Cpo Academy

[FSC Chris Stewart]

Why should I go? Why is the Coast guard forcing it down our throats? Some insite please

Thanks
Chris

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Because you owe it to yourself, fist and foremost. The Coast Guard is offering you courses that deal with insight in strengthening you as a person, and improving every relationship in your life. They're going to pay you while you attend, and give you the opportunity to talk with people from all around the CG while they do it. You'll earn college credit and they show you how to get more while spending little or noe of your own money. You'll be given the opportunity to talk to the most senior levels of our service and hear directly from them where we're heading. There are lots of reasons to go,.....and few if any not to.

And they're/we're not forcing anyone to do anything. Trust me when I tell you that you'll never have to attend. No one can ever force you to attend. No one forced you to make Chief. No one can force you to make Senior Chief. You no can force you to improve yourself. The choice will alsways be your's. You're only going to get what you want out of the class. You should go into it demanding everything that is rightfully your's. But no one is going to force you to attend. They'll/we'll just make the alternative less appealing.
The reason that they want you to attend.......
paraphrasing here........
Organizations used to think that to be more effective, they needed more effective employees. Effective Organizations now realized they need to make their employees more effective people.

If the Coast Guard shows you how to improve yourself, if you take that back to your unit and share it with others, everything else will fall into place. If you don't want to go for yourself, go for the people who can't. Do your part to share what's taught out there, and fill those seats. If we can keep them filled, we can ask for more schools/seats and start getting more junior people that first hand experience.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Why is the Coast guard forcing it down our throats?


Chris...It's professional development. With your comment from above, it sounds like you might need it. This might sound kind of hard, but I get tired of Chiefs making comments like yours. Your a Chief and shouldn't view this as being forced down your throat...you should view it as an opportunity for some growth as a Chief and as a person...how could that be a bad thing?

We (Chiefs) need to see the bigger picture and convey that to our troops. If we only talk about our academy in the negative, what do you think our up-and-coming Chiefs are going to think of it?

The bottom line is that at this point it's still an option. If you don't want to go...don't go...some other FSC will thank you for not competing with them on the SWE.

[DCCS Brett Wickett]

Because if you and others don't go the Chief's Corp will be ordered to go, and it is unacceptable for a Chief to be ordered to go to something they were continually asked to go to but refused. The CG wants you go go, it is part of your responsibility as a chief.
It is hard to press to your Jr's to do something if you are continually requested by your Sr's to do something and you refuse.
You will get something out of it.

Just my opinion

[SKC Raymond Kurtz]

Why should I go? Why is the Coast guard forcing it down our throats? Some insite please

I went to the Academy 4 years ago, I went because I wanted to go although there was some fear of the unknown involved. I loved every minute of it, even the reindeer games that I had trouble with. I have 28 years in now, the chances of me making Senior Chief are pretty slim. Since going to the Academy allows me to compete for Senior Chief, and like I said my chances of making it are pretty slim, do I regret going? Not at all. I learned so much from the experience and had a blast to boot.

Chris, you are looking at it from a negative attitude, you should want to attend, if nothing else, to say that you actually went through it. I look at my graduation certificate every day and each time it brings me pride, that certificate is one of the things on my love me wall that I am most proud of, the other is my advancement certificate to Chief.

I see a time when you will be forced to attend, why not attend when you can say that you did it on your own accord?

[MSTCS Jerald P. Motyka]

Two contrasting reasons (and extended thanks to whomever I stole this from!)

1. If you need it, it helps you be a better leader and manager, and gives you the opportunity to network so you can have the answers at your fingertips at all times to ALL those crazy questions they toss at Chiefs.

2. If you don't need it, it will benefit all the other Chiefs that attend by sharing your wealth of knowledge, and will help improve the capabilities of the Coast Guard by allowing all the other less knowledgable Chief's the chance to get YOUR phone number.

[FSC Chris Stewart]

Thank you on the insight. I was not trying to be negative about it. I have heard some negative things about it. Some Chiefs say " its the way the Coast Guard is trying to be business like. Coast guard wants One style of leadership" I have heard " Why is the Coast Guard making such a big deal about the Academy" You start hearing this from the seasoned Chief you start wondering.

Thanks for the positive insight

Chris

[PACS Steve Carleton]

Chris,

Go, because you want to go --

Did you go to LAMS?
Did you get anything out of that?
Are you a leader, or a follower?
If one of your junior FSs came to you and asked, "Hey Chief, why should I go to LAMS (or other leadership training)?" What do you tell them?

