ryanerickson.com :: mixing Coast Guard, social media, and life

Coast Guard Mandated Training (MT)… hey, it could be worse

Ryan Erickson — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:55:18 +0000

The world of ~~General Mandated Training (GMT)~~ Mandated Training (MT) can be a dizzying foray of information to have to process. More oft than not you’ll sit around and ignore the emails from your local training officer telling to make your way to “the portal” and do your mandated training. Only you know for sure you just did it last month (maybe). Well I, by way of a recent ALCOAST (ALCOAST 110/10), am here to lay it all out for you to easily read. There have been A LOT of changes in the realm of MT and not all of them have made their way down to the deckplate for dissemination. And unless you’re like me and spend your entire workday looking at the CGMS board you’re bound to miss something. To start with (and in keeping in order of the message) there are generally three (3) different delivery methods for Mandated Training (MT):

All-Hands Sessions;
Facilitated Resident Instruction; and
eTraining (my fav)

So how do you know what you’re missing? The easiest way is via CGBI; go here to jump into the “My Readiness” area of CGBI. Next click on the “Skills” tab toward the mid-top and you’re presented with a clickable menu (see picture, note mine is 100%); if you click on the “GMT” link you’ll be given a pop-up with your training requirements. And if you’re the lucky one to be the Unit/Department training officer head on over to AOPS and get the printout of the unit’s training. All of the online training can be completed at the CG Learning Portal.

Now that you know what the computer says you need here’s what the message has listed as the actual training you’re required to have:

CAT A (everyone)

A. THE CURRENT REQUIRED MT CATEGORY (A) LIST IS AS FOLLOWS:
  COURSE TITLE                                        INTERVAL
  (1) INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY                    ANNUAL
  (2) SUICIDE PREVENTION                              ANNUAL
  (3) SECURITY EDUCATION AND TRAINING AWARENESS       ANNUAL
  (4) PRIVACY AWARENESS                               ANNUAL
  (5) SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION (SEE PARA B)       ANNUAL
  (6) SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION/RESPONSE (SEE PARA B) TRIENNIAL
  (7) HUMAN RELATIONS AWARENESS (SEE PARA C)          TRIENNIAL

The message is below for further clarification.

CAT B (Federal mandated recurrent or one-time training for a specific audience) Most of these can be found on the Learning Portal (link above):

A. THE CURRENT REQUIRED MT CATEGORY (B) LIST IS AS FOLLOWS:
  COURSE TITLE                   INTERVAL   AUDIENCE
  (1) CONSTITUTION AND           ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV
      CITIZENSHIP DAY
  (2) DHS ORGANIZATIONAL AND     ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV
      EMPLOYEE RESILIENCE
  (3) ETHICS TRAINING            ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV
  (4) ICS IS-100                 ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV
  (5) ICS IS-200                 ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV
  (6) ICS IS 700                 ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV
  (7) ICS IS 800                 ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV
  (8) INFLUENZA TRAINING         ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV/AUX
  (9) SUBSTANCE ABUSE FREE       ANNUAL     ACTIVE/RESERVE
      ENVIRONMENT (SAFE)
  (10) WORKPLACE VIOLENCE        ANNUAL     ACTIVE/SUP OF CIV
  (11) RESERVE MOB/DEMOB         ANNUAL     RESERVE
  (12) UNIFORMED SERVICEMEN      ONCE       SUPERVISOR OF CIV
       EMPLOY/REEMPLOY ACT
  (13) NO FEAR ACT               BIENNIAL   CIV/SUPERVISOR OF CIV
  (14) DHS GOVT TRAVEL CARD      ANNUAL     ALL TRAVEL CARD HOLDERS
  (15) HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS     ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (16) HEARING CONSERVATION      ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (17) HEAT STRESS PROGRAM       ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (18) BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS     ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (19) RESPIRATORY PROTECTION    ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (20) INFLUENZA  ATON           ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (21) INFLUENZA  MEDICAL        ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (22) INFLUENZA  DOG            ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (23) TEAM COORDINATOR TRAIN.   ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (24) FIRST RESPONDER AWARE.    ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION

That might seem like a long list but remember it’s not for everyone. I’ve put the message below here to give you clarification on the caveats. Happy training!

