Have you ever wanted to obtain your merchant mariner credential (captain's license) but found the process too confusing or too expensive? Perhaps you've been frustrated because your coxswain or underway officer of the deck certifications didn't bolster your application? Then you'll be happy to learn that all of that has changed!  In this interview with CDR Jen Wescott of the Military to Mariner project office you'll learn just how easy it now is to qualify for and obtain your credential. 

I think it's time we had a chat. An open and honest discussion about issues affecting morale and job satisfaction in the BM rating. With nearly 300 vacant billets and retention rates reaching historic lows, we must look ourselves, and our Service, in the face and address the factors driving BMs out of the rating and influencing qualified candidates to seek out others.  There is no better person to have this conversation with than LT Eddie Oropeza from the Office of Boat Forces. From his experience as a BMCS OIC to BOSN CO, and now a Lieutenant at CG-731, he's precisely who we need alongside us in this effort and is behind many of the solutions that you'll learn about in this episode.  Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.

Join me as I sit down for what has become an annual tradition - a discussion about assignments with the BM Assignment Officers! BOSN Tessier and BOSN Laufenberg get right down to business by giving us all of the information we need to make informed career decisions and set ourselves up for a successful PCS transfer. Whether you're transferring this year or not, there is something for you in this episode. This is especially true for anyone assigned to a leadership role (uh, like all BMs!). Those under our charge deserve the best advice we can give and that means we must keep up to date ourselves. I hope you enjoy the discussion and learn something new! Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.

All about the Officer in Charge Review Boards! This episode contains audio from a Facebook live presentation to the FB OIC Study Group on 26AUG21. Join me as I present the new OIC Review Board Coordinator Reference Guide and discuss how this handbook will ensure the boards are conducted more uniformly across our Service. I also talk about the process in general and go over some keys to success if you're about to sit before the board! Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.

In this episode we sit down for a chat with BMCM Kirk McKay as he closes out a remarkable thirty year career as a surfman. Master Chief McKay served four times as an officer in charge and held the distinction as the Joshua James Ancient Keeper in his final tour. Join in as BMC Kevin Pryer, XPO of CG Station Grand Haven, draws out some words of wisdom and advice from a true Coast Guard legend as he looks back at three decades of service as a Boatswain's Mate. Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.

We close out 2020 with podcast #20, Nav Brief #2 - State of the BM rating. There are so many things to pass to you that have happened over the past several months; bonuses, RPQ changes, SWE impacts, retention, U/W OOD competency requirements....it's all in this episode. I could've spent an hour on each of these topics but I've packed as much info into this one that I possibly could. Happy New Year and I hope you find this episode informative and useful! Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.

Every so often an interaction with my fellow Boatswain's Mates leaves me so inspired I wish I could start my whole career over again. This was one of those conversations; and one I needed to hear to remind me that even though we find ourselves in uncertain times, BMs are still underway completing the mission and leading the next generation in the pursuit of their craft.  In this episode I had the privilege of speaking with BMC Lorenzo Ladaga, BM1 Shawn McLaughlin, and BM1 Miguel Torres, all from Maritime Safety and Security Team Miami 91114. We discussed the fast pace nature of their work, common misconceptions about career implications from a DSF tour, and how MSST Miami has fostered a positive climate where everyone can excel. Chief Ladaga and I even got to settle a twenty year old grudge that we didn't even know we had!  I hope you enjoy this one because I sure did. My hat is off to these guys and I applaud them for all of their hard work and dedication. Enjoy! Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.

Join me as I sit down with BMCS Theresa Joyce of Personnel Service Center to discuss the Parental Leave Program. This program ensures our shipmates can focus on the care of a newborn or adopted child while enabling the unit to remain operationally effective in their absence. We discuss how the Coast Guard Reserve bridges these gaps for us and the outstanding value our reservists bring in general. BMs are in the leadership business and a working knowledge of programs such as these makes us more effective in that art. I hope this episode is enjoyable and informative!  Submit show show suggestions to cgbmrfmc@gmail.com Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.

I recently met with BOSN Seymour and BOSN Brown from the BM assignment shop for a recap of AY20 and a look ahead at AY21. We then had a wide ranging discussion on how assignment decisions are made, and our joint approach to advising BMs on how to get the most out of their careers. We also discuss career diversity, women afloat, RPQs, and even touch on efforts to increase retention. If you're looking for a way to advance your career, we have done our best to bring you information that will be of value.  Submit show show suggestions to cgbmrfmc@gmail.com Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.

Dr. Jeff Holguin, PhD. takes a quick break from his work as the Operational Fire Psychology Director for Lacey Fire District in Washington State to talk with us about how Coast Guardsmen can maintain their emotional and physical health during the current crisis. Dr. Holguin's previous chat with us on the podcast remains the most downloaded and discussed episode yet. I'm sure this one will prove equally valuable.  Submit show show suggestions to cgbmrfmc@gmail.com Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.