ALCOAST 098/19 COMDTNOTE 1321 SUBJ: WOMEN’S RETENTION STUDY AND HOLISTIC ANALYSIS

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Below you will find an ALCOAST regarding the Women’ Retention Study.

united states coast guard

R 291500 MAR 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//DCMS//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N01321//
ALCOAST 098/19
COMDTNOTE 1321

SUBJ: WOMEN’S RETENTION STUDY AND HOLISTIC ANALYSIS UPDATE TWO
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 180851 DEC 18/ALCOAST 419/18
B. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 011425 JUN 18/ALCOAST 214/18
C. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 161410 FEB 18/ALCOAST 068/18
D. Coast Guard Strategic Plan 2018-2022

1. Background. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (CG-127), in partnership with the RAND Corporation’s Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center (HSOAC), have completed the Women’s Retention Study and Holistic Analysis (WRSHA). As part of the study, RAND convened regional focus groups across the Coast Guard, and thanks to the outstanding support from participants and unit leadership, a total of 1,010 women and 127 men participated in 191 focus groups. The level of participation and response from the field yielded comprehensive feedback that provided vital insight into the study.

2. Final Report. The findings and recommendations have been released and the full study can be found at: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR2770.html. Breaking down barriers to retention and creating an inclusive workplace is an all-hands on deck effort. The report does indicate that sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other cultural concerns continue to exist within our Service. These behaviors are inconsistent with our core values, and have no place in the Coast Guard. I strongly encourage all members to read the report and discuss the findings at your upcoming Leadership and Diversity Advisory Council (LDAC) meetings and in other similar venues.

3. RAND Research Methods. The research team used quantitative statistical analysis, reviewed studies and trends across the civilian sector and the Department of Defense (DoD), and gathered qualitative insight through focus groups with our active-duty workforce. The focus groups provided enhanced understanding of the data and potential barriers to female retention. They also included a sample of active-duty men to understand male perspectives on retention and to assess whether certain factors are unique to women or are broad-based workforce retention barriers.

4. RAND Findings. The research team identified three factors that most prominently influenced female retention:

a. Work Environment: Leadership, Gender Bias and Discrimination, Weight Standards, Sexual Harassment and Assault, and Workload and Resource Issues.
b. Career Concerns: Advancement, Assignments, and Civilian Opportunities.
c. Personal Life Concerns: Spouses, Children, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, and Other Personal Life Factors.

5. RAND Recommendations. Based on the findings, the study proposed recommendations for initiatives aimed at improving female retention in the Coast Guard and addressing barriers contributing to the retention gender gap. These recommended initiatives are intended to address concerns from all female members, regardless of marital and parental status. In many cases, they will have broad-reaching effects that impact our entire workforce. RAND recommendations fall under three overarching categories: 

a. Update Coast Guard Personnel Management Systems to Better Meet the Needs of the Coast Guard’s Current and Future Workforce.
b. Develop and Implement a Communication Plan to Ensure All Members Are Aware of Relevant Policies and Priorities and Strengthen Leadership Education to Foster Inclusive Work Environments.
c. Promote Accountability and Monitor Effectiveness by Establishing and Tracking Relevant Metrics.

6. PRTF. In January 2019, the Personnel Readiness Task Force (PRTF) began their work at Coast Guard Headquarters. Consistent with the Commandant’s Strategic Intent to “Maximize Readiness Today and Tomorrow,” this study and the PRTF are part of the ongoing effort to recruit, train, support, and retain a Mission Ready Total Workforce that reflects the diversity and best talent of our Nation. Chartered by the Vice Commandant, this nine-member team will remain in place until August 2020 and will serve as workforce advocates for the organization. As announced by the Commandant in his State of the Coast Guard Address, the PRTF and the Coast Guard’s Senior Leadership team will explore forward-leaning policy changes to address the recommendations of the Women’s Retention Study, including using surge staffing to backfill members on parental leave, easing the existing tattoo policy, removing the single parent disqualifiers, and revising outdated weight standards that disproportionally affect women. The PRTF will provide the workforce regular communication on their progress to action this study and their efforts to improve organizational readiness.

7. Other Implementation Actions. In addition to addressing the above recommendations, the PRTF will also address the key study findings of leadership, gender bias and discrimination, and sexual harassment and assault as they develop implementation actions. Additionally, in June 2018, senior leadership launched a collection of initiatives, Early Action Items (EAIs), to address issues of greatest importance to our people. As just a few examples, we have aligned co-location tour completion dates for O4/E6 and below, instituted deferment options of TDY/TAD for one year post-partum, and removed gender specific pronouns and member names from OERs and EERs. The EAIs were our decisive first step in ensuring our service is Ready, Relevant, and Responsive to meet the needs of the nation.

