NEW vs OLD

[JekelKat]

Wow. A lot of what I've read is gibberish to me, only because I've never been exposed to CIC.

I was a legacy TC. My first unit out of "A" school was CAMSLANT, I was TDY on the NORTHLAND (radio), and was one of the 1st "TC"s in the Coast Guard to receive orders to a VTS (which was compiled of QM's and RD's)

I'm currently an AD OS1 breaking in Sar Controller. Like I said, I've been at at CAMS, U/W radio, VTS. I was the EKMS manager for this unit and Comm watchstander. When they "Sectorized" I switched over to the SU (Situation Unit controller) which in my opinion should be a dayworking SSO (safety and security ops) position since they deal primarily with boardings, AtoN, etc. I should be qualified SAR shortly, then I've been blessed with TDY aboard a 378 for a South Pacific patrol where I will actually have some CIC interaction which is what I've been lacking.

IMO - I feel the merger has just added ONE rate with the responsibility of at least 3. Maybe even 4. I believe that the major reason for the merger was the obvious lack of folks in the RD/QM rates. So they combined them. I don't think there was much similarities of the three rates (TC/QM/RD) so now we have become a rate that is overflowing with people that are "jack of all trades, master of none". I don't feel I have been or will be given the opportunity to become a 'subject matter expert' because of all the effin subjects. There will be an obvious "former TC/former RD" feel to the CG for at least ten years. Although the cross training seems to be working with kids coming right out of A school, it's more difficult to teach an old dog new tricks.

[Square Knot]

Very good post there, JekelKat.   I can certainly understand your frustration with the rate.  I languished aboard a WPB for two years before getting aboard a cutter with a CIC.  I can say, though, that you will not regret your experience in an active CIC, even in today's circumstances. 

I have also read of other's frustration with the flooding of the Rate since establishiment, and like you said, it "is" taking some time to weed out the "Old School" people.
But, after all is said and done, in my opinion, OS will be one of the most integral rates aboard the ship.  And, hopefully, "Jack of all trades, master of none" syndrome will just be a memory.

  No.71

[Salba]

JekelKat:

That's what we tell the kids coming out of A School... they have a leg up on legacy folks... because they know all sides of the house... no reason if they apply themselves they can't be 1st or better in short time...

Don't think it'll take 10 years to shake out... I'm thinking 3-4 years... mainly because the legacy folks in senior positions will be admin/supv types and the new kids will be the doers... hope that makes sense.

Best Wishes

[JekelKat]

Salba:

I don't think anyone should make 1st or better in a short time. I believe that is one of the GREATEST weaknesses of the OS rate currently. This is a huge disagreement with me and most folks and I feel like I'm beating a dead horse. Funny that I've been called "old school" and I've ONLY been in 9 years. I assume that opinion comes from my stance on particular issues.

I had to take the multiple tests (SN, MRN, DCPQS, etc) to make E-3. I had to wait over a year to make 2nd class on the list. Now I hear folks *****ing that they've been on the list for 3 months and "when am I going to make it? SIGH"

I digress. I'm hoping that cross training is more prevalent then it seems to be.

[Salba]

JekelKat:

I'm of a mind (yes I have one hidden somewhere...  ) that TIS shouldn't drive the promotion process.  I'm old guard when the average time to E-7 in the RM rating was 14 years (I made it in 10)... and when some other ratings it was even longer and someone had to die or retire in order for someone to make E-7 (DT comes to mind).

Performance is the key.  The OS rating is too diverse to have someone serve a tour at all possible types of duties prior to OS1 or OSC.  I've had A School students that were more competent OS at grad than some OS2's I've known...  So I have no problem with a 4 year OS1 or a six-eight year OSC.  Likewise, there are some OS/TC/RM's that should never rise above OS2 as they are competent only to stand a watch and do what they're told to do, when to do, how to do it... and require constant supervision.

But I do agree with you... I'm hoping more cross training does take place too.

V/R
Best Wishes

[Square Knot]

I have always been an advocate of giving to those who "Earn" their spot in the rotation, so to speak.  Not so much that I made RD1 in four (That was an incentive to ship over that I have regretted not taking) but the hard work and study it took to get there.  Although, I agree with changing the standards to fit the job. Everything today is more demanding and complex then 50 years ago.  There are so many more technalogical advancements that are at the disposal of the people seeking to advance to an upper level and paygrade.  I've seen the evolution from a No.2 lead pencil, compass and parallel ruler to all the computer contolled things that make up our daily grind, and I'm totally amazed on a daily basis at the "new" things that come across the plotting board.

So, I think, one's ability and dedication should continue to determine their future.  If ya got the right stuff to make it, why not have it?  In my day, the RD and some other Operations Div. rates were wide open, but I see that's all changed now and the competition is keen for those stripes.  None the less, the "good" ones need to be able to step on up.   My opinion, for whatever it's worth.

  No.71