CCTI lack of participation in returning Charges

[BMC Greg A Robertson]

I am a new E-7 participating in the CCTI, it has been a great learning experience thus far. I feel that ALL E-7's should participate in the CCTI. I am a reservists and greatly appreciate the way Local Chiefs Mess has ensured reserve participation.
The problem that I see is getting the number of signatures where there aren't many Chiefs within several hours drive. My group of PCPO's has been charged by the COTM to think "outside the box to get signatures by using e-mail". I have been extremely dissapointed with the lack of response to my e-mails (and others in my group). I have sent approximately 150 e-mails to various Chief's throught the country. I have received about 10 responses back. Thats less than 10% to me this is unacceptable. This goes against everything I have learned to this point about CCTI. I have learned that the Chiefs must stand together and are a brotherhood, and I fully believe that. I understand that the "old school" Chiefs do not like the e-mail charge system, that's ok I'm sure they have their reasons.
Today things are different, Almost all day to day operations in the USCG are done on the Workstation TMT, AOPS, People Soft, UTS, Message System, and we're required to use and keep CG Central up to date.

I don't understand the difference?? Please Honorable ones explain this to a humble E-7, as I aspire to be a real Chief on my CCTI graduation in 2 weeks. :confused:

Greg Robertson BMC USCGR

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Too many things today are done on the computer. One of the things that the CCTI trys to teach you is to build your people skills. Return to the day of looking people in the eye when you speak to them. Offer them your hand when you meet them. Get out of the office and let them see your face. Go to their office to see where they work. E-mails will never replace the bond that comes with human interaction. Look around you......there are people that try and counsel their subordinates via, e-mails, and sticky-pad. People are becoming more and more unwilling to confront each other.
Look back at the leaders that you have admired throughout your career. Look at the ones the have always helped your the most. The ones that got you the things that you wanted or needed. Did you admire them for the way they dealt with the people around them, or were you more impressed with their writing skills.
I'm not looking for someone who can send an e-mail to become part of my Mess. I'm looking for someone who will stand by my side when I go out to confront someone. When it's time to hold a Chief's Call, I don't need people phoning it in. When we hold a Chief's Performance Review Board, I don't want people suggesting that we all just e-mail our thoughts on the matter. I don't need a fellow Chief that can read an e-mail for me. I need a fellow Chief that can read his people. I need one that wants to. The computer is not a living thing. Some things get lost in the written word.
I think what your COTM is doing has been discussed at length, and was determined to be wrong. I would never return the e-mail charge sheet of someone I had not sailed with in the past. It's not about getting numbers. It's not about having someone's signature. It's about what you, as an individual, can gain from going out and meeting those people that you say you want to become brothers with. It's about you telling them who you are, and asking to be accepted into their midst. Just ask yourself if you would be satisfied with a virtual CCTI.
And Greg.......as I am a reader of the written word.......all Coast Guard Operations are done by people. We document those operations on the computer. The computer merely holds the records of what the people have done. Without the people, we are nothing. If we don't leave the office, operations never get done.
Welcome to the Board and the Mess............

[BMC Greg A Robertson]

Senior,
I understand what your saying and I don't disagree. I have met with most Chiefs personally within my area, that constitutes about 15 to 18 counting warrents and O's (converted). I guess what I'm getting from you is the high number of "75 required signatures" is not important. It's getting to know the ones in your area, and I do know most of them and I am getting to know the ones I haven't worked with before.

This has been the meat of most of the discussions with the other PCOP's. I guess my question to the COTM may end up being, why are we required to get so many signatures when many Chiefs are against the e-mail system?

I personally don't and won't have a problem returning charges sent to me via e-mail. I believe it sends the message that this PCPO is willing to try new approaches to problem solving while meeting (virtually, may be the only way some Chiefs will ever meet) new contacts. I have benifited by all of the words of wisdom I have received and I appreciate the Chiefs taking the time out of their day to share them with me.
Greg Robertson BMC USCGR

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Thinking outside of the box........I would call the Pay and Personnel Center and ask for a list of the Retirees in that Area, E-7 and above. You could always ask your sponsor about why that number is what it is. There is a reason for every task that they assign you. That reason might not be readily apparent to you, but there is a reason. If they wanted me to come up with 75, I would have come up with at least 75. The members of that Mess would have more insight than I do.