R 082027Z MAR 10

ALCOAST 110/10
COMDTNOTE 1550
SUBJ: UPDATE AND CLARIFICATION OF MANDATED TRAINING (MT)
REQUIREMENTS FOR CY10
A. COMCOGARD FORCECOM ALAMEDA CA 170049Z NOV 09/ALCOAST 658/09
1. THIS MESSAGE PUBLISHES AN UPDATED LIST OF RECURRING MANDATED
TRAINING (MT) REQUIREMENTS AND PROVIDES CLARIFICATION ON FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO REF (A). SINCE THE RELEASE
OF REF (A), FORCECOM HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS TOWARD REDUCING
THE IMPACT OF MT ON THE INDIVIDUAL MEMBER BY PROVIDING TEST OUT
OPTIONS, CONSOLIDATION OF COURSES WITH SIMILAR OBJECTIVES, AND
REMOVAL OF COURSES WITH INSUFFICIENT DOCUMENTATION OF A TRAINING
MANDATE. A FEW MANDATED TRAINING REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED
IN THE MONTHS FOLLOWING THE RELEASE OF REF (A), SUCH AS THE
ADDITION OF THE DHS EMPLOYEE AND ORGANIZATIONAL RESILIENCE PROGRAM
AND DHS GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD TRAINING COURSE.  THE HUMAN
RELATIONS AWARENESS COURSE REMAINS MANDATORY BUT WAS OMITTED FROM
REF (A).
2. COAST GUARD MANDATED TRAINING IS COMPRISED OF TWO DISTINCT
CATEGORIES: A AND B.
 A. MT CATEGORY (A) INCLUDES MANDATED RECURRENT TRAINING THAT
AFFECTS ALL COAST GUARD MEMBERS - ACTIVE DUTY, CIVILIAN AND
RESERVE.
 B. MT CATEGORY (B) INCLUDES RECURRENT OR ONE-TIME MANDATED
TRAINING WITH A SPECIFIC TARGET AUDIENCE EXPLICITLY IDENTIFIED IN
AUTHORITATIVE DOCUMENTATION. MEMBERS OF THE AUXILIARY MAY BE
REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AS DIRECTED BY THEIR
PROGRAM DIRECTORATE.
 C. NOTE: UNION NOTIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR ALL MANDATED
TRAINING AFFECTING CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES. CONTRACTORS WILL NOT BE
REQUIRED TO ATTEND TRAINING UNLESS SPECIFIED IN AUTHORITATIVE
DOCUMENTATION OR SPECIFIED IN STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) FOR A GIVEN
PROJECT, PER FEDERAL ACQUISITION RULES.
3. MANDATED TRAINING REQUIREMENTS MAY BE SATISFIED IN SEVERAL WAYS:
ALL-HANDS SESSIONS, E-LEARNING, AND FACILITATED RESIDENT
INSTRUCTION. ONLINE DELIVERY REMAINS THE PREFERRED AND MOST COST-
EFFECTIVE MODE FOR DELIVERING MANDATED TRAINING TO OUR DISPERSED
WORKFORCE. IN OFFLINE INSTANCES, UNIT TRAINING OFFICERS SHALL
RECORD INDIVIDUAL COMPLETION INTO THE TRAINING MANAGEMENT TOOL
(TMT) LOCATED AT HTTP://AOPS.OSC.USCG.MIL. FOR THOSE COURSES TAKEN
AND ASSESSED ONLINE, COMPLETION WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE RECORDED INTO
TMT AND THEN TO CGBI WITHIN 48 HOURS.
4. CURRENT APPROVED TRAINING TOPICS ARE SUMMARIZED IN THIS MESSAGE
TO ASSIST COMMANDING OFFICERS AND UNIT TRAINING OFFICERS WITH
ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING AN EFFECTIVE TRAINING PLAN. THIS LIST
ADDRESSES SERVICEWIDE MT REQUIREMENTS, COMPONENT-WIDE MT
REQUIREMENTS, AND MISSION/UNIT SPECIFIC MANDATED TRAINING. COAST
GUARD DIRECTORATES AND FORCECOM CONDUCT PERIODIC REVIEWS OF
ORGANIZATIONAL-LEVEL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. AS NEW COURSES ARE
ADDED TO OR REMOVED FROM THE MANDATED TRAINING LIST, THE REVISED
STATUS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT HTTPS://CGPORTAL.USCG.MIL/ UNDER THE
TRAINING AND EDUCATION TAB. ADDITIONALLY, FORCECOM WILL CONTINUE TO
PUBLISH BIENNIAL MESSAGES WITH CHANGES TO THE MT PROGRAM THAT
IMPACT THE COAST GUARD WORKFORCE.
5. MANDATED TRAINING - CATEGORY (A): MANDATED RECURRENT TRAINING
FOR ALL MEMBERS.
 A. THE CURRENT REQUIRED MT CATEGORY (A) LIST IS AS FOLLOWS:
  COURSE TITLE                                        INTERVAL
  (1) INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY                    ANNUAL
  (2) SUICIDE PREVENTION                              ANNUAL
  (3) SECURITY EDUCATION AND TRAINING AWARENESS       ANNUAL
  (4) PRIVACY AWARENESS                               ANNUAL
  (5) SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION (SEE PARA B)       ANNUAL
  (6) SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION/RESPONSE (SEE PARA B) TRIENNIAL
  (7) HUMAN RELATIONS AWARENESS (SEE PARA C)          TRIENNIAL
 B. SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
PREVENTION/RESPONSE ARE SEPARATE COURSES. THE LEGACY VERSION OF
SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION (SHP) REMAINS ONLINE. CURRENTLY,
SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION/RESPONSE (SAPR) REQUIREMENTS CAN BE MET
BY PARTICIPATING IN A SAPR PRESENTATION GIVEN BY A QUALIFIED
FACILITATOR. UNIT TRAINING OFFICERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SCHEDULE SAPR
TRAINING FOR THEIR UNIT BY CONTACTING THEIR LOCAL EMPLOYEE
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM COORDINATOR (EAPC). SEE

