I'm seeing a sad yet growing trend of senior leadership (E-6 to E-9) not engaging new members early on what rating is right for them. For example- what a-school do they want to pursue to become a Petty Officer.



I recently overheard 3 recruits talking about going OS. I had a chat with them and also questioned what they knew about OS job responsibilities. They knew NOTHING! I asked them if anyone in there chain had actually sat them down and counseled them about what different jobs in the CG do. There was a collective giggle and then they said "Are you serious OS1". That said to me that these young bucks from bootcamp are just looking for a job to either get off the boat or be able to use on the outside with no counseling from their leaders. I had a long chat and then offered to bring them in Radio to see the space. I explained the watches, and what we do on watch etc...Then I explained what OS' do in CIC/ashore. Needless to say they had mixed feelings about going OS. I had asked if they've been to airstations or smallboat stations to see what those ratigs at those units do. Another collective no.
I kinda got on a soapbox with them and asked them to realize that whatever rating they choose could be the job they will have 10 years from now. Some replied that they don't plan on staying in. My response to that was well think of when you get a family (they're all 18-21) and the Coast Guard is providing all the benefits to the family. You might decide to stay in but the rating you picked way back when you were a non rate is the worst job for you. In reality you really wanted to be an MST but you didn't want to wait for school so you went to a school with a short list just to get off the boat. I empasized that the wait for a school is trivial in relation to your total time in and they should pursue what they want to do NO MATTER WHAT.
I see this trend going on and it worries me. to be honest I am a boot to a-school. I regret it every day of my life. I know I would have liked a job other than OS. But, right now I'm content, I make decent money, see the world etc....But if I could do it all over again I would have chosen a completely different rating. I told them this.


It all comes down to leadership, these new recruits should have a senior PO to mentor them on what they should do and what the options are with the positives and negatives of each rating. I think this patrol I'm going to request the command let me implement a system like this. It would be completely voluntary and it would be invaluable to a young persons life in the Guard. Deckies/Fireman should have a mentor that is neither Deck related or engineering related and Ill use the key word "GUIDE" them on different jobs. I use guide because when it comes down to it it is always the decision of the memeber on what the truly want. I'll give one example and then I'll get off the box:

I was casually talking to a SN on my ship about what school they want. The reply was EM. I asked why and I get the answer" I can get a good job when I get out of the CG. And it has a very short list so I can get off the boat." I asked her if she knew what an EM did and she replied I don't really know but I do see them changing light bulbs. I was floored. I said what would be your 1st pick if you could do any job in the CG. She said MST. I said then do it!. She said the waits to long, I explained that the wait is nothing relative to the amount of time you'll be in the Coast Guard. This could mean the difference in waking up in the morning excited to go to work or waking up and dreading it.

Before anyone says anything, every job is valuable but different members would be better and happier one rating vice another. Because I tell you what, I know some pretty disgruntled OS', even some that work for me. I'm trying to give them the light at the end of the tunnel I.e Making 1st class, Chief, etc... As well as numerous out of rating jobs that can be filled by OS' (CGI, Taclet, MSST, MSRT, CC, Recruiting, as well a numerous others,


Anybody agree/disagree?

Sorry to hijack the thread

Kev

How did you hijack a thread you created? (unless you didn't)

I agree with you. I was lucky that I went from boot camp to the field, but I can tell you even sometimes then you choose the wrong rating. I concur that although I don't HATE my job, but I know I would have much preferred something else in hindsight (which we know is 20/20)

However, my command at my first unit attempted to counsel me on the pros and cons of TC and other rates. (They were BM's so of course the consensus was that I should strike, heh) No, no no, I didn't want that - it was TC for me! A wee bit stubborn. Should have listened, but that's neither here nor there.

P.O.'s need to get more involved in mentoring the non-rates. It's probably lacking because as the years pass the level of responsibility for others and themselves has done nothing but decrease.

IMO, there needs to be an active mentorship program created and executed at every unit. I've heard where Sponsors don't even get in contact with those that have been assigned to us...

Sad state of affairs I'd say.

Kevin;
Great idea! We should maybe implement this CG wide, maybe in a program we would title "Individual Development!" Oh wait! We have that!

OK, my normal sarcasm aside, this is actually great to see! I think you really should keep pursuing it. Like I have told you before, I know one of your OSCs very well, know your XO very well and had the pleasure of serving as your COs OPS back when he was a little ole LT. I believe you will get suport from them. In your presentation, cut out all the parts about how anyone might be screwing up now, and present it as how we can do better.

Anyone who want to go to the gocoastguard.com website and look at what we are telling potential recruits what an OS is, and then tell me what you think can be improved, go for it. I have changed it a couple of times and both times, the website was updated within a couple of hours from when the email was sent to me.

In the thread I started about selling the rating, it really is about what you just said above!

Keep up the great work!

How about a new rate that is specifaclly designed for those looking to crossrate/change jobs/ect....?

Its nice to talk to an actual person with a pulse now and again about career choices instead of having to fill out a sheet of paper that some dont take too seriously...

Hear is a link for some info about a service that already has one of these "Career Counselor" jobs.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjob1/a/nc.htm

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

Our size alone would probably prevent us from having a CC rating. I honestly believe though that we have a better plan. We have 1647 reservists in 3 different Career Counselor RATES and 4331 AD members in the three AD Career Counselor RATES! Now, can anyone list the three reserve and three AD Career Counselor Rates?

MC,

Are you talking about the CC, CSC and CMC?

Nope. Those are job title, not rates. You are not off by a mile though

quote:

Originally posted by Mightyz90_93:
Kevin;
Great idea! We should maybe implement this CG wide, maybe in a program we would title "Individual Development!" Oh wait! We have that!

OK, my normal sarcasm aside, this is actually great to see! I think you really should keep pursuing it. Like I have told you before, I know one of your OSCs very well, know your XO very well and had the pleasure of serving as your COs OPS back when he was a little ole LT. I believe you will get suport from them. In your presentation, cut out all the parts about how anyone might be screwing up now, and present it as how we can do better.

Anyone who want to go to the gocoastguard.com website and look at what we are telling potential recruits what an OS is, and then tell me what you think can be improved, go for it. I have changed it a couple of times and both times, the website was updated within a couple of hours from when the email was sent to me.

In the thread I started about selling the rating, it really is about what you just said above!

Keep up the great work!

MC,
With all due respect the IDP's are a joke and we all know it. Like SS said it's nice to talk with someone who is truly interested in your future well being in the CG.

Back in the day... (God I love that phrase now...) we had collateral duty Career Counselors... and they got some training in how to do it... but very few commands actually ensured they could to the job and it became a joke. Perhaps that's what I'm sensing in the tongue and cheek "individual development" comments. Never enough time or resourse to do the job right; never big enough to have it as a rating.

I agree it's important... but you can't wait for the command or the CofC to kick it in gear - each individual has to decide to take ownership and make it happen as best possible within their span of control (watch, section, shack, unit, etc).

And Mighty... the answer is CPO, SCPO, and MCPO.

Best Wishes

P.S. You can send my award FEDEX. I prefer Cherry Lolipops Mighty!

Salba;
Leave it to a wise OLD Chief to come up with the answer I was looking for!

Kevin;
IDPs are only a joke when they are made into jokes. Their intention is very close to just what you suggested.
MC