#27. Waterways Commerce Cutter Acquisition with BOSN Jon Becker
Course Made Good
Join me as I have an engaging conversation with BOSN Jon Becker, the sponsor's representative for the new Waterways Commerce Cutter acquisition. This significant investment promises to enhance the future of the inland aids to navigation mission and uphold the proud legacy of enlisted and chief warrant officer command. BOSN Becker and I delve into the impressive capabilities of this new class of cutters, which will replace our aging fleet of WLRs, WLICs, and WLIs that have proudly served our Nation's waterways for many decades. We will begin with an overview of the acquisition process, followed...
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#26. 50th Anniversary of the Cutterman Insignia - Interview with the Gold and Silver Ancient Mariners
Course Made Good
We're back!!!!!! Welcome to the relaunch of the Course Made Good podcast! I couldn't stay away any longer and can't wait to bring you sea stories, news, and interviews about the work of the Office of Cutter Forces (CG-751) and cuttermen throughout the fleet. In this episode, I sit down with the Gold and Silver Ancient Mariners, CDR Scott Stiker and BMCM Mike Burch, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the issuance of the cutterman insignia. We talked about what that insignia has meant to them throughout their long and storied Coast Guard careers and what advice they have for those...
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#25. Get your Captain's License now! - Interview with CDR Wescott
Course Made Good
Have you ever wanted to obtain your merchant mariner credential (captain's license) but found the process too confusing or too expensive? Perhaps you've been frustrated because your coxswain or underway officer of the deck certifications didn't bolster your application? Then you'll be happy to learn that all of that has changed! In this interview with CDR Jen Wescott of the Military to Mariner project office you'll learn just how easy it now is to qualify for and obtain your credential.
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#24. It's time we had a talk about the BM rating
Course Made Good
I think it's time we had a chat. An open and honest discussion about issues affecting morale and job satisfaction in the BM rating. With nearly 300 vacant billets and retention rates reaching historic lows, we must look ourselves, and our Service, in the face and address the factors driving BMs out of the rating and influencing qualified candidates to seek out others. There is no better person to have this conversation with than LT Eddie Oropeza from the Office of Boat Forces. From his experience as a BMCS OIC to BOSN CO, and now a Lieutenant at CG-731, he's precisely who we need...
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#23. Annual Discussion with the BM Assignment Officers
Course Made Good
Join me as I sit down for what has become an annual tradition - a discussion about assignments with the BM Assignment Officers! BOSN Tessier and BOSN Laufenberg get right down to business by giving us all of the information we need to make informed career decisions and set ourselves up for a successful PCS transfer. Whether you're transferring this year or not, there is something for you in this episode. This is especially true for anyone assigned to a leadership role (uh, like all BMs!). Those under our charge deserve the best advice we can give and that means we must keep up to date...
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#22. OIC Review Board Reference Guide and Program Overview
Course Made Good
All about the Officer in Charge Review Boards! This episode contains audio from a Facebook live presentation to the FB OIC Study Group on 26AUG21. Join me as I present the new OIC Review Board Coordinator Reference Guide and discuss how this handbook will ensure the boards are conducted more uniformly across our Service. I also talk about the process in general and go over some keys to success if you're about to sit before the board! Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not...
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#21. Interview with BMCM Kirk McKay, Ancient Keeper
Course Made Good
In this episode we sit down for a chat with BMCM Kirk McKay as he closes out a remarkable thirty year career as a surfman. Master Chief McKay served four times as an officer in charge and held the distinction as the Joshua James Ancient Keeper in his final tour. Join in as BMC Kevin Pryer, XPO of CG Station Grand Haven, draws out some words of wisdom and advice from a true Coast Guard legend as he looks back at three decades of service as a Boatswain's Mate. Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals...
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#20. Nav Brief #2 - State of the Boatswain's Mate Rating
Course Made Good
We close out 2020 with podcast #20, Nav Brief #2 - State of the BM rating. There are so many things to pass to you that have happened over the past several months; bonuses, RPQ changes, SWE impacts, retention, U/W OOD competency requirements....it's all in this episode. I could've spent an hour on each of these topics but I've packed as much info into this one that I possibly could. Happy New Year and I hope you find this episode informative and useful! Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals...
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#19. Unit Spotlight - Maritime Safety and Security Team Miami
Course Made Good
Every so often an interaction with my fellow Boatswain's Mates leaves me so inspired I wish I could start my whole career over again. This was one of those conversations; and one I needed to hear to remind me that even though we find ourselves in uncertain times, BMs are still underway completing the mission and leading the next generation in the pursuit of their craft. In this episode I had the privilege of speaking with BMC Lorenzo Ladaga, BM1 Shawn McLaughlin, and BM1 Miguel Torres, all from Maritime Safety and Security Team Miami 91114. We discussed the fast pace nature of their...
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#18. Parental Leave Program with BMCS Theresa Joyce
Course Made Good
Join me as I sit down with BMCS Theresa Joyce of Personnel Service Center to discuss the Parental Leave Program. This program ensures our shipmates can focus on the care of a newborn or adopted child while enabling the unit to remain operationally effective in their absence. We discuss how the Coast Guard Reserve bridges these gaps for us and the outstanding value our reservists bring. BMs are in the leadership business and a working knowledge of programs such as these makes us more effective in that art.
info_outlineHave you ever wondered what it's like to be a Company Commander at Training Center Cape May? We go behind the scenes with two of the best! BM1 Doug Curry and BM2 Joscelyn Greenwell give us an in depth look at what the job entails and just how difficult the qualification process can be. We also hear from BOSN Sean Stone, EPM-2, when he joins us to discuss the application process.
BMs bring a unique set of qualifications to any position, and these two have found a perfect fit for their skills in developing the next generation of Coast Guardsmen. I hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer:
The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.