Company Commander assignments

[CMC Bruce Bradley]

During my last visit to Cape May I got into a great discussion with the Training Officer over the lack of a "robust pool" of senior paygrade applicants for the annual Company Commander openings. He/they cannot understand why more senior operational type rates do not apply. This wasn't meant to be a slam against any rate, but being as I'm a BM, I was pressed as to why more senior BMs for example didn't apply. I gave him my input and perceptions on why the current state of affairs exist. I plan on having a further discussion with the TO and CO on my next visit down there and then ongoing after reporting in later this summer.

Most everyone know the requirements for the CC job, the perks associated with successful work and tour completion and the good and bad scuttlebutt that floats around the fleet with reference to those assignments.

So with all this what would stop from requesting assignment to a CC position. Please don't just base your answer on your current paygrade but also consider why you didn't as a PO1 or higher. I'd like to know both personal and your perceptions of career effect within your rating. This isn't an attempt to solicit anyone to apply for the jobs but rather a personal project to validate some theories and search for better solutions. I'm saying that I'll be able to change anything, but with enough input hopefully open some eyes and start those above thinking. I'm leaving out my opinions on purpose so I don't influence anyone or drive a discussion, I just what your point of view.

[DCCS Brett Wickett]

MC, I'll jump in this one. I have tried twice in my career, the first time I was told I could not be released from rate. The second time I made it to the interview process and was asked if I could run. Well my legs are shot for running puposes. Have had surgery on both of them. So I said no I could not run, at least not far. I was then told basically, sorry we can't use you. Now I understand the rules, and I understand the quals. And if I were teaching young Coasties how to be marathoners ( is that a word) then I would also understand the reasoning completely. Those are only my attempts, I am now making 8 and am not eligible again for a third reason.
It is somewhat ironic in that I have been told by many people in many different paygrades, both O and E that I should become a Company Commander.
I would suspect there are several stories with similarites to mine out there. So I would wonder just how many have applied and been turned down for a reason that had nothing to do with the teaching/training/mentoring of the next generation.
But that's only my story.

Brett

[BMCS Nick Pupo]

I too have thought about it, but. Never went forward with it for one reason, I always got something else higher on my e-resume. So you could say that as a last resort I would have been a CC.
The closest I got was prior to my assignment aboard MAKO. I received calls from several different Senior Enlisted already aboard as CC's who wanted to know if I would be interested in taking a job as a CC. But again being an OIC or XPO ment more to me through out my career.
But it does seem to me that we have a higher number of aviation ratings that are CC's. I wonder what the reason for that is.

[BMCM Wray Gillette (Ret)]

It's the hats.. who would want to wear those silly lookin hats! ;)

Aside from that, operational & command positions are much more rewarding.

Wray... :cool:

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

I never wanted to be stationed ashore. I've tried to stay afloat or in Puerto Rico since 1988. And south Jersey never held any appeal.
I went thru Cape May in a prior service company, and never learned or looked into what the CCs role was.

[BMC John Phillips III]

So with all this what would stop from requesting assignment to a CC position. Please don't just base your answer on your current paygrade but also consider why you didn't as a PO1 or higher. I'd like to know both personal and your perceptions of career effect within your rating.

I always wanted to be a CC but I never asked to be one for a few reasons.

1. Cape May, New Jersey - location, location, location.
2. I have 4 children of my own and honestly, paying that much attention to 60 or more would not be fair to them. My CC was with us what seemed like night and day.
3. The jobs I have had are as Wray said, "very rewarding." I have experienced that, I had no guarantee I would feel as rewarded being a CC for 4 years. (it is 4 years isn't it?).

[PAC Darrell Wilson (Ret)]

I put in for it. Had glowing reviews written about me but detailer would not let me out of rate.

Master Chief, I think there are plenty who would do it but there are other road blocks out there.

[CMC Bruce Bradley]

Darrell, it's the road blocks that I want to validate, both the actual ones that people you have encountered and the perceived ones that both getting there and getting out of there cause the member.

[BMCS Eric Guerette]

I always wanted to be a CC but I never asked to be one for a few reasons.

1. Cape May, New Jersey - location, location, location.
2. I have 4 children of my own and honestly, paying that much attention to 60 or more would not be fair to them. My CC was with us what seemed like night and day.
3. The jobs I have had are as Wray said, "very rewarding." I have experienced that, I had no guarantee I would feel as rewarded being a CC for 4 years. (it is 4 years isn't it?).

John- it was all night and all day.

I applied and was accepted as a BM1. I turned it down due to a shoulder problem. I didn't want to go through two months of boot camp again (CC training) and wash out because I couldn't do my push ups. That would have left me looking for new orders in late spring, with a great selection of billets that nobody wants.
I ended up getting XPO orders on the IBIS in Cape May. I didn't even want to go to NJ, just wanted an XPO job (I think it was 8 or 9 on my list).
It was a whole lot better for me to stay a BM and continue learning my rate and give back some knowledge at the same time.
People in operational rates want to be operational. I can have a large effect on a small number of Coasties as an OIC or a small effect on a large number of Coasties as a CC. I choose quality over quantity. At least that's my goal.
Eric

[BMC John Phillips III]

John- it was all night and all day.....