[BMC Greg A Robertson]

Senior, Good idea about the retired in the area. I called a few I knew and will follow up on getting the list.

Greg Robertson BMC USCGR

[ETC Joe Jester ret]

Greg,

When you approach them for their charges, invite them to your CCTI.

I sent out two charges as email attachments, both to people I knew since they were young PO's. It was printed out in pdf format so they could print the information and put it in their charge book.


Joe

[SKC Ronald Brumble]

Do you have a Navy post nearby? Don't forget those retired Navy Chiefs if there are any around. My group went to the Naval base in norfolk to get some sig's from CG Chiefs there at the ATG. We ended up getting some Navy Chiefs to fill out a couple of charge sheets as well.

Once a Chief, always a Chief.

Good luck with the Rest of your CCTI and welcome to the mess (when your done :D )

[BMC Greg A Robertson]

Thanks guys.
I do have a Navy base close by, we (the PCPO's ) were unsure if we could use Navy Chief's. There has been no direction that way, but it has been discussed in our group. Time's nearing and our day is April 14, So it looks like it's going to be a last ditch effort. I have about 30 signatures thus far. And I am nearing the point of saying I get what I get now. I have put many hours into my books contents and cover, I have been very thorough. I also have many hours into my hat box (I think it's cool it's a BM theme), so I don't think anyone will think I have been a "slacker". I have the e-mail logs to prove the effort that has been put in. I do appreciate the advise, and thanks to all for the welcome.

Greg :D

[MSTCS Jerald P. Motyka]

Watch out for using our Navy brethren for Words of Wisdom and Charge Sheets... due to work-load and availability, I had to dip into the Navy to finish my book - and could only use about 50% of them...

My God but they can swear!!! And the Charge Sheets had such colorful suggestions as to various punishments!

[PACS Steve Carleton]

PCPO Robertson:

My take on the e-mail version is that it takes the personal side out of things. I think face-to-face is optimum.

When I receive e-mail requests, I respond with asking for a sheet and SASE via snail mail. I like to hand write my Words of Wisdom, again it adds a personal touch.

[BMCS Burt Ford]

Greg, if you are sector lower mis there are several chiefs on the boats there. 2 1/2 hours south is the PATOKA, 3 chiefs and the MSD with two chiefs(CWO). One of them I sposored during his CCTI and the other Sponsored me. Pine bluff has three as does the CHENA in Hickman. Thats 11 more all within 2 1/2 hours drive. And i hope you have Been to Millington. There are lots of Navy Chiefs on the base.

[BMC Chris Gempp]

When I went thru CCTI, I had some Navy Chief's give me knowledge and charges, needless to say, it went over well with the Judge.

[SKC Ronald Brumble]

Greg, Please send me pictures of your Hat boxes with Books in front of them. I'm collecting pictures for a "Photo Album". Also, if you dont mind, send me one of your invatations via email. I'll use the info to lable your CCTI hat box pic's

Thanks

[DCCS Brett Wickett]

Greg,
if your at Sec Lower, have ya thought about taking a trip north about 3 hrs, St. Louis has Many chiefs , (INCLUDING THE ANCIENT MARINER).
as for email, if the PCPO is underway, I will accept email charge sheets without question, otherwise I would like to see one sent to me via snail mail. But if it is email, I will not sing one that is not sent to me. I don't want a generic charge sheet sent to me. Take the time and put my name on it. But hey that's just me. Now have you taken the time to pull names form the posters here and requested charges from us. I have not gotten anything from you. Just a thought.

[DCCS Todd Holcomb]

Greg
I'll guarantee if you take the time to send out via mail, most will likely return, be sure to include the correct color pen, SASE, WOW, charge sheet, and invitation.

beating the dead horse here but I agree,It's best to get out there and shake hands and kiss babies but if that honestly can't be accomplished, well, you do what you have to. My name and unit are below, if you take the time to do the legwork as Brett suggested to send us one, I guarantee you I will send it back, it may be a little banged up but it will be handwritten and will not contain anything that you wouldn't show to your children.

