Reading List - Leadership: Drive

Shipmates,
We all play a leadership role in the Auxiliary whatever our office or title. One of the keys to leading an organization like ours is understanding the motivations of our members. The model we use to understand motivations can have a significant impact on where we spend our energy and what activities we pursue to increase the effectiveness of our members.

In my time in the Auxiliary I've been presented a few models of what makes the Auxiliarist tick.

Model 1: Motivated by awards and recognition -

Model 2: Service -




In examining these and suggesting an alternative I am not dismissing these models or the practices developed based upon the models. Each has elements of truth

Commandant's comments on the Haiti response

Shipmates,
Please watch the Commandant's comments on the Haiti response and how our doctrine and principles made the Coast Guard effective in the face of the crisis. If you have not yet read the principles laid out in Publication 1 I encourage you to do so and to apply them to your actions as Guardians.

Thank you for your service,
Daren

Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Thad W. Allen delivers an address at Coast Guard Headquarters today, praising the Coast Guard for its actions in assisting the people of Haiti who were affected by the recent earthquake, Jan. 27, 2010.

U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 1st Class Kip Wadlow

Division Meeting: Monday 01FEB2010

Shipmates,
Division 7 will hold our February meeting on Monday, February 01, 2010 in the Sector Portland Mess Deck at 1900 (7pm). Flotilla 73 will be our host for February. The uniform is Tropical Blue or Winter Dress Blue - as always a reminder to the Board and Staff, we lead by example.

All members are invited and encouraged to attend.

Preliminary Agenda

Division 7 Meeting

Mess Deck

Sector Portland

1900 Monday February 1, 2010

Call to Order: DCDR-7

Flag Salute: Host Flotilla Commander 7-3

Invocation: Ken Anderson

Roll Call – FC & Staff Officers

Introductions: Guests, Senior Officers, Sector, Station

Introductions of the Host Flotilla –7-3

Finance Report: SO-FN

Minutes

Comments by Sector Portland (if present)

Senior Officers Remarks and Comments

Awards (if any)

DCDR Takes Flotilla CDRS Comments

Break: 15 Minutes

DVCDR Takes Division Staff Comments (short)

DCDR Announcements and Remarks

DVCDR Remarks

Continuing Business

New Business

Closing Remarks

Thanks to Flotilla 7-3 for the Refreshments

Next Meeting – March 1, 2010 - Host Flotilla 76

Corrected 28JAN10 - 0608

2010 Pacific Northwest Sportman's Show watch standing

Note: This is video content - if it does not display please visit YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baCRwf2T-p8

Shipmates,
It is time to sign up for watch standing shifts for the 2010 Pacific Northwest Sportsman's Show - February 10-14. As one of our marquee Recreational Boating Safety events the Sportsman's Show is an outstanding opportunity to educate, communicate and recruit.

Uniform will be ODU and booth staff will wear inflatable life jackets to demonstrate the ease of wear of these devices. 

A shuttle will transport members from the West Marine Delta Park location to the show. If you do not require transport please let us know.

Signing up for shifts

1) Review the current available shifts on the online calendar (if you are viewing this in your email you may need to visit the Division7.org site to view the calendar):




2) Send an email with your shift choices for open shifts to veryuseful@gmail.com and cgd.7aux@hotmail.com - first choices and second choices on any given day would be appreciated to assist scheduling. (e.g. Tuesday Shift A then shift B). If your are willing to fill in any shift please indicate that willingness.

3) We will update the calendar each evening. Since updates are made every 24 hours we may have the occasional conflict for requested shifts. Shift conflicts will be resolved based on first email received. We hope to accommodate everyone's desire to work the show.

4) Confirmations will be sent via email. If you do not see a confirmation email within 24 hours please follow-up via phone. The final schedule will be circulated ahead of the show.

We will also be seeking members to assist with setup and breakdown.


As with everything we do please be flexible as we work to staff this event.

Thank you in advance for your participation and thank you for your service,
Daren Lewis, DCDR
John Hillbrands, SO-PA 2010

USCG Follow Friday #3: iCommandant

Shipmates,
There is a tradition on Twitter to recommend favorite fellow Twitter users each Friday. I plan to use Friday's to highlight another great official Coast Guard blog or website. In week #1 I introduced The Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER), last week I introduced The Coast Guard Compass and today...

iCommandant

Back in September 2008 Admiral Allen introduced iCommandant, his blog, which was a major step in what has become a Coast Guard wide social media initiative. A few units had blogs or blog "like" features but the Commandant's approach fostered blogs across the Coast Guard. Today we have more Guardians telling their stories and the Coast Guard story than ever before.

