First and Foremost - US Coast Guard Auxiliary, First District ...

������������������������
����������� � ������������
Of the many things that have struck me, being “on the job” for these past 4
months, one consistently stands out. It is how much COMO Marschall cares very
specifically about civility. Yes, Respect is one of our cornerstones but we’ve all
seen instances where one Auxiliarist, acting in some capacity with respect to his
or her elected or appointed role, has been “authoritarian”, if I may use the term,
as if these roles we undertake were active-duty responsibilities and we actually
needed to “chew out” someone under our responsibility, to ensure discipline and
save lives.
But we aren’t active-duty. We serve active-duty’s needs. And, as importantly, we
serve each other in executing those tasks authorized for USCG Auxiliarists as set by the Commandant
of the US Coast Guard.
So, I thought about how to better articulate the spirit of what the COMO requires of all of us. How
can I, in word and deed, look to better serve fellow members of US Coast Guard Forces and excise out
small but corrosive expressions and mannerisms that subtly foster rank and privilege, rather than
service? Here is how.
Sound-bites from me for setting the inclusive, energetic, service-minded and respectful atmosphere
that the COMO demands of us:
�������������� � �����������������������������������������������������
If we take our time in responding to the enquiries and needs of those we are responsible to and for,
everything slows down. Any adult can take ‘no’ as an answer. They can’t take being ignored.
We live in a world of global, instantaneous communications. Let’s. Why? Because Operational Tempo
actually is set by our responsiveness.
�������������� � �������������������������
This means we need to make progress everyday or we lose ground against the mark. I know we all
grouse about the 80:20 problem (80% of the work gets done by 20% of the corps), and it is real. But
maybe we can get some of those other 80% who ����to be useful members of US Coast Forces if we
asked the question this way. “Can you give us just a few inches – today? We’ll worry about tomorrow
when it gets here.”
Think about the old saying: By the mile, it’s a trial. By the yard, it’s hard. By the inch, it’s a cinch…
����������������������� � ����������������������������������
1. “Drive this down to the ���������� .”
I submit that none of us are the “deck plate.” We are team mates; ship mates; fellow mariners; fellow
patriots. Not “deck plate.”
(Article continues on Page 33)
������������ �
�����������