Why should I go through Chief's Initiation(CCTI)?     
       by
        Bob Sova (CWO4/YNC retired)

    The "Chief's Corps" has always been and always will be a Fraternity of Brother's-In-Arms. The rite/ritual/passage of the Chief's Initiation has always been a bonding ritual or acceptance of you by your Brother's-In-Arms into this most coveted Fraternity.

    Going through the process doesn't legalize or make you legit. The Commandant did that without the Chief Corps' help or input. So you are a "Chief" from the day the Commandant makes your advancement effective. But being accepted/welcomed into the Chief's Corps by your fellow Chiefs' is what the CCTI is all about. To me there is nothing greater than listening to the "Chief's Creed" at the end of the CCTI ceremony. I went through the process (in the old days, the wringer as some would call it), and when they read the "Chief's Creed" to me, the hair bristled on my neck and goosebumps ran up and down my body. I had such a sense of pride being accepted into this great fraternity, that no matter what they had put me through or what I had to endure building up to the initiation, that feeling made it all worth it.

    If any of you elect not to participate or question the logic of participating, you won't be the first, nor will you be the last. I see the Associations (both CPOA and CWOA) falling off more and more each year as more of us "Old Salts" pass-away. Tradition and honor and support of these traditions are going by the wayside. People are more into what's in it for me than what can I do to support my Association to ensure "Tradition" never goes away. In days gone by, Chief's (and CWOs) did things together, even after hours. Distance, size of the city, etc. didn't matter, we always found ways to get together to talk about old times, mentor each other, and sometimes just let off steam. Not every meeting was to see how drunk you can get. There were many get togethers where most of the people just sat and talked and the wives had a chance to meet the other wives. This is just my personal opinion, but today's CPOA (and CWOA as far as that goes) doesn't want to get together unless it's on goverment time. They never want to meet after hours and unless there's something in it for them, won't volunteer for anything for the good of the association or community. Please realize I'm not talking about all Chief's or all CWOs, but based on participation numbers, that number is increasing each year.

    I'm currently President of the local CWOA Chapter. It's always the same 6-8 people at the meetings and any get togethers we try to get after hours. Yet every time the others need or want something, the first place they turn to is their Association. I dont' want to see the CPOA nor the CWOA die from lack of participation, but if people continue to forget what it's like to be part of the Association/Fraternity, that is what will happen. I like being a part of/a member of a great historical fraternity, I just don't want to be part of the history that is killing these Associations. I will do my best to keep interest in both these organizations as long as I am alive. I am a proud member of both and only wish others could see what an opportunity and honor they have to be part of these great organizations. The feeling of pride in wanting to be part of and supporting these great organizations is not something that can be taught, it can only be felt. If you don't feel it for the right reason, nobody can make you feel it.

    The Chief's Corps is looked at the way it is now because of those that have gone through the process in the past. It was not only a bonding for the Chief's, but JO's and Captain's and Commander's alike (including some of today's Admirals). The respect garnered today's Chief is in part because of these "Old Time" initiations. Many officers today attended the older initiations and learned to respect and trust the Chief's Corps because of these ceremonies and word passed down and on over the years. Today's CCTI doesn't foster the kind of bonding of old, but it still foster's bonding with JO's, etc. You can be one of many who help keep the tradition alive, or you can be one of many who will be the demise of the Chief's Corps in the future. If the CCTI goes away, the respect the Chief's have today will eventually go away. There will be no other avenue of bonding with your JO's, Captain's and Commander's. Fraternization will always be the barrier for getting to know your Chief better. The CCTI in a way breaks that barrier now, but if it goes away, there will be no avenue in the future.

    All the words, all the reasons, etc., don't mean a thing if you don't feel the history and tradition of these great Associations. If you find it in yourself to feel this tradition and realize the honor of following in the footsteps of many great men before you, then you will go through the ceremony. If you don'f find it in yourself, you are still a "Chief" as far as the Coast Guard and people who work for you are concerned.

    Go through the CCTI process because you want to, not because you have to. It will mean a lot more to you!!!!!!!