You can read his initial intent and see the video describing the effort here:

http://www.uscg.mil/comdt/blog/2008/09/introducing-commandants-corner-20-and.asp

Add iCommandant to your reading list!

Next week, the USCG Pacific Northwest blog.

Effective staff reports

Shipmates,
We will be conducting our first Division staff meeting this evening. One of the key responsibilities of each staff member is to provide a report. These reports are often seen as an opportunity to describe the activities of the officer and the activities in their program area. An effective staff officer does far more than simply execute - they also plan, build capacity in the program area, address needs or gaps, and seek opportunities to grow their programs. The reports provided to the members, leadership, and staff up and down the chain of leadership and management should reflect the full range of these activities.

We are requesting that all Division staff reports address the following points:

1. Execution: What has been accomplished in my area of staff responsibility including my own efforts, those of my reporting staff and those of the membership?
2. Expected execution: What accomplishments/missions are expected in the near term?
3. Execution opportunities and planning: What accomplishments/missions are in the planning stages? What is on the horizon? What are our opportunities?
4. Program development execution: What have I and my team done to build program capacity? Who has been trained? What partnerships have been developed? What materials have been developed or are now available?
5. Program development planning: What is planned to build program capacity?
6. Needs/gaps: What is missing that I need and/or needs leadership attention or action to resolve?

If you are a Flotilla staff member I encourage you to discuss reporting requirements with your Vice Flotilla Commander. This format may be one you wish to adopt.

From the floor of the Portland Boat Show

Shipmates,
Thank you to all of our members who have maintained the watch at the Portland Boat Show over the last four days and will do so on the last day tomorrow. I spent the day on the show floor spreading the boating safety message and enjoying the fellowship of my shipmates. Today we had the CRYA Daughters of Neptune with us to fit life Jackets on young boaters. The Daughters did a great job. If you have an RBS event with kids please consider asking the Daughters to help.

Here is a brief video from the show floor:

...and yes it is perfectly okay to remind me to slow down.

Note: This is video content - if it does not display please visit YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krGUwkM0Sr8

Admiral Allen's comments on the USCG's Haiti response and how it exemplifies our capabilities

Shipmates,

This video let's you know how the Coast Guard has been responding to the tragedy in Haiti. The Admiral's comments cover both the immediate response and the context for how we operate in the modern Coast Guard.

USCG Follow Friday #2: Coast Guard Compass

Shipmates,
There is a tradition on Twitter to recommend favorite fellow Twitter users each Friday. I plan to use Friday's to highlight another great official Coast Guard blog or website. Last week we introduced The Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER) and today...

The Coast Guard Compass

WELCOME TO THE COAST GUARD COMPASS

The Coast Guard Compass is the official report of the U.S. Coast Guard on its people and missions. The United States Coast Guard is a military, multimission, maritime service within the Department of Homeland Security and one of the nation’s five armed services.

The Coast Guard provides unique benefits to the nation because of its distinctive blend of military, humanitarian, and civilian law-enforcement capabilities. Its core roles are Maritime Safety, Maritime Security, Maritime Mobility, National Defense and the Protection of Natural Resources.

As the Coast Guard's official service blog the Compass is a "must read" on your blog list. One great feature is the Guardian of the Week. This week BM2 Foster is recognized for his heroism during the "Miracle on the Hudson". It is an inspiring story, the BM2 certainly exhibits the core values and the Guardian Ethos.

If that is not enough reason, our own Earl Markham was the fourth ever Guardian of the Week last June.

Add the Compass to your reading list!

Next week, iCommandant!

Slideshow: January Division Member Training - Vessel Fueling and Dewatering Pumps

Incident Command System Training Opportunities

Shipmates,
Once you've completed the Incident Command System (ICS) 100/200/700/800 series courses online at the FEMA site (see this post about these classes: http://www.flotilla76.org/2009/08/member-training-fema-incident.html) the next step is classroom training.

The online series serves as an overview of ICS and the National Incident Management System and equips you to operate as a member of a unit under the ICS system.

The next steps begin to prepare you for increasing responsibility in the ICS system.  All Coxswains, Pilots and Trident members must complete either ICS 210 or ICS 300 by 01APR2010 or their qualifications will be suspended.