Was it just our CC that did that or do they all?

I can have a large effect on a small number of Coasties as an OIC or a small effect on a large number of Coasties as a CC. I choose quality over quantity. At least that's my goal.
Eric

Eric very well put, I totally agree! (well at least in the context you are using it, I am certain some would argue that the quantity of my posts far exceed the quality, but not me ;) )

[PACS Steve Carleton]

I wanted to pursue that assignment, but due to the way my advancements/PCS moves have come, I missed out on the screening process.

[BMC Jennifer Stanton]

I just completed Company Commander school last month and I am heading up to Cape May in June. School was extremely challenging and one of the hardest if not the hardest thing I've ever done. I can't say enough how much I am looking forward to being a CC and taking on this responsibility and challenge. Just being at the Training Center again and amongst such a large group of professionals is astounding and an incredible feeling. If this is an assignment that some of you have thought about applying for I say consider it and go for it!

[BMCS Jim Madsen]

Jennifer,
What was it that was so challenging and hard about the school? How should folks prepare for it?

[BMC Jennifer Stanton]

The amount of information you have to memorize (verbatim) was extremely challenging. We studied every night for 6-8 hours and had homework on top of that! You have to learn everything a recruit is about to learn but better, faster and more often! And you are trained to have these recruits entrusted to your care. It is a really demanding school, but so worth it. I am so glad and proud that I went through it. It is going to be a very rewarding and worthwhile job!

[BMCS Burt Ford]

Jennifer,

My son reports to Cape may 11 Jun so we will maybe see you in August when we come up for graduation.

Burt

[ETC Joe Jester ret]

One of my charges when to Cape May as a CC a few years back, and he reflected the same feelings that Jennifer alluded to. He also said it was the toughest qualification procedures he experienced.

[BMCS Nick Pupo]

Burt, when you head to CM give me a shout if we're in, I'll buy the first round. Depending on when you son graduates, Bruce may be here also.
Just let me know.

[PACS Steve Carleton]

One of my charges when to Cape May as a CC a few years back, and he reflected the same feelings that Jennifer alluded to. He also said it was the toughest qualification procedures he experienced.

One of my PA1s just completed a story about the CC School. It should be coming in a upcoming issue of CG Magazine.

[PACS Steve Carleton]

DROP AND GIVE ME TWENTY!
Coast Guard Training Center Offers Unique Look
Into What Makes a Recruit Company Commander
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/651/163779/

Story and photographs by Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Niemi, Coast Guard Public Affairs Detachment Atlantic City, N.J.

JOB APPLICATION

HELP WANTED: Coast Guard training center seeks motivated, competent, confident individuals capable of leading hundreds of young people every year.

Must have: excellent communication skills; superb military bearing; ability to, not only adhere to, but personify, the Coast Guard's core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.

Quite possibly the most influential person in a young enlisted servicemember's life is the first he or she encounters upon entry into the armed services.

While attending basic military training, otherwise known as "boot camp," the recruits are led, directed and motivated by individuals who come to represent the very best their service has to offer. These individuals are responsible for the basic military training, physical fitness and welfare of the recruits entrusted to their care.

In the Army, they're called drill sergeants. The Air Force calls them military training instructors. The Navy has recruit division commanders. And, in the Marine Corps, they're called drill instructors.

The U.S. Coast Guard, smallest of the nation's five armed services, has them, as well.

They are called recruit company commanders.

The titles and descriptions may be reminiscent of actor R. Lee Ermey's portrayal of Marine Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the movie Full Metal Jacket. Other movies and television shows have also portrayed these individuals: intense motivators, spewing orders to hordes of confused and frightened military recruits, eyes fiercely gazing from under the brim of their campaign covers. The broad-brimmed covers are known to many by the rather un-imposing nickname of "Smokey Bears," due to their resemblance to the headwear worn by the fictional character from public service campaigns.

But, apparently, there's more to the job than simply yelling at young people and ordering them to do push-ups.

"I love to teach and this job involves a lot of it," said Chief Petty Officer Kimberly Tutwiler, who is a recruit company commander, or "CC," at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., the Coast Guard's only recruit training center and enlisted accession point.

Following her own basic training in 1997, Tutwiler remained in Cape May, assigned to the training center's ceremonial staff.

"I saw what company commanders do here," she said, "and I saw the impact they have on their recruits. I wanted to be able to impact people's lives like my company commanders impacted mine."

Tutwiler feels the most rewarding part of her job is witnessing "the transition - where the recruits have achieved."

"To watch them overcome whatever obstacle it was that they were trying to get past - whether it's military bearing or some type of military skill problem," she said. "Physical fitness - that's a huge one that people don't usually overcome until towards the end of training."

"It's watching them actually achieve something and be proud of themselves for doing so," she said. "As a company commander - watching a recruit do that - that's been the most rewarding."

After training six recruit companies, Tutwiler is now assigned as the chief of the Company Commander School at the training center, where she has a hand in the development of future company commanders.

