The standards by which we judge ourselves

By Daren Lewis

Shipmates,
You should have received an ALAUX message (017/11) from the Chief Director of Auxiliary today that links to Commandant Papp's guidance to Coast Guard Officer Selection Boards. While this guidance is directly applicable to a few members of our service, those serving on these Boards, it is broadly applicable to each of us who wears the Coast Guard uniform or is a member of our civilian employee component. These are the attributes the Commandant and senior leadership of the service expect of each of us.

HTTP://WWW.USCG.MIL/PSC/OPM/OPM1/Opm1docs/Boards/PY12docs/PY12%20CCG%20Guidance%20to%20Boards%20and%20Panels%20SIGNED.pdf

I've been reading these guidance documents for a number of years. It has proven a valuable opportunity to judge my own performance against a set of standards. By my own estimation there have been places I have met the measure as well as others where I've discovered opportunities for personal improvement. These are also the standards by which I judge those who I serve as a leader, our members, and those senior to me in the Auxiliary.

I strongly encourage each of you to review the Commandant's guidance. I hope you find it useful as you chart your path to service. Thank you for that service.

Be safe out there and look to the safety of your shipmates,
Daren

72nd Anniversary of the establishment of the USCG Auxiliary

By Daren Lewis

Shipmates,
Today we recognize the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the Auxiliary component of the United States Coast Guard. As we recognize this milestone I am very mindful that we have a number of active and retired members who have seen significantly more than half of this 72 year period. Just last month we recognized Barbara Korsmo for 40 years of service to the Coast Guard and the Nation.

Take a few moments in the next few days and consider the value of our traditions, of our core values and of our service.

Thank you for that service, particularly those of you who count the years of your service in decades.

Be safe out there and look to the safety of your shipmates. Be always dedicated to our core values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty.

Daren

ALAUX 015/11: Auxiliary Uniform Guidance - Annotated

Shipmates,
Here is the full text of ALAUX 015/11 which discusses the application of the recent ALCOAST (291/11) to the Auxiliary.

I have done a bit of annotation to highlight a few significant points.

Changes that impact our standard practice locally or are of particular importance as reminders are in BOLD BLUE.

Changes that have significantly less impact but are still notable are in purple.

Please pass any questions that arise to your chain of leadership. We are all working to meet the expectations laid out by the Commandant.

As previously communicated we are a uniformed component of the Coast Guard. Attention to detail in our uniform wear is one of the duties we owe ourselves, our shipmates, and the Nation we serve.

01JUL2011 Update: The first of a series of videos on these changes is available here - this first video focuses on covers.

Very respectfully,
Daren

AUXILIARY UNIFORM GUIDANCE -015/11

1.     Coast Guard uniform policies were recently changed as described in ALCOAST 291/11.  Although considerable latitude was provided to minimize the impacts of these changes on Auxiliary uniform policies, several changes to Auxiliary uniform policies are appropriate in order to sustain a high degree of servicewide continuity.  The following provisions summarize the main impacts on and resultant effective changes to Auxiliary uniform policies stemming from that ALCOAST.  Due to the nature and breadth of uniform policies, not all uniform policy impacts to all sections of Chapter 10 of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Manual, COMDTINST M16790.1 (series) can be described in this message.  Additional detailed changes will be included in the forthcoming revision to that manual. 

2.     Primary Uniform Policy Changes

a.      Service Dress Blue (SDB) uniform: 

(1)     May be worn year-round for business within the Coast Guard and for special occasions where the civilian equivalent is coat and tie.

(2)     Authorized for wear in a travel status pursuant to Coast Guard assignment to duty.

(3)     Prescribed outer wear with the SDB are the bridge coat or trench coat with combination cap.  The overcoat, reefer coat, foul weather parka (FWP), garrison cap, and Air Force cold weather cap will no longer be authorized for Auxiliary wear with the SDB uniform as of December 31, 2012.

(4)     The windbreaker may be worn in lieu of the SDB coat except when the SDB coat is more appropriate for an occasion.  Auxiliarists shall conform to Coast Guard unit policies regarding such wear whenever interacting with or representing the unit.

b.      Tropical Blue uniform:

(1)     May be worn year-round for appropriate assignments to duty.  It may be worn in lieu of the SDB, but not to functions where civilian dress is coat and tie.

(2)    Authorized for wear in a travel status pursuant to Coast Guard assignment to duty.

(3)     Prescribed outer wear with the Tropical Blue uniform are the windbreaker and trench coat with combination cap or garrison cap (ball caps of any type are not authorized for wear with the Tropical Blue uniform).  The overcoat, reefer coat, and work jacket will no longer be authorized for Auxiliary wear with the Tropical Blue uniform as of December 31, 2012.