Sorry if this sounds brash, but it chaffs me to hear people complain about not being given leadership development opportunties int he CG and then when one is right there in front of them, they refuse it.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Chris, there is no one style of leadership that is going to work for everyone. Even a very successful leadership has to use different tools for different people. That is something they will show you when you attend.
As for people talking negatively about it.........have they attended? If someone hasn't gone, how could they know enough to comment. That's like asking for your comments about my soup when you haven't tasted it.
And those negative comments aren't unique to the CPOA. The same thing can be said about the OinC review board, the CCTI............

[BMC John Phillips III]

I have heard some negative things about it. Some Chiefs say " its the way the Coast Guard is trying to be business like.

I think you have received the answer to your question, but I have to wonder, if these "seasoned Chiefs" have actually been to the Academy themselves? I only ask because the only negativity I have ever heard about the Academy (outside of the inevitible not wanting to go to CA or be gone for 5 weeks) was from people that haven't went.

[FSC Chris Stewart]

Thanks John,

I wasn't trying to be negative about it. I have put my name on the list. You are right. Negative comes from those who have not gone.

Chris

[BMCM Deane Smith]

I wasn't trying to be negative about it. I have put my name on the list. You are right. Negative comes from those who have not gone.



Chris...what do you think of your academy?

[ETC John D Zidek]

JP3 you hit 2 of my 3 reasons for not going
CA
5 Weeks
Retirement

I know they are all BS reasons, but they are mine.

Right now I am looking forward to spending time with my family and enjoying the Light that I can see at the end of the tunnel.

As always you are never sure it's the end of the line until it gets here. Things change and I may not drop that letter. If they do and I stay past 2008 then I will attend the Academy, But that isn't part of the plan.....for now.

You know what they say about the plans :D


"Z"

[FSC Chris Stewart]

[QUOTE=BMCS Deane Smith]Chris...what do youthink of your academy?


Senior,

I am sorry what do you mean?

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

John, wanting to spend time with your family and getting ready for retirement are two reasons that you should go to the CPOA. Again you can apply the things that they teach to all the relationships in your life. Plus you get college credits and it's another thing you can add to your resume. You should take away everything that you can from the Coast Guard, they've taken away enough from you. They owe you this.
As for it being in CA............not much I can do for you there. The food is great, and you have to look at things positively. I personally love the West Coast..............of Puerto Rico.

Chris, it's the Chief Petty Officers' Academy.....that makes it yours. People who bad mouth it are bad mouthing your Academy. That's what Deane's getting at.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Chris...I want to know what your thoughts are on the academy. You've heard some negative and some positive. What is your opinion?

[BMC John Phillips III]

John, wanting to spend time with your family and getting ready for retirement are two reasons that you should go to the CPOA. Again you can apply the things that they teach to all the relationships in your life.

John, looks like BMCM beat me to it, but I would have said something very similar in response. I will add that with the light so visibly close at the end of the tunnel, why not sacrifice the 5 weeks? Other than leaving it for a Chief the CG is going to get more time out of. Why not be selfish? Take advantage of the class.

BMCS Smith, just like the chiefs with the negative comments about the Academy, how can he have an opinion if he hasn't gone?

[BMCS Terrill Malvesti]

I'm mid-way through week 4 here at the CPO Academy, graduation is less than a week away. It has been one of the best experiences of my career.

The time moves quickly, and the relationships you have a chance to make with other chiefs of all different ratings are priceless.

We have two Border Protection Agents, four Air Force Master Sergeants, one TSA supervisor, and a Marine Patrol officer from the St. Lucia Marine Police in our class. Where else can you network and share leadership and life experiences with people in similar positions from different agencies?

The new Deepwater (Calhoun) building will be dedicated on the morning of our graduation. In attendance for both the dedication and our graduation dinner will be MCPO Bowen and many of the former MCPOG's. You can’t beat having the opportunity to lift a glass of wine with the current and former MCPOG’s.

Like others have said before, this course is for you. The focus is on improving you as a person and as a leader in any organization.

TJ Malvesti
CXL
“Honor the Past, Enhance the Present, And Lead for the Future”

[BMC John Key]

I've been reading the comments about the CPOA. As a reservist, I try to stay out of things the active duty guys know better than me. As soon as I knew I was being advanced to chief, I was looking at dates for the academy. I am excited about going. People in the civilian world pay to go to leadership classes like the academy. The Coast Guard is offering it for free. A lot of retired chief's that I know have gone on to civilian careers. What better thing on a person's resume than a leadership school along with the leadership experience.