Good luck and welcome to the mess, almost!!!!!!!!
DCC Holcomb
SFO Moriches

[BMC Greg A Robertson]

Fellow Chiefs,

Thanks for the suggestions. I have considered a motorcycle ride to some of the Tenders, Time and weather permitting. We called the tenders near Paris and were told that they didn't even know their schedule enough to know when they would be in port. St Louis is a little to far it's 4 1/2 to 5 hours from Memphis. I really wasn't fishing for Charges but it sounds like several of you may be inclined to return so I'll get on it. However it turns out I appreciate your time. At this point 2 weeks out nothings "out the window yet". I will send pics to you SKC. I will be working at my civilian job Friday, 24 hours at the Fire Dept. I begin moving into my new house after that so I'll be off line a couple of days. I'll check back as soon a I get hooked back up probably Wed.

Greg

[BMCS Roland Ashby]

When I was a PCPO I sent via snail mail a request for charges, charge sheet, pen, $2 for coffee, and a return envelope with postage; to all of the CMC of the districts (Reserves and Active Duty) I receive about 80% back.

Needless to say, I had many more charges for Master Chiefs than anyone else at the CCTI. As a reservist, it was much more difficult for me to visit all the cheifs in my area. The fact that I travel about 75% for my civilian job didn't help. But I still met the requirement for charges.

Good luck.

[BMC Greg A Robertson]

Thanks for the comments and Charges I recieved from all. Tomorrow is the big day 14 April CCTI. All the works done, costume, hat box, charge book complete, coffee mess, you name it. I'll post some pics later.

[DCCS Todd Holcomb]

Greg,

I'm ineterested to know if you feel you gained anything from the process? Please share your thoughts, but remember everyone can see so don't give anything up that you wouldn't talk about around other non Chiefs. If you have any things to change post on the protected link.

Welcome to the mess, next time you'll be on the other side.

Todd

[LT Arthur Nelson (MKC) (Ret)]

Same holds true with any pictures you may post. Do so only behind closed doors.
I know you & all the other PCPO's going thru initiation [hint, hint] will be able to share with us your experiences and how you felt things went.

[MSTC Jerome Lockwood]

I'm a PCPO that is going through CCTI right now. My one goal was to get one charge sheet from every rate in the Coast Guard. I was told by Most Honorable Master Chief Six that there are no MU that are on active duty that have gone through CCTI. Can anyone tell me if there are any MU in the past that have gone through CCTI. THANKS PCPO

[BMCM Wray Gillette (Ret)]

Same holds true with any pictures you may post. Do so only behind closed doors.
I know you & all the other PCPO's going thru initiation [hint, hint] will be able to share with us your experiences and how you felt things went.

Arthur, I don't believe the same secrecy holds true with todays CCTI as it did with the "old style" initation in years past... That said, I still agree, keep it behind closed doors, regardless....

Wray.. :cool:

[BMCM Wray Gillette (Ret)]

"Can anyone tell me if there are any MU in the past that have gone through CCTI."

Don't know for sure.. but I'd be money there are none.....

Wray.. :cool:

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Wray, I just spent some time at the CPOA with an MU that said several members of the band had been initiated.

[MSTC Shad Hudgins]

I do believe there is one stationed at Cape May, don't remember his name though.

[HSC Chris Fly]

Last fall I sent a sheet to MUC Buggs as he was one of my asst. CC's, I never got a sheet returned. I do believe he is the MU at Cape May.
Chris

[MKC Gene Sykes]

I cannot remeber his name, but he is stationed in Cape May. Sorry I couldn't help you more.

Gene

[GMCM Bill Wells (Ret)]

I have been asked in the recent past to fill out and email the "charge" sheet for several people.

I've filled them out (the Word version) and emailed them back. Some made and some did not. It seems the ones sent to CG email addresses are more likely of not being delievered.

I know I've had to send some two or three times before they made it through. Therefore, it is always a good idea to send an inquiry if one is not received. I got mine because I carried the book around and asked the chiefs.