(4)     The FWP [foul weather parka] may be worn with the Tropical Blue uniform if adverse environmental conditions dictate the need for this heavier outer wear (such wear shall be limited to necessary occasions or periods).  Auxiliarists shall otherwise conform to Coast Guard unit policies regarding such wear whenever interacting with or representing the unit.

c.      Winter Dress Blue (WDB) uniform:

(1)     May be worn between November 1 and March 31 for general office wear, visits to Coast Guard units, and appropriate assignments to duty.  It is the basic cold climate, non-operational uniform and may be worn in lieu of the SDB, but not to functions where civilian dress is coat and tie.

(2)     Authorized for wear in a travel status pursuant to Coast Guard assignment to duty.

(3)     Prescribed outer wear with the WDB are the windbreaker, bridge coat, or trench coat with garrison cap or combination cap (ball caps of any type are not authorized for wear with the WDB uniform).  The overcoat, reefer coat, and Air Force cold weather cap will no longer be authorized for Auxiliary wear with the SDB uniform as of December 31, 2012.

(4)     The FWP may be worn with the WDB if adverse environmental conditions dictate the need for this heavier outer wear (such wear shall be limited to necessary occasions or periods).  Auxiliarists shall otherwise conform to Coast Guard unit policies regarding such wear whenever interacting with or representing the unit.

(5)     The developmental WDB shirt with permanent silicone creases shall not be authorized for Auxiliary wear until approved by the Coast Guard Uniform Board as a standard seabag item.

d.      Operational Dress Uniform (ODU):

(1)     May be worn year-round primarily as a field utility and watchstanding uniform, and may be worn in an office environment. 

(2)     Auxiliarists shall carefully consider the appropriateness of ODU wear in settings that are highly representational in nature, where the type of interaction with the public dictates more formality, or settings in an interagency environment.  In DoD, joint or inter-service environments, wear of the ODU should align with the DoD equivalent uniform of the day.  The ODU should not be worn for visits to civilian agencies or non-Coast Guard organizations unless the prescribed uniform of the day is the ODU or DoD equivalent at the visit site.  However, in some cases the ODU may be appropriate due to the operational nature of the visit or the nature of the work to be performed.  The ODU may be worn for commuting to and from duty assignments, using either private or public forms of transportation.  Auxiliarists shall otherwise conform to Coast Guard unit policies regarding such wear whenever interacting with or representing the unit.

(3)     Prescribed outer wear with the ODU is the FWP with the standard Auxiliary ball cap (or Coast Guard unit ball cap, if authorized due to the nature of support provided to the Coast Guard unit), knit watch cap, or the Auxiliary sun (Tilley) hat.  The windbreaker, work jacket, trench coat, wooly-pully, cardigan sweater, and blue working utility cap will no longer be authorized for Auxiliary wear with the ODU as of December 31, 2012.

(4)     Shoes that are worn with the ODU shall be well-blackened 8-inch or 10-inch safety boots.  When worn in an office, boots shall be shined.  Excess laces shall be tucked away so they cannot be seen.  The boat shoe (dark blue or brown leather, low cut of moccasin type construction with functional rawhide lacing, brass eyelets, and non-marking sole) is an authorized option for Auxiliarists, regardless of type ODU that is worn (regular or Hot Weather Uniform).

(5)     Auxiliarists are authorized to remove the ODU blouse when engaged in demanding, prolonged operations in high temperatures.  In all such cases, the Coast Guard dark blue crew neck T-shirt shall be worn stenciled or embroidered with the words “USCG AUXILIARY” across the front left chest in white ¾-inch tall block-style letters.  It shall be in good condition with no tears or stains.  It may be 100 percent cotton or may be made of a cotton-polyester blend to facilitate moisture wicking.  This relaxed ODU wear is not intended for routine wear in the office environment or public.  It is not authorized for wear while commuting to and from duty assignments, including in private vehicles.  Auxiliarists shall otherwise conform to Coast Guard unit policies regarding such wear whenever interacting with or representing the unit.

(6)     All Auxiliarists shall pay particular attention to appearance while wearing the ODU.  The ODU shall be serviceable, well-maintained, clean, and not faded or discolored.

(7)     The tucked ODU shall remain authorized for Auxiliary wear until no longer serviceable.

e.     Hot Weather Uniform:   

(1)     Though no longer authorized for active duty personnel, the Hot Weather Uniform remains authorized for Auxiliary wear.