8. POC. Direct questions about the WRSHA to COMDT (CG-127) at: 2018randstudy@uscg.mil.

9. VADM M. McAllister, Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, sends.

10. Internet release is authorized. Additional information on the study can be found at https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR2770.html

National Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day

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Coast Guard 82 foot WPB and Navy Swift Boat on River in Vietnam

Naval History and Heritage Command tells me its National Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day. Who knew there was such a thing? They are a Navy command, but they also have a lot of Coast Guard history available.

There are several pieces on the Coast Guard participation in the Viet Nam war on my heritage page. Unfortunately a number of Coast Guard sourced links were broken when the Coast Guard changed its internet provider. I’m hoping some day we will see these again, but there are still a number of good links.

Disaster Response Bill Includes $526M for the Coast Guard

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Coast Guard Lieutenant Junior Grade Shane Gunderson and Investigative Service agent Bobby Brisby deliver relief supplies to victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

DefenseNews is reporting that a $13.45B disaster relief aid package would include $2B for the military with $526M going to the Coast Guard.

“For the Coast Guard, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, there is $526 million to repair and upgrade facilities damaged by recent disasters, and provide for response and recovery operations costs.”

Since the recent string of disasters has inflicted a double whammy on the Coast Guard, both raising operating costs and damaging infrastructure, passage of the bill would be most welcomed. Something to watch.

China Developing Containerized Cruise Missile Launchers

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Above: Marketing video for comparable Russian system

The Washington Free Beacon is reporting that China is developing containerized cruise missiles launch systems for a land attack version of its 290 mile range YJ-18 anti-ship cruise missile which is a reverse engineered version of the Russian Klub-K cruise missile.

“China is building a long-range cruise missile fired from a shipping container that could turn Beijing’s large fleet of freighters into potential warships and commercial ports into future missile bases.”

“China operates or is building deep water ports in several strategic locations, including Bahamas, Panama, and Jamaica that could be used covertly to deploy ships carrying the YJ-18C.”

The Washington Free Beason may not be the gold standard in reporting, but I would have been surprised if the Chinese were not developing such systems. The Russians have been marketing such systems for about a decade. The Israelis have launched semi-ballistic missiles from a merchant ship and are marketing such a system.

In China, every enterprise is ultimately an arm of the State, ready to do the States bidding. We have seen their fishing fleet serve as a naval militia, it is likely their merchant marine would also serve military purposes beyond simply carrying cargo. In fact they have announced that that is their intent.

 

USNI 2019 Coast Guard Essay Contest

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Below you will find the contents of ALCOAST 095/19. Hopefully there are some opinions among this blogs readership.

united states coast guard

R 271231 MAR 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//VCG//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N05700//
ALCOAST 095/19
COMDTNOTE 5700
SUBJ:  U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE’S 2019 COAST GUARD ESSAY CONTEST
A. Coast Guard External Affairs Manual, COMDTINST M5700.13 (series)

1. This ALCOAST announces the U.S. Naval Institute’s annual Coast Guard Essay Contest.

2. Overview. Located at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI), a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization, has provided an open forum for honest debate, informed discussion, and professional development for members of the Naval Services since 1873. The vision and mission of USNI is to give a voice to those who seek the finest Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard by providing an independent forum for those who dare to read, think, speak and write to advance the professional, literary and scientific understanding of sea power and other issues critical to global security. USNI is noted for its flagship magazine Proceedings, and a variety of historical and professional books.

3. Coast Guard Essay Contest. This year’s annual Coast Guard Essay Contest challenges authors to advance new thinking about the U.S. Coast Guard’s critical role in the 21st century. Authors are encouraged to discuss the most compelling issues, ideas, and solutions. There is no restriction on topic. Those authors who choose to write about the Coast Guard are encouraged to constructively analyze and challenge conventional wisdom and current practices. In fact, USNI encourages authors to push the “dare” factor, and Coast Guard senior leaders encourage diversity of thought and respectful deliberation of difficult issues facing our Service.
a. Eligibility: Open to all contributors – active duty military, reservists, veterans, and
civilians – who are eligible for USNI membership. The essay must be original and not published or under consideration for publication elsewhere.
b. Length: 2,500 words maximum, excluding notes and sources.
c. Prizes: First prize – $5,000. Second prize – $2,500. Third prize – $1,500. The winning essays will be published in the August 2019 issue of Proceedings. Essays not awarded a prize may be selected for publication in one of the Naval Institute’s print or online properties.
d. Submission Deadline: 31 May 2019. Note: Essays are submitted directly to USNI and the Coast Guard plays no role in selecting the winning essays. Applicants shall ensure entries conform to Chapter 6, sections (A) through (C) of REF (A).
e. Additional details: https://www.usni.org/cgessay.