HTTP://WWW.USCG.MIL/WORKLIFE/RAPE(UNDERSCORE)SEXUAL(UNDERSCORE)

ASSAULT.ASP FOR MORE DETAIL ABOUT THE SAPR PROGRAM.
 C. HUMAN RELATIONS AWARENESS WAS RECENTLY RETURNED TO THE MT (A)
LIST, THOUGH THIS COURSE IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN AN ONLINE
FORMAT. UNITS ARE ADVISED TO SEEK FACILITATED OFFLINE TRAINING
OPPORTUNITIES TO COMPLETE THIS REQUIREMENT. SEE
HTTP://WWW.USCG.MIL/HQ/CG00/CG00H/TRAININGSUITE/HRATRAINING.ASP FOR
GUIDANCE ON THE HRA TRAINING PROGRAM.
6. MANDATED TRAINING - CATEGORY (B): FEDERALLY MANDATED RECURRENT
OR ONE-TIME TRAINING WITH A SPECIFIED TARGET AUDIENCE IN THE
AUTHORITATIVE DOCUMENT. COMMANDING OFFICERS, TRAINING OFFICERS, AND
SUPERVISORS MUST COMPARE MISSION, UNIT, AND OPERATIONAL DUTIES OF
ASSIGNED PERSONNEL WITH THE SPECIFIC TARGET AUDIENCE AS OUTLINED
BELOW OR IN THE AUTHORITATIVE DOCUMENTATION. THIS LIST IS NOT ALL-
INCLUSIVE AND CHANGES FREQUENTLY BASED ON THE NEEDS OF THE SERVICE,
AGENCY, AND DEPARTMENT. AS MANDATED TRAINING COURSES ARE APPROVED,
THEY WILL BE PROMULGATED VIA CG PORTAL, ALCOAST, AND/OR CGBI.
 A. THE CURRENT REQUIRED MT CATEGORY (B) LIST IS AS FOLLOWS:
  COURSE TITLE                   INTERVAL   AUDIENCE
  (1) CONSTITUTION AND           ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV
      CITIZENSHIP DAY
  (2) DHS ORGANIZATIONAL AND     ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV
      EMPLOYEE RESILIENCE
  (3) ETHICS TRAINING            ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV
  (4) ICS IS-100                 ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV
  (5) ICS IS-200                 ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV
  (6) ICS IS 700                 ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV
  (7) ICS IS 800                 ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV
  (8) INFLUENZA TRAINING         ONCE       ACTIVE/RES/CIV/AUX
  (9) SUBSTANCE ABUSE FREE       ANNUAL     ACTIVE/RESERVE
      ENVIRONMENT (SAFE)
  (10) WORKPLACE VIOLENCE        ANNUAL     ACTIVE/SUP OF CIV
  (11) RESERVE MOB/DEMOB         ANNUAL     RESERVE
  (12) UNIFORMED SERVICEMEN      ONCE       SUPERVISOR OF CIV
       EMPLOY/REEMPLOY ACT
  (13) NO FEAR ACT               BIENNIAL   CIV/SUPERVISOR OF CIV
  (14) DHS GOVT TRAVEL CARD      ANNUAL     ALL TRAVEL CARD HOLDERS
  (15) HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS     ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (16) HEARING CONSERVATION      ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (17) HEAT STRESS PROGRAM       ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (18) BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS     ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (19) RESPIRATORY PROTECTION    ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (20) INFLUENZA  ATON          ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (21) INFLUENZA  MEDICAL       ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (22) INFLUENZA  DOG           ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (23) TEAM COORDINATOR TRAIN.   ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
  (24) FIRST RESPONDER AWARE.    ANNUAL     AS REQ FOR POSITION
7. CG PERSONNEL ASSIGNED TO A NON-CG UNIT MUST SATISFY MT
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR BOTH THE COAST GUARD AND THE HOST AGENCY.
MEMBERS DESIRING TO TRACK HOST AGENCY MT COURSE WORK SHOULD PROVIDE
COMPLETION CERTIFICATES OR OTHER PROOF OF ACCOMPLISHMENT TO THEIR
CG SERVICING PERSONNEL OFFICE (SPO) FOR RECORD KEEPING PURPOSES.
8. COMMANDING OFFICERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THE UNIT
TRAINING PROGRAMS INCLUDE ALL APPLICABLE TOPICS OUTLINED IN THIS
MESSAGE. COMMANDING OFFICERS AND UNIT TRAINING
OFFICERS ARE NOW ABLE TO IDENTIFY INDIVIDUAL/UNIT STATUS IN CGBI
REPORTS AVAILABLE AT HTTP://CGBI.OSC.USCG.MIL/. ALL USERS SHOULD
USE CGBI TO VALIDATE THEIR MT COURSE COMPLETION STATUS FOR CY10.
9. FUTURE MT EXPECTATIONS WILL BE PUBLISHED EACH JANUARY AND JULY
VIA ALCOAST. IN ADDITION, UPDATED MT REQUIREMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE
IN TRAINING CATALOGS LOCATED ON THE CG PORTAL UNDER THE TRAINING
AND EDUCATION TAB (HTTPS://CGPORTAL.USCG.MIL). QUESTIONS/CONCERNS
REGARDING MT RELATED COURSE CONTENT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE
SUBJECT MATTER PROGRAM MANAGER. GENERAL QUESTIONS RELATED TO MT AND
CONCERNS OR IDEAS FOR IMPROVING THE LEARNING PORTAL AND THE
TRAINING AND EDUCATION TAB OF CG PORTAL SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO DR.
CHRISTOPHER SLATER, FORCECOM (FC-51 STAFF) AT (202) 475-5502.
10. RADM T. S. SULLIVAN, COMMANDER, FORCE READINESS COMMAND, SENDS.
11. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.