[FSC Chris Stewart]

Thanks TJ.

Congrats on making Chief

Chris

BMCS Smith,

I am looking forward to go. I have been given alot of insight here. I have spoken to a few of my mentors and They told me its the best thing I can do.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

BMCS Smith, just like the chiefs with the negative comments about the Academy, how can he have an opinion if he hasn't gone?

John...I've never jumped off a building, but I have an opinion on it. Are you really trying to say that because you haven't done something, you can't have an opinion on it? Is that what your saying? If so, we'd all be out of business.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

I've been reading the comments about the CPOA. As a reservist, I try to stay out of things the active duty guys know better than me. As soon as I knew I was being advanced to chief, I was looking at dates for the academy. I am excited about going. People in the civilian world pay to go to leadership classes like the academy. The Coast Guard is offering it for free. A lot of retired chief's that I know have gone on to civilian careers. What better thing on a person's resume than a leadership school along with the leadership experience.

John...your a wise man. Have fun at the academy and start working on FOT for some ADT time on the OSAGE.



BMCS Smith,

I am looking forward to go. I have been given alot of insight here. I have spoken to a few of my mentors and They told me its the best thing I can do.

Chris...you still haven't told me what you think. I'm just curious what you think of the Chiefs Academy.

[FSC Chris Stewart]

I think it will be a good tool. A great source of networking. I am looking to be better in my job

[MSTC Michael Schmidtke]

Chris, I'm just curious....what class did you put in for? I'm signed up for the Sept class....and although, I initially had the same opinion of someone else (18 years in the Guard, no one working for me and retiring at 20) I'm looking forward to going, although my wife isn't....we'll manage! I owe it to myself!

[BMC John Phillips III]

John...I've never jumped off a building, but I have an opinion on it. Are you really trying to say that because you haven't done something, you can't have an opinion on it? Is that what your saying? If so, we'd all be out of business.
Fair enough, but I bet if you got into a debate with someone who has "base-jumped" off a building, they would discount your opinion or not even consider it as it's something they have done and something you have not.

I am not saying you can't have an opinion on something you haven't done, I am just saying that when I am looking for opinions on something I haven't done, I go to the people that have done whatever it is. That's day one stuff.

[GMCM Bill Wells (Ret)]

I am not saying you can't have an opinion on something you haven't done, I am just saying that when I am looking for opinions on something I haven't done, I go to the people that have done whatever it is. That's day one stuff.

John, I have lots of experiences, including jumping off a building. You may come to me anytime.

[BMC John Phillips III]

That's cute Bill, but we are talking about having been to the CPO Academy and while I am not certain I think your experience with the academy is limited to criticizing it, and not actually having attended.

Quick question though, did you repel or base jump?

[GMCM Bill Wells (Ret)]

That's cute Bill, but we are talking about having been to the CPO Academy and while I am not certain I think your experience with the academy is limited to criticizing it, and not actually having attended.

Quick question though, did you repel or base jump?

Just jumped. It was something kids used to do.

I have been in the building and spoken with a former MCPO there. Does that count?

I did not have to attend. I already had enough training to be a CPO as a PO1.

[HSC Chris Fly]

I did not have to attend. I already had enough training to be a CPO as a PO1.

So I guess you're saying there is nothing you could have learned in the CPO Academy, huh? I'm thinking maybe a little humility becuase obviously CCTI didn't do it for you........

Chris

[CWO Dana Lewis (QMC) (Ret)]

The CPO Academy didn't exist back in that older time frame, and although the memory is a bit hazy, the establishment may have been a CG answer to the other services having such training facilities, that the CG used.

CCTI is an early 1990s revision of an older rite of passage called the CPO initiation.

An observation about the GMCMs comment about the PO1 & CPO.

One of the unwritten regulations, and a part of the old CPO initiation process, was the reinforcement of the basic CPO charge of ensuring that the first class petty officer in your division was trained and ready to assume the duties of the CPO at any time. I'd hope that it is still a part of the charge today. Surprisingly, that was also the unwritten charge to Warrant Officers concerning the CPO in their division.

Shouldn't the CPO academy should soon, or at sometime in the near future have met its original goal ? If all those that have attended, if the old CPO charge of training the PO1 is still valid, have gone back to the fleet and put whatever techniques they acquired, into practice. Wouldn't a goodly portion of the future petty officers already have those leadership tools/skills in place?

You'd kind of wonder that, if in 25 years, the leadership techniques should have filtered down through the ranks, and that institution would have accomplished its mission.