Back to the basics is where we need to be, because it seems our top enlisted is now loosing there pull. It seems in recent months, that the leaders of the CG (E-7) and above are slowly loosing power. I know my SC is busting his butt for his guys, and our command seems to constantly take more and more power away from him. It seems that we need to look at how BM's run the show, where a SC or MC can control 20 enlisted members. I know that my SC is awesome, but he can only do so much with the amount of power that he has been given. What do you guys think

Oh, I don’t know if the senior enlisted corps has been losing any pull. It’s up to the leading Chief in question. I’ve seen some Chiefs during my time who’ve been extremely strong (almost veering into obnoxiousness). I’ve seen a few who haven’t been quite as assertive. I’ve seen a few who’ve managed to hit the sweet spot though, walking that fine line, never too overbearing, but never acquiescent. A Chief is put into the position of having to be that guy who not only supports command policies, but must ensure that his subordinates do so to the very best of their abilities. That doesn’t necessarily mean that behind closed doors that he can’t/won’t vehemently express opinions to that same command that run contrary to said policies. In fact, that’s his responsibility (assuming that his arguments are legitimate and based on fact). But there’s a price attached to that responsibility since the Chief is confronting folks who’ll evaluate him. It’s the nature of the game. But the Chief must never be the guy who’ll sit there in front of his subordinates griping about command and/or Coast Guard policies. There’s another old cliché floating around to the effect that it’s not worthwhile to complain about the lack of rain that’s causing a drought. First, it’s just pointing out the obvious. Second, it doesn’t address the root cause of the problem. The Chief must somehow make it rain, but then eschew any and all credit for said deluge, making certain that his subordinates understand that if it wasn’t for their efforts, the drought may very well have never ended. Frankly, and maybe it’s just from what I’ve witnessed locally, but it seems to me as if senior enlisted (and that includes E6’s as well) have been regaining some clout over the past couple of years. Just my opinion for what it’s worth (which probably ain’t much).

I also think that the "pull" of the senior enlisted corps depends on the officer corps of the command. Some O's are very open to suggestions from the Senior CPO/PO's, some O's are completely closed to the ideas.

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Some O's are very open to suggestions from the Senior CPO/PO's, some O's are completely closed to the ideas

Ah, but Jo, that’s where the ability of the Chief (and, by extension, the shop LPO’s) to sway those otherwise closed-minded officers through the powers of persuasion and influence comes into play. Some are better at it than others, I will admit. When the stars are in alignment, however, things can be pretty good. The important thing to remember is that it's a very gradual process. Have a fun watch!

There is a concept here that will be very hard for people who are not Chiefs to understand. As Chief Moore alluded to, the Chief will always appear to support the O's decision. But, there is a lot more going on that only the Chiefs and Wardroom will see.

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Originally posted by Mightyz90_93:
There is a concept here that will be very hard for people who are not Chiefs to understand. As Chief Moore alluded to, the Chief will always appear to support the O's decision. But, there is a lot more going on that only the Chiefs and Wardroom will see.

I'm not an E-7 and I understand that concept. However, I've experienced decisions that were not made for the good of all, which is where I believe the pull of the Mess just may not be enough.

You understand a fair part of it for sure. Print out this page, put it in a safe place and pull it out a year or so after you get your anchors. You will find your self saying "oh yeah, that stuff happens too"

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Originally posted by Mightyz90_93:
You understand a fair part of it for sure. Print out this page, put it in a safe place and pull it out a year or so after you get your anchors. You will find your self saying "oh yeah, that stuff happens too"

I've been told that my "cojones" are bigger then my rank. I found that amusing!

1) A Chief may need AUTHORIZATION to spend money.
2) A Chief may require JUSTIFICATION to further new initiatives.
3) A Chief will NEVER require PERMISSION to lead.

Those are the "basics".