Are you a runner and in the Coast Guard? Then make your way to RunUSCG.org!

Ryan Erickson — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:02:29 +0000

Some of the most dedicated health nuts I’ve come across are fellow Coasties who’ve, for all intensive purposes, put me to shame in the “always on” physical fitness mode (i.e. cross fit). For some of the other fitness folks out there, the ones who enjoy running (’cause let’s face it, cross fitters are in a world of their own) I’ve found a great site for you.

Though admittedly I think I’ve posted this find once before for the life of me I can’t find it. So with that in mind I bring you a place to go as a Coastie runner: RUNUSCG.org. In a nutshell it’s a central site with a goal to “get as many Coast Guard employees as possible running and competing under the Coast Guard banner.” And who’s a sponsor of RUNUSCG? None other than your Coast Guard Morale, Well-Being, and Recreation (MWR) program (though I’m sure they’ll take more if you’re interested). The organization (it’s more than just a site) is run by fellow Coasties as well; LT Ken Burgess, ENS Jason Scott, and LT Charlie Epperson are listed as the board members.

So if you’re looking to run with some Coast Guard pride, or perhaps a some new workouts, or a forum (they have one of those too) to discuss running as a Coastie be sure to check out the site.

Betraying my trust- the Coast Guard memo leaker

Ryan Erickson — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:09:02 +0000

On February 25th, 2010 the Associated Press released a piece by Eileen Sullivan titled Coast Guard pick wants to refine homeland mission; a piece based on a leaked memo authored by the USCG’s perspective Commandant VADM Robert J. Papp Jr. As a reminder VADM Papp is slated, upon confirmation any day now, to take the seat as the Coast Guard’s 24th Commandant replacing ADM Thad Allen in May 2010.

