I was trying to explain to a marine buddy of mine, and he just wasn't getting it.... i told him about our level of responsibility, our command presence.... basically how we run the Guard.
I just wanted some senior opinions on said topic; propaganda I can use for some of my bm strikers..... I don't normally post such things, but this is definitely necessary....
Just lead from the front, and don't ask your non rated personel or BM3's to do something you wouldn't get dirty for and do yourself.
Being a great BM is being able to have your followers on your team note I said TEAM (ie. Non rates, BM3's, and BM2's) do things the right way the first time. Not becuase you tell them to but becuase they respect a leader who will get dirty at 1600 next to a E-2 not becuase he has to but becuase he wants to. That goes a long way to motivate your people to succeed on your behalf.
A great BM is only as good as his crew or his Deck Dept.
As for motivation Actions speak louder than words. The best BM's I ever worked for never had to work or do anything they didn't want to, or need to. IT was because the rest of there Deck Force did everything for them, not so they didn't have to but becuase we knew if we need them they would gladly pick up a brush , sanding block, anything else needed to get the job done!!!! It's like a Mafia you take care of them and have there backs, they go above and beyond expectations to please the DON.
It's like a Mafia you take care of them and have there backs, they go above and beyond expectations to please the DON.
Probably one of the best descriptions I have seen in a while. Only difference is that BMs might put a boot in your @SS, but not force you to sleep with the fishes.
In reality though, YES, BM is a great rate, but nothing more special than any other rate. If BMs run the CG, then why are we having such an issue filling Command Cadre billets?
In reality though, YES, BM is a great rate, but nothing more special than any other rate. If BMs run the CG, then why are we having such an issue filling Command Cadre billets?
T
My opinion; Lack of or ZERO career counseling. With out proper Individual Development Plans junior members set themselves up for failure. Finding out later, They should have went afloat, or should have taken DWO, should not have gone out of rate so early in there career, ect. By the time they decide they want to do 20 years and pick up a 2nd deck job there un-qualified for it, do to lack of experience.
I think that BM's need a degree of Cockiness, if that makes us bad a**, great. As far as things to pass along to strikers is tradition. That is where we derive our swagger! If you want to keep the bad a** personna going I think instilling tradition is the key! Just my humble opinion.
The best BM's I knew didn't come across as bad azzes...they came across as extremely knowledgable and confident. They had no need to project some tough guy image.
The ones I knew that seemed to think they were bad azzes usually ended up on that azz after getting punched out by a drunk commercial fisherman in a bar.....
Rely on deeds, not attitude.....
Oh...and since my brother was a BM, retired as a W-4 after 30 years in the CG, I get to post comments here.....
"Bad azz?" Hmmmm, as a BM, I knew I was pretty much useless if not for the teamwork of the MK's and SN/FN on the boat crews. On the cutters, all the rates worked as a team.
When I say bad@$$, I am talking about how BMs are held to such high regard in terms of many different aspects. I don't mean a "negative" attitude, i am more talking about how important our job is, and how our "get it done or i'll motivate you to get it done" attitude is so much different than many other jobs. All good stuff.
Originally posted by jmuscatelli: When I say bad@$$, I am talking about how BMs are held to such high regard in terms of many different aspects. I don't mean a "negative" attitude, i am more talking about how important our job is, and how our "get it done or i'll motivate you to get it done" attitude is so much different than many other jobs. All good stuff.
I would agree with this lad's assessment of the BM Rating, pre-merger. This is true of all BM's CG and USN. The problem is that we are often maligned by the "technicians" or office types that have forgotten their first BMC or never had one.
The success of the Coast Guard rides, lock stock and barrel on the backs of BM's and MK's (yes I said MK's) All the rest of em are there to suport us.
But be warned that bravada and boisterousness over your perfect existence as a BM should be tempered. We know we are the bees knees. Quiet cool brother, that's the key. Let em think you really do sign your name with a crayon.