Our Division Staff Officer for Member Training (SO-MT) Jon Polimeni distributed the following message today for those interested or required to pursue ICS classroom training:

Please pass on the following information to or members regarding ICS-210/300/400. Also, please remind your member is they have not yet completed ICS-210 or 300 and they are Coxswain, Pilot, or Trident they will go REYR on April 1, 2010. Also, if you have anyone training to be Coxswain, Pilot, or Trident they will need have completed this class in order to become qualified. I have also posted ICS 400 for anyone who wishes to extend their skills in the ICS program.

Please reply to the SO-MT (Jonathan Polimeni) with the following information:

1. The member name:
2. Emplid:
3. Flotilla:
4. Mailing address:

5. Current email address:
6. Phone number:

7. What you need ICS 210/300/400 for. (if needed)
8. Which class you would like to take.

ICS 210 (Sector Portland)
March 13

ICS 210/300 (Sector Seattle)
January 27-29

ICS 300 (Vancouver)
February 4, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (1st DAY)
February 5, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (2nd DAY)

February 25, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (1st DAY)
February 26, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (2nd DAY)

April 22, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (1st DAY)
April 23, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (2nd DAY)

ICS 300 (Cowlitz County)
April 1, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (1st DAY)
April 2, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (2nd DAY)

August 21, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (1st DAY)
August 22, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (2nd DAY)

ICS 400 (Vancouver)
March 18, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (1st DAY)
March 19, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (2nd DAY)

September 23, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (1st Day)
September 24, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (2nd Day)

ICS 400 (Cowlitz County)
January 16, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (1st DAY)
January 17, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (2nd DAY)


July 15, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (1st DAY)
July 16, 2010 8:00am-5:00pm (2nd DAY)

Untucked Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) available - one set per member

Shipmates,
Until today we were only able to order the new Untucked ODU for new members. As of today each Auxiliarist may order one set of Untucked ODUs. A few recommendations:

• As you place your orders follow the sizing guidance for the Untucked ODU and do not order the sizes you wear in the original Tucked ODU.
• The tucked and untucked uniform items may not be mixed so you need to order both the Untucked Coat and the Untucked Trouser.
• I recommend ordering your name tapes and the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary tape from the UDC when you place your untucked uniform order.
• The UDC does not stock the Auxiliary officer devices or Auxiliary badges - these must be ordered through the standard sources. Our District Materials Officer, Matt Epstein, likely has what you need.
• Once you have received your new uniform be sure to apply the name tape, Aux tape, and any devices the full width of the pocket and tuck the ends of the tapes under so the folded edge is sewn and the tape cannot fray. Please be sure to only apply tapes in the ODU material, not the older cloth tapes and devices.

Orders can be placed only through the Uniform Distribution Center (you will need to request an account if you do not already have one) : http://www.uscg.mil/hr/udc/default.asp
The Untucked ODU page with sizing can be found here: http://www.uscg.mil/hr/udc/ODUUntuckedUniforms.asp

To: ALAUX

From: CHDIRAUX

Subj: UNTUCKED ODU ORDERS -002/10

1. The Coast Guard Uniform Manager has advised that stocks of untucked Operational Dress Uniforms (ODU) are now arriving at a volume high enough to accommodate Auxiliary orders, but not at unlimited levels. As a result, Auxiliarists may now place orders to the Coast Guard Uniform Distribution Center (UDC, http://www.uscg.mil/uniform/) for one set of untucked ODUs for themselves. The next advisory will be to announce when unlimited sets of untucked ODUs may be ordered.

2. The purpose of this list is to keep Auxiliarists as well as all other interested parties abreast of current developments, policies, manuals, etc. All information contained herein and linked is OFFICIAL policy and information.

3. Internet Release and Distribution is Authorized.

4. CG-54211, sends

Photo: Official USCG photo - http://www.uscg.mil/hr/udc/docs/uscg-odu-08/uscg-odu-08/index.asp

Driving while texting

Shipmates,
We know that maintaining situational awareness is one of the keys to safe operations. Each year we seem to learn more about the dangers of distractions while driving. With the emergence of text messaging over the last decade and now the easy availability of full featured mobile devices our concern has focused on the use of these devices while driving.

If you have never considered the forces involved in getting and keeping a motor vehicle in motion please do. While most of us drive every day it is easy to forget just how dangerous it can be.

Beyond the expected compliance with this ALCOAST while assigned to duty, please extend this into your non-Coast Guard behavior. When conducting operations and other Coast Guard activities we continually seek to manage, reduce and where possible eliminate risk factors -- please do so on the road and reduce or eliminate the risks associated with any behavior which draws your attention away from operating your vehicle.