Since it was released I’ve had ample time to digest the several articles and blog posts stemming from the AP story and associated memo (marked ‘Sensitive – For Internal Coast Guard Use Only’). There’s also been quite a bit of offline discussions on the subject both in and out of work.

However, no matter where those conversations start my thoughts end up right where they were on the early morning hours of February 25th when the story hit the wire- pissed off. I’ll admit at first I was upset with the author who wrote the piece but after further thought I realized if anyone should have your/my anger directed towards them it should be the individual who- for all intensive purposes- betrayed the trust of our organization. Sure “leaking” information is part of the American political culture but when it comes to the American Military culture it’s this guys opinion that you’re hurting your own.

Personally I could care less of the content of the memo (it’s easy to find) as it’s not my place to pass judgment- I don’t know the whole picture. But when someone turns on the faucet of letting internal information slip from their control where does it stop? One can safely argue that this memo leak didn’t sink any of our ships but if something like this, something that I suspect was entrusted to our senior leaders and staff in the Coast Guard and DHS, works its way out of an office how do we, members of the USCG family, known that the leaker(s) won’t leak items of a higher interest or classification? I’m not talking about the Aldrich Ames’ of the world (I hope) but none the less it hurt me.

I guess you could also consider this a norm on the Hill and consider me being worried for no reason- but none the less I am. I may also be a tad too sensitive on the issue of anything Coast Guard related but that’s the result of having such passion for this organization; a passion that further reaches to my love of writing about it…

/end rant

Any thoughts from the peanut gallery?

Crew and incidnet of CG6028 get a Facebook group… got something to say?

Ryan Erickson — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:40:34 +0000

As the trend goes it seems as though all things become part of the social media scene whether we, or they (‘er, Tiger Woods) like it or not. Following said trend- and not necessarily in a bad way- a Mr. White (we’re not talking Reservoir Dogs here) created the Facebook group revolving around the Coast Guard MH-60T that crashed last weed in Utah on it’s return trip from Washington State. The group, The Support Group For Coast Guard 6028, is stating to gain some traction. I joined over this past weekend with only about 30 other “groupies” and as I write this the group is sitting at 301 people. I recognize quite a few people in there that I’d expect to be part of such group including some family members.

If you wish to tell the crew something or just want to let the Coast Guard know how much they’re appreciated this would be a good place to do it.

According to this graphic I talk about the Coast Guard and social media a lot… who knew?

Ryan Erickson — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:30:51 +0000

Click to enlarge won't you?

Do you ever wonder what it is I exactly talk about on here? Well you should because I sure has heck do… but that’s were the fun little tool of Wordle comes in handy. Head the the website, enter any web address- such as ryanerickson.com- and you’re presented with a cool little graphic depicting the topics of your site… the larger the word the more it shows up on your site. And apparently I talk a lot about the Coast Guard; hmm- who would’ve thought that?

Some of the crew from CG-6028 return to a happy reunion at AIRSTA eCity

Ryan Erickson — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:26:55 +0000

A great video was published today showing some of our Coasties involved in last weeks accident involving the CG-6028 in Utah. In this video we see CAPT John Hardin, AIRSTA Elizabeth City’s CO, giving a welcome home to Cmdr. Patrick Shaw (I remember when he was an LT), Petty Officer 3rd Class Darren M. Hicks, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Edward Sychra. Along with CAPT Hardin is a plethora of friends and family that are also happy to see the three back. Our two remaining Coasties from the crash, Petty Officer 2nd Class Gina Panuzzi and Lt. Cmdr. Steven Cerveny as listed as being in fair condition as of Sunday. They’re at University Hospital in Salt Lake City recovering.

Start your weekend with a laugh and a quick reminder

Ryan Erickson — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:30:55 +0000

That time of the year is here and our (‘er, that is, Coast Guard) weigh-ins will begin next month (that’s the reminder). But in the meantime you can take solace in fact that if you are one of those who just can’t lose the weight your still safe on some city streets. ;)

Toon from Natalie Dee (some of her stuff may be offensive… but it sure is funny).

No I didn’t write about the USCG helicopter (CG-6028) crash… and here’s why

Ryan Erickson — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:47:33 +0000

I was sent an email late yesterday afternoon stating, or rather asking, the following:

Ryan- In case you hadn’t seen or heard about it there was a crash of another [Coast Guard] aircraft. This is something I thought a prior aviator like yourself would have blogged about- did you know [there] was a cash?