"The training is about seven weeks long," she said. "The first week is the Instructor Development Course. Then, the next six weeks is the actual Company Commander School. It's a full, in-house program consisting of classroom instruction, individual study and practical application.

"We instruct and demonstrate recruit rules and regulations as well as the standard operating procedures for the training center," she said.

Additionally, the CC School students are instructed in leadership, coaching and counseling. They are provided opportunities to witness the actual application of these skills to recruits in training and to see how the standard operating procedures are being applied.

Prospective CCs are also instructed on what's called "ethical fitness" where they are trained to identify the difference between an ethical dilemma and a moral temptation, and the appropriate action to take when encountered by either.

Students are given classwork and homework assignments to ensure they can memorize the training center's standard operating procedures and the Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual, from which they learn close-order drill and manual-of-arms movements they will teach to recruits.
Prospective CCs are also required to participate in all of the physical fitness classes the recruits will attend.

"It all ties back to our motto of ‘better, faster, more often,'" Tutwiler said. "The company commanders should be able to do everything they instruct their recruits to do - but better, faster and more often."

"The training will definitely take a toll on you," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Nick Sutton, a recent graduate of Company Commander School. "It's definitely the hardest training I've ever been through - mentally, emotionally, physically - it's pretty hectic."

"We worked seven days a week," said Sutton, whose previous unit was the Coast Guard's Pacific Area Tactical Law Enforcement Team. "Some of us were putting in 20-hour days, not only with the class, but studying as well. After four or five weeks of that, emotions started running pretty high around here.

"Everybody's been stressed ... since the Sunday we got here," Sutton said. "It had been eight years since I'd seen somebody with a campaign cover on. Seeing them walk in the room that first Sunday night is stressful enough."

The drill board is in many ways a "final exam" for prospective recruit company commanders. They must demonstrate proper execution of close-order drill, manual-of-arms, manual-of-guidon and manual-of-sword movements, each before an assembled board of company commanders and instructors.

As the training center's recruit battalion commander, Master Chief Petty Officer Stephen Dykema manages the day-to-day affairs of the training center regiment and supervises company commanders and their training. Additionally, he too was a recruit company commander for two years and the section commander for one of the regiment's halls for one year.

"I have former recruits of mine who are chiefs now and that's very rewarding to me," said Dykema. "The first time I ran into a guy who was in my first company, and I saw he's wearing anchors now, I thought, ‘Wow' - there's the full circle for you."

"There's a reality to what we say to recruits - ‘you're going to be the future leaders of the Coast Guard.' Well, there it is," he said. "And we want people here who want to learn the value in that and to be part of it."

Tutwiler says a prospective company commander needs to be "someone of strong moral character - someone who not only knows what integrity is, but actually lives up to it."

"Honor, respect and devotion to duty - that's exactly what we're trying to instill into our recruits, and you can't do that if you're not leading by example."

"This school shouldn't change the type of person you are," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Durrant, another recent CC School graduate. "The school should just amplify those qualities you do have."

"Prospective company commanders must realize this job is a sacrifice, personally and professionally," said Dykema. "For those who are ready for the challenge and know what it means to live by our core values, there is no other assignment in the Coast Guard that affords the opportunities to impact our service like this one."

"You can't let hearsay discourage you if you think you want to do this job," said Durrant. "The majority of what people think this job is about, it's not about at all."

"The yelling and screaming people see in boot camp is literally less than one percent of what this job is actually about," continued Durrant. "It's being a coach ... being a mentor - not being a hated person behind a campaign cover."

Drill sergeants, recruit division commanders, military training instructors, drill instructors, recruit company commanders - regardless of which uniform they wear, or which title they go by, they will be there to teach, motivate and inspire the future servicemembers of the U.S. Armed Forces.

They will be there to ensure the next generation of the enlisted corps is prepared to protect our shores, safeguard our citizens and preserve our freedoms.

[BMCS Burt Ford]

CPO Tutwiler is my sons CC.

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Burt...when are you going to be in Cape May?

[BMCS Burt Ford]

Nick and Deane, i thoguht i replied to this guess not. He grads on 3 Aug. We dont get to cape may unitl that morning.

[HSC Schon C. Russell]

I have also wanted to be a CC, and have been told by numerous to go after it. Unfortunately the current Tattoo policy states that anyone with sleeves can not be a CC. Is Cape May following this policy, or is there a way in? If there is such a lack of volunteers, maybe they could waiver it? Any one have other thoughts or words on this? MC what is the word?

[CMC Bruce Bradley]

Schon you asking me? I can tell you that there are CC's with tats, even one with a sleeve. I suspect that it all a matter of timing. Meaning if they have a lot to choose from you might not make it. But you'll never know until you try, so put in a package.

[HSC Schon C. Russell]

Roger that MC, I will be working on it.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Echoing here. Always ask for everything you want. It's Coast Guard policy to find the best person for the job. As you have stated in another thread, some people are already asking how the tatoo policy is affecting people in the field. Let them know. Put in for all the positions that you want, and let them know you're the best person for the job. If they have too many people asking for those jobs, you may not get one,....... but if we don't get enough qualified people to raise their hand, they might end up assigning someone who is less qualified than the people who didn't ask.