(2)     The prescribed shirt for the Hot Weather Uniform is the Coast Guard dark blue crew neck T-shirt shall be worn stenciled or embroidered with the words “USCG AUXILIARY” across the front left chest in white ¾-inch tall block-style letters.  It shall be in good condition with no tears or stains.  It may be 100 percent cotton or may be made of a cotton-polyester blend to facilitate moisture wicking.  The Auxiliary operations polo shirt may be worn with this uniform as an alternative (note – the Auxiliary operations polo shirt may be worn as an alternative to the Coast Guard working blue uniform shirt, the ODU top, and the Hot Weather Uniform shirt).  Additionally, the Vessel Examiner shirt may be worn with this uniform as an alternative when conducting vessel safety checks.  The standard Coast Guard light blue (Air Force) short sleeve shirt (undress blue) and the standard Coast Guard dark blue short sleeve shirt (working blue) will no longer be authorized for Auxiliary wear with the Hot Weather Uniform as of December 31, 2012.

3.     ALCOAST 291/11 also conveyed the Coast Guard Uniform Board’s concern about several other items, as addressed below:

a.     Ball Caps:

(1)     In support of the Uniform Board’s determinations, only three sources of ball caps for Auxiliarists are authorized:  the Coast Guard Auxiliary Center (AUXCEN), the Coast Guard Uniform Distribution Center (UDC), and the Coast Guard Exchange System (CGES).

(2)     The standard Auxiliary ball cap worn by Auxiliarists shall conform to the provisions of ALCOAST 291/11 that deal with material, circumstances for wear, and general appearance. 

(3)     Oak leaves and acorns (aka, scrambled eggs) will no longer be authorized for wear on any ball cap worn by Auxiliarists as of December 31, 2012.

(4)     Insignia wear and markings on the standard Auxiliary ball cap shall remain as otherwise prescribed in the Auxiliary Manual.

b.      Liners:  The Foul Weather Parka FWP liner or other liners are not authorized as a standalone jacket.

c.     Women’s Uniform Items:

(1)   The tiara is not authorized as an optional item for women’s dress uniforms.

(2)   Pumps are an optional item for women’s dress uniforms and shall be worn in accordance with provisions of the Auxiliary Manual.

#

Video: Rose Festival 2011 SITREP 3 - Sunday

By Daren Lewis

Shipmates,
A few final thoughts on Rose Festival.


The video link can be found here if it does not show above:http://vimeo.com/25042906

Be safe out there and look to the safety of your shipmates,
Daren

Division Member Training - OPS and TCT workshops

Division Member Training - OPS and TCT workshops

The division will be hosting its annual Operations workshop followed by a one hour TCT refresher workshop this weekend. Date is Saturday June 18. Time is 0830 on MSU Portland's Training Deck. Uniform is ODU's. It is strongly recommended that everyone who is involved in operations, at any level, attend the operations workshop. The TCT refresher workshop is required for everyone in operations who has not or will not attend the 8hr TCT/Risk Management class this year.

Operations workshop has been developed as a review of basic Surface Operations processes and procedures to better promote safety and efficiency for patrols. This is an optional workshop. This is where you can ask questions about program changes or changes to local operations.

Team Coordination Training (TCT) Refresher reflects an emphasis on the 7 components of Team Coordination you have previously been introduced to:

· ™ Leadership

· ™ Mission Analysis

· ™ Adaptability

· ™ Situational Awareness

· ™ Decision Making

· ™ Communication

· ™ Assertiveness.

This training is part of the mandatory annual currency maintenance requirements for the USCG Auxiliary Boat Crew program, and must be completed by 31 Dec 2011 to avoid going into REYR status is the 8hr TCT is not taken in 2011.

If you have any questions please contact your FSO-MT or SO-MT Jonathan Polimeni.

Video: Rose Festival 2011 SITREP 2 - Saturday

By Daren Lewis

Shipmates,
A big thank you to our facility owners today.



The video link can be found here if it does not show above: http://vimeo.com/24990926

Be safe and look to the safety of your shipmates,
Daren

Video: Rose Festival 2011 SITREP 1 - Friday

By Daren Lewis

Shipmates,
Thank you for all the great work on the Willamette over the last few days. As I write this we are fully engaged into our third day AM shift on the water and into our 48th+ hour in the Command Post.

Here is a brief video of a few of my thoughts. It is mostly "thank yous" -- which is appropriate as that is what I am, thankful for your service in this operation, thankful for your faithful service over the years, thankful that I have such extraordinary shipmates, and thankful that I was lucky enough to find a home among you.



The video link can be found here if it does not show above: http://vimeo.com/24956206

Be safe and look to the safety of your shipmates,
Daren

Improving our process for Assignment to Duty to protect our members

By Daren Lewis

Shipmates,

Sector Columbia River Auxiliary units are implementing a small change to our assignment to duty procedure to provide documentation should it be required. This is a much simpler alternative to the permissive (non-reimburseable) orders process implemented to mixed success last summer. After requesting assignment to duty for activities without orders your FC/VFC/FSO will simply email the assignment to a designated email address. This also has the advantage that it gives the Sector visibility of our activities.