It’s always nice to see that some are paying attention to what I am and am not writing on here. I did, in fact, know of the unfortunate incident moments after it happened (you are one of my Facebook fans aren’t you?). I was on watch on Wednesday and I took the initial report from Air Station Elizabeth City- within about a minute and a half time span I went from having a massive stomach ache upon hearing the words “…an MH-60T, 6028, has crashed in Utah…” to a quick sigh of relief on hearing “…all five persons on board are alive…” In fact the entire command center seemed to have given the same sigh at the same time.

So why didn’t I blog about it? This is one of those times where operational details (perhaps OPSEC, see previous post) and my addiction to blogging collide. Though the details of the crash, at least the details we could get, were fresh it was far from my place to start spouting out information on the incident or the Coasties involved. In fact CAPT John Hardin (my CO when I was at the APO) the CO of AIRSTA eCity had already given the next of kin notification before I left work and it still didn’t feel right to write a post on it.

This was one of those times where I’d rather our Public Affairs Watch (and PA’s) do their job; and that they did. The watch floor was hoppin’, they were answering media questions and shooting out updates faster than most of us could type, and all the while our five Coasties were being taken to hospitals and/or being cared for.

Firsthand operational knowledge and blogging don’t mix too well in my world. I purposely steer clear of ANYTHING that might have VADM Papp sending me an email asking questions; and this seemed to be one of those times. But thanks for caring enough to ask.

Will a foreign OPSEC violation hamper our efforts for social media in the military workplace?

Ryan Erickson — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:34:26 +0000

Hot on the heels of some great news in the social media sphere of letting DoD members (no, not the Coast Guard… yet) use social media sites on work computers comes some ammunition for those who are against it. Several websites including CNN, WSJ, and D carried the story of an Israeli (presumably Army) soldier posting the following on his Facebook page-

On Wednesday we clean up Qatanah, and on Thursday, god willing, we come home.

As this doesn’t seem so bad the media outlets have also indicated the individual cited the time and exact location the operation was to take place. We here in the States, specifically those in the military, may consider this one of those “oh crap” moments. It was lucky for the rest of the unit this moron has (perhaps ‘had’) “friends” that reported the info to military authorities.

So with the new policy for our DoD counterparts being worked into place, and the Coast Guard waiting to see how we’re going to play the game, does an incident like this raise the bar for the actual implementation of such a policy? You bet it does. I don’t see the DoD (and we hope DHS) reversing their policy (or potential plans as it may pertain to the DHS) but I do see them implementing stalling tactics/procedures as a result of this incident citing the need for training in how to behave on social media sites and the internet as a whole.

I’ve state before that all of this could very well happen in an “at home” environment and it’s not limited to the use of said sites in the “at work” environment. That being said I think it would be wise for the Coast Guard to create or invest in the creation of more training. We already have some computer training we’re mandated to conduct/take, but it’s somewhat benign for the current state of our everyday online environment.

So as a friendly Friday reminder: don’t post operational security info on line anywhere! Furthermore I’d suggest you leave your location aware phones (i.e. iPhone or Nexus One) at the office when conducting operational tasking… just as a precaution.

Is the Coast Guard developing Apple iPhone and iPad apps?

Ryan Erickson — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:30:10 +0000

CG4100 iPad Tablet Concept (click to enlarge)

Though I can’t say no to the idea I can tell you that I don’t know if they are or will. But what I can tell you is there are some very imaginative people out there that are testing their computer skills to see what the new Apple iPad platform will allow… as I was told “think of it as an iPhone, only about four times bigger.” Easy enough I guess. A good friend of ours sent these mock-ups my way depicting the iPad being used to issue a 4100 form and data-search details of a/the subject vessel. From the “I’m working on it developer” known as Sean Lawler:

I was working out a concept program that would allow you to fill out 4100’s as a iPhone Google documents form and email it to someone in your command… The ultimate theme would be for it to sync with NCIC for boater ID and with the NVDC to identify the boat, and MISLE for any prior boardings/LE actions. All would come back in real time. The cg-PAD (lame working title) would also record video and photos to use for future reference, and instantly upload to a database that the USCG creates where members can log in and access via their unit.

Wow… a great and novel concept; use an existing product (i.e. the Apple iPhone or iPad) and build upon it.

Will it ever get off the ground? Though I’m hopeful I’m also doubtful as it’s an Apple product. However, if we were able to visit the late 80’s and able to make a few changes in history we may very well be able to use this. But then again odds are we’d all hate Apple and love Microsoft… it could happen.