R 111656Z JAN 10 ZUI ASN-AM1011000042
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00//
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS //N05102//
ALCOAST 012/10
COMDTNOTE 5102
SUBJ: TEXTING WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE GENERAL ORDER
A. EXECUTIVE ORDER 13513, FEDERAL LEADERSHIP ON REDUCING TEXTING
WHILE DRIVING
B. CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ACTIONS: DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, ADVERSE
ACTIONS, APPEALS, AND GRIEVANCES, COMDTINST M12750.4 (SERIES)
C. NONAPPROPRIATED FUND (NAF) PERSONNEL MANUAL, COMDTINST M12271.1
(SERIES)
D. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY MANUAL, COMDTINST M16790.1 (SERIES)
E. SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MANUAL, COMDTINST M5100.47
(SERIES) CH10
1. IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCE THE DANGERS OF TEXTING WHILE DRIVING, THE
PRESIDENT ISSUED REFERENCE (A) WHICH MANDATES A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT-
WIDE PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF TEXTING MESSAGES WHILE DRIVING ON
OFFICIAL BUSINESS OR WHILE USING GOVERNMENT-SUPPLIED EQUIPMENT.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY REFERENCE (A) WILL BE IMPLEMENTED COAST GUARD
WIDE AS FOLLOWS:
 A. ALL CIVILIAN AND MILITARY MEMBERS, INCLUDING RESERVISTS IN AN
 ACTIVE STATUS INCLUDING IDT AND ADT, AND COAST GUARD AUXILIARISTS
 WHEN ASSIGNED TO DUTY, ARE ORDERED NOT TO READ, TYPE OR SEND TEXT
 MESSAGES OR E-MAIL WHEN DRIVING A GOVERNMENT OWNED VEHICLE, WHEN
 DRIVING A PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLE WHILE ON OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT
 BUSINESS, OR WHEN USING ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED BY THE
 GOVERNMENT.
 B. MILITARY MEMBERS: THIS ORDER IS PUNITIVE IN NATURE AND FAILURE
 TO FOLLOW THIS ORDER CAN RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION UNDER
 ARTICLE 92 OF THE UCMJ.
 C. CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING NONAPPROPRIATED FUND EMPLOYEES:
 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUIREMENT MAY RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY
 ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH REFERENCES (B) AND (C).
 D. AUXILIARISTS: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUIREMENT MAY
 RESULT IN ADMINISTRATIVE DISCIPLINARY ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH
 REFERENCE (E).
 E. EXCEPTIONS TO THIS ORDER: PERSONNEL MAY USE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
 IF THEIR VEHICLE IS SAFELY PARKED OR, FOR EMERGENCY AND LAW
 ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL: THE MESSAGES ARE CRITICAL TO SUCCESSFUL
 MISSION EXECUTION, STOPPING/PARKING THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE OR
 REASONABLE, AND THE MESSAGES ARE SENT/RECEIVED WHILE PERFORMING
 THEIR OFFICIAL DUTIES (E.G., INCLUDING THE USE OF IN-CAR MOBILE
 DATA TERMINALS AND OTHER IN-CAR ELECTRONIC DEVICES).
 F. FOR THE PURPOSE OF LINE OF DUTY/MISCONDUCT DETERMINATIONS, FAILURE
 TO TAKE PROPER VEHICULAR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, INCLUDING COMPLYING
 WITH THIS ORDER, WILL BE CONSIDERED AS AN OF THE POTENTIALLY
 SEVERAL FACTORS DURING LINE OF DUTY/MISCONDUCT DETERMINATION.
 ALTHOUGH A MEMBERS FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS ORDER WILL NOT CREATE
 AN AUTOMATIC PRESUMPTION OF MISCONDUCT OR CAUSATION, A DETERMINATION
 OF NOT OF IMPORTANT FINANCIAL AND OTHER BENEFITS TO THE SERVICE MEMBER
 AND/OR THE SERVICE MEMBERS FAMILY.
2. THE CONTENTS OF THIS ALCOAST, INCLUDING THE PUNITIVE ASPECT OF
IT, SHALL BE INCORPORATED IN A FUTURE CHANGE TO REFERENCE (D).
3. ADMIRAL THAD ALLEN, COMMANDANT, SENDS.
4. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
BT
NNNN

"I don't own these stars"

Sometimes these posts just write themselves. The Day newspaper has a report on the Commandant's visit to the Coast Guard Academy today. As reported by The Day Admiral Allen reflected upon his active duty service drawing to a close and the Coast Guard core values:

'I don't own these stars'

Allen also reiterated the meaning of the Coast Guard's core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.