Background:

We work hard to prevent accidents, prevent incidents and to operate within policy and training. Proper assignment to duty is key to assuring our members have the benefits and protections afforded by law. Some of our activities are based on written orders. 

• Surface operations, air operations and ordered communications operations have orders generated in POMS or are conducted under verbal orders of a responsible Coast Guard authority.
• Travel to C-Schools and selected other events is conducted under Coast Guard travel orders

For those activities without written orders it is the responsibility of the Auxiliary leadership to assure you have proper assignment to duty that is properly documented. In most cases, for those activities not covered by Coast Guard orders, verbal assignment to duty or an email assignment to duty is sufficient. In the case of verbal assignment to duty it is the responsibility of the assigning officer to document that assignment.

Currently what this means that before you go out to do VEs, Program Visits, or any Coast Guard non-ordered activity other than meetings or scheduled trainings you are to call or email your leadership or the responsible program staff officer and request assignment to duty.

From AUXILIARY MANUAL COMDTINST M16790.1F Chapter 5, J.3. Determining Assignment to Duty

The Auxiliarist’s assignment to duty is a requirement before any statutory protections are available. If the Auxiliarist is not assigned to duty, then the Auxiliarist cannot be characterized as a Federal employee and therefore cannot be acting within the scope of employment. 

To have the best possible chance of a favorable determination, the Auxiliarist should be prepared to document assignment to duty. The greater the quality and quantity of evidence that the Auxiliarist is able to produce to demonstrate assignment to duty, the greater the likelihood that the DOL or DOJ will make a favorable determination. The strongest possible evidence is that which demonstrates assignment to duty made prior to the incident in question. Examples may include written Coast Guard orders or verbal authorizations from appropriate Auxiliary elected and/or appointed leaders, that are documented (via telephone log or other means) and written Auxiliary orders or duty rosters for authorized events. (see Table 5-1) Post-incident evidence is less persuasive, but may include affidavits and orders or duty rosters reduced to writing after the incident. The Auxiliarist ultimately bears the burden of producing evidence sufficient to support the claim that the Auxiliarist has the status of a Federal employee. 

Member Action:

Continue to request assignment to duty as you should already be doing.

• Example email PV to your FC or FSO-PV: "I'm going to conduct Program Visits this weekend in the greater Vancouver area, request assignment to duty".
• Example phone call/voicemail to your FSO-VE: "I'm going to conduct Vessel Exams at Kalama on Saturday"

Leader or Responsible Flotilla/Division Staff Officer Action:

In addition to verbal consent we are asking you to send an email confirmation to the member AND cc: 

aux.orders@gmail.com

These assignments should be fairly general to give the member flexibility. Where available the assignment should include the member number.

Daren Lewis, 121NNN, is assigned to duty to conduct vessel exams at 42nd Street Ramp or other locations as conditions warrant on the weekend of 04JUN2011.

or

Flotilla 7-12 will conduct a ramp day at Hagg Lake 04JUN2011 the following members plus any others available will participate: ..... 

There are a great number of potential permutations of this process. The following table can be used as basic guidance.

Activity	Member Action	Leader Action
Flotilla Meeting, Division Meeting, Division Training	None	None, but training at all meetings is advised
Surface, Air or Comms Mission under orders	None unless you are the POMS user, typically the Coxswain, Pilot or mobile radio facility operator	Managed by the operations team with POMS
Augmentation at MSU, Sector or Station	You will receive a one time assignment	The assignment to augment will be managed by the ASC or AUX-C. The FC will receive a copy.
Program Visits	Request assignment to duty from your FC/VFC or FSO-PV as you do today	Reply with assignment to duty and send to AUXORDERS address
Individual Vessel Exams	Request assignment to duty from your FC/VFC or FSO-VE as you do today	Reply with assignment to duty and send to AUXORDERS address
Ramp day for VE and PA	Sign up with your FC/VFC/FSO-VE as you do today	Send in assignment to duty to AUXORDERS with participating members
Teaching a PE course	None	Notice of intent to teach serves for assignment to duty for participating members
Public Affairs Event	Sign up with your FC/VFC/FSO-PA or via a Div7 online watch bill	Send in assignment to duty to AUXORDERS with participating members

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through the implementation of this additional step in our assignment to duty process.

Video: Let's have a safe summer

Shipmates,
Brad and I spent the evening on the water on Thursday assisting with Station Portland's training. I took a few minutes to reflect on what I consider as a critical duty -- being safe and looking to the safety of our shipmates.



If the video does not show here is a direct link: http://vimeo.com/24613681