Individual Development Plans

[ETCS David Kroll]

Is everyone requiring their members and supervisors to complete an IDP? I know PACAREA is pushing this alot more than LANTAREA, but I'm curious to see if it is being implemented everywhere. I think it is a good idea and I like it. My fear is that alot of units will complete the initial process and then let it fall by the wayside like so many other programs. The IDP is a COMDT mandated requirement but my feelings are that alot of units are hesitant to do them because they believe the IDP will fall to the wayside. I like how PACAREA has guidelines set up to set up an enitire binder full of information. It is the best job aid for this I've seen. So are IDP's a good thing? :rolleyes: Are they going to be fad and not be used? :( Are we as leaders doing our job and implementing this COMDT requirement? :cool: Or are our plates too full for this? :)

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

We have all our IDP's for E-6 and below done and in their training records. But I do think that it is a fad and will fall by the wayside in two years.

[BMCS Dennis Endicott ret]

To be truthful, I didn't know there was such a thing until Dave told me about it. I'm sure that the instruction came across my radar screen at some point, but you can see the attention I gave to it.

[BMC Ken Gouge]

My command has yet to bite off on the need for e-4 and below to hold gov't travel cards. Those that have them are recently from other units. We also are not given access to UTS for travel claims. I am trying to come to grips with e-pme's, aqe's, epq's and the like while underway with poor connectivity.

Prior to transfer last summer I had received the info on the IDP. We began to implement it, but were slow on the uptake because it was not supported with much explainition other than "make it happen". We had the members fill it out and the plan was to review it every three months at the least during mid-marking period counselling and when doing marks. I can't tell you if OPTEMPO overrode the plan, but the program did seem a little intense as written.

If PACAREA has good instruction or guidelines established to make the initial plan easier to understand or implement please post a link here or e-mail me on the global.

Ken

[BMCM Deane Smith]

I'm a PACAREA unit and they are hitting it hard. We were doing it at my station before it was mandatory because it really is a good thing. If nothing else, it forces the command to have a one-on-one with our people...that's never a bad thing.

If anyone wants a complete IDP package, send me an email and I'll send it your way. What I will forward to you is the PACAREA package that they sent to all units. It will need to be tailored to your unit, but it's a good all-inclusive package.



BMCS Deane Smith
USCG Station Portland, OR
dcsmith@pacnorwest.uscg.mil
(503) 240-9358

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

And if Deane's doesn't fit your needs drop me a line and I'll send you what I was sent from D1. It was forced down our throats and we made sure we did it just to end the e-mail bombardment we were getting from Activities.

[BMC Kerry Wagoner]

IDP's here in D14 are required for all E-6 and below. The district is pushing this right up there along side the weight standards. Don't really agree that all E-6 and below should be required to complete the IDP. Maybe having all E-6 and below under eight years active duty or something along those lines.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Kerry,

Is it all E-6 and below?

or

all E-6 and below on their first enlistment?


I'll have to check tommorrow at work, but I thought it was first termers.

[BMC Kerry Wagoner]

It is all E-6 and below, regardless of term. That is what D14 has mandated. I know that PACAREA's is a bit different.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

We were required to do all E-6 and below here in NY as well.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

I just double-checked the PACIFIC AREA INSTRUCTION 5357.2 (Pacific Theater People Plan) and it says...IDP's are required for all "First Termers" within the Pacific Theater.

I guess the Districts/Activities/etc are taking it up a notch.

[BMC Gary Clark]

Your last statement Senior was the most telling in what will kill the program. Every level of command district, group-sectors, etc. are now placing there own tags on the program. What started as an exceptional tool to promote interaction between the command and the crew is quickly growing into another administrative burden. I believe very much in the idea to be a good leader of people you must know the people you lead. However I feel that when you make this concept a structured/required meeting you are going to to see a backlash from the very people charged with carrying out the policy. It now becomes another requirement, more paperwork, less time focused on the operation's of the unit. And eventually will be disliked by both parties involved, for the member it will end up being nothing more than a counseling session with the Chief, and will not carry near the meaning of the "Chance" conversation with the Chief where they inquire about you and your plans while standing on the brow, or u/w. Many of those "Chance" encounters have stayed with me much longer than any official sit down. Just my thoughts

[EMC Travis S. Parks]

I guess I can swallow it for the first termers, heck maybe some good might even come of it, but, I can't wait to sit down with some 26 year first class whose old enough to be my Dad and talk about his future!

[BMC Chris Gempp]

My Group required everyone on board to do a sheet. Not sure what the value of someone who has 18 years in will accomplish :confused:

[BMC Kerry Wagoner]

We are now completing the "follow ups" for most of my crew right now. Some good as actually come from several members. Mostly in the areas of professional goals. I agree that having a member with 18 years in is going a bit too far.

[ETCS David Kroll]

Hi Chris,
It is much more than just a sheet now. It is a three ring binder full of information. I used PACAREA's and I liked it, but as I heard in another post, every command is doing something different. Some Commands aren't even doing anything. There is alot on all our plates and some folks are really focusing hard on other leadership issues. An example would be a command that is going all out to enforce the fitness plans we are all supposed to be following and updating regularly. It has almost turned into an optional instruction it seems like.

Dave