He said honor is the "compact you make with yourself on how you lead your life" and respect is the "compact you make with those around you."

"Devotion to duty is the compact you make with the country when you put on your uniform. I don't own these stars," he said, referring to the stars on his uniform that show he is an admiral. "The American people lent them to me, and I'm going to have to give them back on the 25th of May."

While I have only met him once, I have both great affection and respect for Admiral Allen - thinking like that expressed at the Academy today is why. As he communicates his passion so clearly and publicly I am continually challenged to reassess my approach to service.

Caught in the challenges and opportunities of the moment I've not often thought beyond my time of service -- but it is something well worth considering as it can focus our actions in the present.

As I said at the Flotilla 76 Change of Watch, leading 76 was a highlight of my life. As we all embark together on our next adventure in 2010 I'd like to thank the members of Division 7 for lending me the rare and precious duty of leading the Nations best Coast Guard Auxiliary Division. I cannot return the Division to you when I am done as it is always in your hands  -- in our hands. My compact with you is that we will leave it, whenever that time comes for each of us, even stronger than we found it so that the next generations of Auxiliarist Guardians can meet the challenges of their day and meet their commitment to the Nation and its people.

USCG Follow Friday #1: AMVER

Shipmates,
There is a tradition on Twitter to recommend favorite fellow Twitter users each Friday. I plan to use Friday's to highlight another great official Coast Guard blog or website.

I'd like to start with....

The Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER)

Amver, sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, is a unique, computer-based, and voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea.With Amver, rescue coordinators can identify participating ships in the area of distress and divert the best-suited ship or ships to respond.

Amver's mission is to quickly provide search and rescue authorities, on demand, accurate information on the positions and characteristics of vessels near a reported distress.

The best place to keep up with AMVER's activities is the AMVER blog

AMVER is another Coast Guard function, like the Auxiliary, that harnesses the power of people's desire to do good in order to save lives. In the case of the Auxiliary this is U.S. Citizen volunteers, for AMVER it is the world's shipping companies, ships captains and crew. Like the Auxiliary, the participants in the AMVER system are not paid but they uphold the finest traditions of service to their fellow mariners by doing more than simply offering their help should they come upon distress --- they are willing to go far out of their way to render that life saving assistance.

Bravo Zulu to Ben, Bev, all the other Guardians who make AMVER possible, and all the participating companies and crews.

Ahead for week #2, the Coast Guard Compass and week #3 iCommandant.

Flotilla 78 Website

Shipmates,
The Flotilla 78 website has been redesigned and can now be found at http://a1300708.uscgaux.info/

Another great job by the multitalented Gay Sipes.

Bravo Zulu: D13 Auxiliarists of the Week - Polimeni, Poulson, Ploeger & Roosevelt

Flotilla 76 members Jon Polimeni, John Poulson, Paul Ploeger and Chris Roosevelt have been recognized as District 13 Auxiliarists of the Week for the first full week of 2010. They were recognized for actions taken while conducting a Christmas Ships patrol.

Next time you see one of these gentlemen ask them to tell you the story. Their actions showed keen insight and outstanding cooperation with the Sector Portland Command Center.

Bravo Zulu!

Photo: 222129 underway during Rose Festival

Division Member Training: Fueling Procedures and Dewatering Pump Training

Training: Fueling Procedures and Dewatering Pump Training
Date: Saturday, 09 January 2010
Start time: 0830 (8:30 a.m.)
Duration: Typically 2-3 hours
Location: Station Portland
Uniform: ODU
Attendance: 

> Fueling segment - Required for Coxswains who will fuel at Station* recommended for all surface operations members
> Dewatering segment - Highly recommended for all crew candidates, recommended for all surface operations members

Fueling training:

While this training focuses on fueling at Station the training is broadly applicable wherever and whenever you fuel a vessel. The training covers USCG fueling processes, emergency procedures and the particularities of the Station fuel system. We've only had a single training since the fuel station moved to the main pier so if you missed last year it is particularly important to attend.

Dewatering Pump Training:

An annual favorite, we break out a standard dewatering pump, learn its operation, and the take turns operating the pump in teams. Dewatering pumps are required with unfortunate regularity in our area of operations. It is very difficult to learn to use one in an emergency situation and all surface operations members can benefit from and annual refresher.

