The seasonal spike in RFCs????

[BMCM Bruce Bradley]

Hopefully I'm not the only one to notice that we have suffered from a rash of RFCs around the country over the past several months, in both the Chiefs Mess and the Wardroom. What is going on out there?

[BMCS Nick Pupo]

Bruce, you're not.
Along with that, I've seen an additional alarming trend of a rash of XPO and EPO reliefs.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Not sure if the numbers are really higher than normal or if it just feels that way. The RFC's that I've heard of all sound like no-brainers.

Bruce...you're more "in-the'know" than us, why do you think?

[BMCS Mike Ellis]

I've been checking the fredsplace thread about it too. Seems like a lot going on lately. Not sure what the mention of D9 is about. I haven't heard anything from up there.

As for the XPO's, mine was one of them. Pretty close to the hardest decision I've ever made. Absolutely necessary though.

This type of stuff scares the hell out of me.

[BMCM Bruce Bradley]

Well we all pretty much know about them. But it just feels like there is an unusually high number of them in the last 4-5 months. And I was just think CO/OinC. When you start looking at the other command cadre one that just increases it all.

[BMC Seth Tomas]

D9 was mentioned on Freds Place....what's that about?? Just trying to figure out if I need to go to work tomorrow, or if someone else will be sitting at my desk when I get there! ;)

[AMTCM John Long]

So is it still worth wanting to be a CO or OINC?

To me.....I don't see the fun in having to silently second guess or review my every decision to make sure it will not get snared in the RFC/second guessing trap. If folks would be honest, I suspect many CO's and OINC's do that but won't fess up and admit it.

A challanging thought.....

When a CO or OINC enters the decision process, what comes to mind first....making the right one or one that won't open them up to an RFC and/or second guessing?

Even though I will never be an CO/OINC....if that was an option, I'd have to give it serious thought before entering the "gauntlet".

[BMCM Bruce Bradley]

John, although there are some "operational" decision reliefs that happen, the vast majority of them deal with other stupid things that people do. Or combined with just poor leadership as a whole. There are no shortcuts in the big chair.

I personally never worried about being relieved, because I never did anything that I (or my crew) thought was off the farm. And I guess neither did any of my bosses.

And yes it is totally worth it.

[BMCS Nick Pupo]

John, I would say that as far as Op decisions and decisions that effect the Coast Guard mission, they may be second guessed. But if somebody makes a wrong decision it is rare that it comes to an RFC. False or not complying with AOPS/TMT is the one exception I can think of that will get you relieved.

Most of the RFC's that Ive heard of are for "core value" issues. Sex wiith somebody at the unit, alcohol, or striking a crewmember. Really a no brainer, and I dont think the person gettnig relieved, even thought about that decision before they made it.

I love being an OIC, yes we are under a microscope, but the job satisfaction far outweights the scrutiny.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

When a CO or OINC enters the decision process, what comes to mind first....making the right one or one that won't open them up to an RFC and/or second guessing?

Even though I will never be an CO/OINC....if that was an option, I'd have to give it serious thought before entering the "gauntlet".

I've never wondered if a decision I made was opening me up for a relief. I think when you start wondering about opening yourself up for a relief prior to making a decision, your probably not going to last long in the position. We're always going to be second guessed...doesn't matter what chair you're sitting in for that!

There's only one thing that should come to mind and that's making the right decision. By right I mean doing what's right for the Coast Guard...everything else will work itself out. If you make the right decision, you don't have to worry about being opened up for a relief.

Having good honest dialogue with your boss usually helps also, that way they know where you're coming from and you're keeping them informed of what you're doing...they seem to like that!

[AMTCM John Long]

I've never wondered if a decision I made was opening me up for a relief. I think when you start wondering about opening yourself up for a relief prior to making a decision, your probably not going to last long in the position. We're always going to be second guessed...doesn't matter what chair you're sitting in for that!

There's only one thing that should come to mind and that's making the right decision. By right I mean doing what's right for the Coast Guard...everything else will work itself out. If you make the right decision, you don't have to worry about being opened up for a relief.

Having good honest dialogue with your boss usually helps also, that way they know where you're coming from and you're keeping them informed of what you're doing...they seem to like that!

Deane,

That last part is likely the key to ensuring a harmonious tour.

John

[BMCS Burt Ford]

Well My XPO left here in December. it was not an RFC because EPM said he was never qualified for the job.....never passed DWO. I relieved my EPO in April.

I am like Deane. I use CG standards to make decisions. We have to be able to articulate our rationale behind them if our boss wants to know. As long as you do that honestly to whomever asks, you should not have to worry about your job.

I too love being and OINC and dont worry. It the guys that let thier ego un the unit that usually end up looking for a new job.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

If you actually heard what people were getting relieved for lately you might be shocked at the behavior but not surprised by the Coast Guard's response. Like the others have said, alot of these things were 'no-brainers". If a member of the command cadre gets arrested at this point in their career, they shouldn't be shocked when they're taken out of that position.

John, the job is still the best job out there, as long as you remember where you may be the boss, you still have a boss, and you're responsibile for your actions.

[BMCS Rob Goley]

I'm not much of a poster but I figured I'd give this one a shot...

Being and OIC is by far the best job in the CG! It was my dream ever since I came into the CG and I just finished my first year in command. Sure, there are times that you just want to pull your hair out but the good things far outweigh the bad. The best part of the job is watching my crew succeed...whether it be a significant SAR/LE case, advancements, awards, or just watching them work together on a daily basis to get the job done.

Just like everyone has already mentioned, I too have noticed the rise (possibly perceived) in RFCs lately. I am not really worried about my existence as an OIC but the minimally published info certainly helps me maintain my course. A quick moral compass check every once in a while never hurts!

Follow the policy to the best of your ability, keep the boss "in the know", do what you truly believe is the right thing to do, and it's all down swell from there.