW.

One guy said his command wouldn't let him go shopping during the work day!! It seems all of us are now becoming more "multi-mission". I hope everything works out for you, let us know how it turns out.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: big_vito,

Seems like all that is left is urinalysis and morale. What the hell does everybody else there do as collaterals? I have never been at a unit where a BM was not the TMT/TPO. I probably shouldn't do this, but I am going to assume that the MKC is the CEA, if you can't go to him with this issue, then he is not doing his job, and if he is biased about it, then he is really not doing his job. I know how it is though, a lot of people think that cooks are the scapegoats, or don't work as hard or do as much as the other rates. It is kind of like rate-ial prejudice, I have had to deal with it at while on an 82' with a certain QMCM that I won't mention, but needless to say, I still have nothing nice to say about the man, incidentally, the first EPO who was the CEA was no help either, I ended up riding it out and getting to my next unit and things have never been that bad again. Acting XPO? Every small unit I have been at, 2-82's, 179, River Tender, the EPO always stepped in to the XPO position when ours was gone. If it was me, I think I would have to contact the FSAT team, see what they say, and if need be, go over the commands head. Sometimes it just needs to be done.

I am also the morale boy, thanks for adding that as well. You know, I was asked right after I got here, If I was overwhelmed with the jobs that I was given. I told the CO face to face that I was, very much so. He then says " well, you can handle it, it's not that bad". That right there, tells me I can't go to him for squat.
I said something a few days ago about going to the store at 6:00 a.m. because I also had to go and get supplies after that and the MKC says "don't even say that you think you are doing a lot". He always says "look at what I have to deal with while the XO is gone". He doesn't deal with s--t! He pawns his work off to everyone else to make himself look good when the CO or anyone from sector asks if the job was done. This is why I can't go to him for anything either. I am going to talk to FSAT but I don't want anything said to my command because I am going to look like the bad guy.
The other problem is that my CO is higher (rank wise) than anyone at sector in their "chiefs' click" so anything that goes past the command and to sector will get shot down from the start because I am sure that he has told them that problems at our unit stay at our unit.

Isn't there any way you can set some sort of weekly schedule for yourself such as:
monday - shopping
tuesday - enter tmt
wednesday - umm, ok, doing it this way, it doesn't seem like that much, sorry to say that

Making the duty schedule takes what, a couple hours, if that. Making a training schedule, 1 day. That is 2 days out of the month. A lot of times when I was on that 82' I just did my paperwork on my duty days, except keeping track of who was on leave, but if you make the duty schedule, you should already have that info. TMT and shopping seem like the most time comsuming of what you have to do. Do all hands help put stores away, or atleast get them inside? That shaves a little time off the work load. As for the training, do what they do here, make the schedule for the next month, assign the training and tell them to be ready. If you are the acting XPO, delegate tell the BM's that you need them to pick up some of the load because you are having to do the XPO job along with all your own duties. If they don't help, umm, I don't know if you can do what I do, but when people tend to get out of control here, not helping me, giving me attitude, etc, open galley items seem to get less in choices, favorite junk foods seem to be forgotten when I am at the store. Kind of lame, but it gets my point across to them, don't expect me to do for you if you aren't willing to lend me a hand when I need it.

BTDT..GOOD LUCK
SC
Happly Retired...Don't let it drive you to crazy...and some wonder why there is a fs shortage...I believe you recieved some good advice here..i also believe you need to ask your family..both military and your honest to GOD family for help..and try to manage you time as little as it is more affectively...not sure how ...that is for you to figure out.

I served on cutters mostly only 2 shore stations and i was even t.a.ded out on those...anyways i really enjoyed making fresh bread and the crew also enjoyed it..i also loved cooking..i always tried to make something different and i alway's alway's had some donuts or cinnamon rolls..out for midrats..and even in the afternoon..well there was one time i wanted to make a mar's call..but the 1stclass radioman said ..he was uh too buzy..so all of a sudden i stopped doing extra..i just put out the minium..i even stopped letting those that where not on midwatch eat ( which really probably did,nt hurt'em to much we had alot fatboys staying up not to toot my own horn but it's true)so anyway's alot of crew ask me what's up no more treat's and snak's i told them i was too busy..word got out ..and i got my mars call..yeah i am that good. sc

Just ask Gm1 dsloha he posts on these boards and knows it is true.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: spacecowboy1,

the power of poagie bait... (I don't know if that is how to spell it, heh)

The beauty of a FSAT visit is to deflect any backlash on you. It's easier for your FSAT rep to say "I notice your FS has many collateral duties that generally fall under BM type jobs, etc..."

Listen man, you have to do something about it. The longer you let this bottle up the more detriment you are putting you, your crew and your family in emotionally and physically. You're thinking of throwing 15 years down the drain because of lousy leadership. You can get through this.

What raises my eyebrow is the TMT, logs and acting XPO duties. This tells me one of two things: you have lazy junior BM's or the command cadre does not trust their BM's.

With the exception of MAA, your above mentioned collateral duties are important foundation tools for BM's to execute on their way to becoming XPO and OINC. Your cadre is actually doing a disservice to the junior BM's by not having them take responsibility for those collaterals.

If you need to vent offline, look me up. I'm in global. I was in a similar situation that you are. Our OINC was relieved and everything is smooth sailing. Sometimes you gotta pay out enough line for them to hang themselves.

When I was on the 87 I was FSO, MAA, Morale, BTM, QMOW, and in port OOD. We have all been there. I am in no way saying that is was easy but it is manageable.

Good Luck what ever you choose to do.

Spoons33,
Drop me a line sometime. I am a former independant duty FSO myself, and was in a similar spot. I am in the global. I'd be happy to chat.

FS1 Ian Weiss