*Note: While we have not been fueling at Station recently operational requirements may make it necessary at some point in the future.

Signing up for Boat Show shifts

Shipmates,
The start of the Portland Boat Show is a week away. It is time to sign up for shifts if you have not already done so.

Note: This is video content - if it does not display please visit YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tVGkO2ixWU


As one of our marquee Recreational Boating Safety events the Boat Show is an outstanding opportunity to educate, communicate and recruit.

Uniform will be ODU and booth staff will wear inflatable life jackets to demonstrate the ease of wear of these devices.

To sign up:

1) Review the current available shifts here:

2) Send an email with your shift choices for open shifts to veryuseful@gmail.com and cgd.7aux@hotmail.com - first choices and second choices on any given day would be appreciated to assist scheduling. (e.g. Tuesday Shift A then shift B). If your are willing to fill in any shift please indicate that willingness.

3) We will update the calendar each evening. Since updates are made every 24 hours we may have the occasional conflict for requested shifts. Shift conflicts will be resolved based on first email received. We hope to accommodate everyone's desire to work the show.

4) Confirmations will be sent via email and a final schedule will be circulated ahead of the show.

We will also be seeking members to assist with setup and breakdown.

As with everything we do please be flexible as we work to staff this event.

Thank you in advance for your participation and thank you for your service,
Daren Lewis, DCDR7
John Hillbrands, SO-PA

Reporting your hours: A new 7029 for 2010

Note: This is video content - if it does not display please visit YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VegL9ZiZSP8

Over the weekend the Auxiliary announced a replacement for our ANSC 7029 form. This form is the catchall form for hours not reported in other places and often accounts for the majority of hours reported by members. But it isn’t the form that is important rather it is the change in philosophy form represents. Personally I’ve been less than satisfied having so many of the hours I contribute to the Coast Guard lumped as administrative – it simply did not represent the complexity and value of some of the work undertaken, be it leading my Flotilla or studying to pass Navigation Rules.

This work is now broken into 5 categories.
99-A Auxiliary Leadership
99-B Recreational Boating Safety Support
99-C Marine Safety Support
99-D Training Support
99-E Auxiliary Administrative and Logistical Support

These categories give the Auxiliary a much better understanding of how we spend our time and gives the Coast Guard much better data to use when seeking funding for our activities from the Executive branch and Congress. Perhaps more importantly, this approach will give you as a member a better understanding of how you use the time you contribute to the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard. In future you’ll be able to view your member record and see those 60 hours of class participation and study time it took to become crew qualified.

You can also list any non-reimbursed mileage and out of pocket expenses related to your Auxiliary activity.

The tradeoff could have been additional complexity in the record keeping… but the team on the National Staff did the opposite and simplified the reporting so you only report your total hours in each of the 5 categories rather than reporting each activity separately as on the previous form. This is a welcome focus meeting our organizational objectives while at the same time improving the member experience.

The leaders and staff responsible have my thanks, Bravo Zulu.

I encourage you to continue to track your time, by whatever method works for you. There is a second, optional page in the 7029 which looks similar to the old form. I have a simple alternate technique which I will share at some point in the near future.

As a Nation we are in a period where resources are tight. There is no better value to the Nation than the Coast Guard Auxiliary. We can’t prove that if you don’t submit your time.  It’s easier than ever. If you regularly turn in your 7029s please start using the new form for January. If you’ve gotten behind on your reporting please consider the New Year and the new 7029 as an opportunity to get started.

New member note: Most of your activities as a new member will be reported on this new 7029 form. All your meeting attendance, preparation of membership forms, ICS training, and working with your mentor will be reported here. Please be sure to discuss time reporting with your mentor, it is critical to assure we get financial support for the Auxiliary and to assure your contributions are recognized.

Visit http://forms.cgaux.org/forms.html for two useful versions of this form.
New 7029 - with instructions
New 7029 - without instructions (recommended after you have read and understood the instructions)

2010 Vision: Supporting the Flotillas

Note: This is video content - if it does not display please visit YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgxqlm30woI

Slideshow: 2009 in Review

Shipmates,

Here are a few of my favorite shots from 2009 plus a few earlier ones in honor of shipmates who crossed the bar in 2009.

Thank you Doug

Note: This is video content - if it does not display please visit YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u89h5Jb_qPw

Happy New Year

Note: This is video content - if it does not display please visit YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kF1hptaBKg