4. Other Essay Contests and Writing Opportunities.
a. Essay Contests. In addition to the Coast Guard Essay Contest, the Naval Institute sponsors other essay contests throughout the year including the General Prize, Cyber, Emerging and Disruptive Technology, Enlisted, Leadership, Marine Corps, Naval History, Naval Intelligence, Naval Mine Warfare, and Midshipman and Cadet essay contests. For details see: https://www.usni.org/essay-contests/.
b. Other Writing Opportunities. Authors can also submit articles year round for publication in Proceedings or Naval History magazines, Proceedings Today (online), and the Naval Institute Blog (online). For details see: https://www.usni.org/magazines/submissions.

5. POCs:
a. For additional information on USNI, contact RDML Jack Vogt (Anthony.J.Vogt@uscg.mil), the Coast Guard’s representative to the U.S. Naval Institute.
b. For additional information on professional writing for USNI, including essay contests, contact CAPT Greg Stump (Gregory.G.Stump@uscg.mil), CAPT Holly Harrison (Holly.Harrison@uscg.mil), CDR Brian Smicklas (Brian.A.Smicklas@uscg.mil), or CDR Grant Thomas (Joseph.G.Thomas@uscg.mil) who currently serve or have served as elected members of the Naval Institute’s editorial board.

6. ADM Charles W. Ray, Vice Commandant, sends.

7. Internet release is authorized.

Would be Happy to Host Post Concerning Cuttermen Chapter, Surface Navy Association Events Here

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I have been a bit disappointed that there has not been more activity on the National Cuttermen Chapter Surface Navy Association Website. They have not had a new post since 3 Feb, 2018. There was no mention of the National Surface Navy Conference, and I know some of the local chapters have had activities.

In the future, if there is a need to spread word of a future event, or to talk about a past event, I would be happy to host a post here.

Bertholf Transits Taiwan Strait

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Reuters is reporting that the Bertholf transited the Taiwan Strait in company with the destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur. This really should not be worth a mention. I am sure they were in international waters, but China has been getting their panties in a twist every time an American Warship passes through the Taiwan Strait. Don’t sweat it. If we were coming to do harm to China, we would bring more than a destroyer and cutter.

Exercise Obangame Express 2019 –Capacity Building in West Africa

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Coast Guardsmen assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Thetis (WMEC-910) approach a stranded fishing vessel to render assistance in the Gulf of Guinea, March 14, 2019. Thetis, homeported in Key West, Florida, is on its first patrol to support operations with U.S. Africa Command and U.S. 6th Fleet. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Lally/Released)

Coast Guardsmen assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Thetis approach a stranded fishing vessel to render assistance in the Gulf of Guinea. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Lally)

USCGC Thetis (WMEC-910) has been participating in a capacity building exercise in the Gulf of Guinea. I would not have known that except that the cutter rescued a couple of fishermen already given up for dead.

Looking for news of the wrap up, Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, and commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, did recognize the cutter.

More than 220 U.S. military personnel participated in OE19, including the crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Thetis (WMEC 910). Specifically, United States forces conducted training in visit, board, search and seizure, maritime interdiction operations, legal, and surface warfare.

This was a pretty big exercise.

“We brought 33 countries together, [including] 95 ships, 12 high-performance aircraft, 19 maritime operations centers, [all] tied together in Obangame Express, and seven national military command centers for over 80 scenarios and exercises in the last two weeks,” said Foggo.

https://www.stripes.com/news/us-partners-work-to-strengthen-sea-policing-as-piracy-off-west-africa-surges-1.573639

This is the ninth iteration of the exercise.

“Obangame Express has grown in scope from a communications exercise to become what it is now — a comprehensive maritime security event that exercises the full spectrum of activities from command and control, to maritime force responses, and ultimately the handing and transfer of evidence to bring criminals to justice,” said Rear Adm. Heidi Berg. “Today, we face serious challenges at sea such as illegal fishing, trafficking of weapons, narcotics, people, and the ongoing threat of piracy. This illicit activity undermines rule of law, food security, and economic development. Our efforts here will help make the region a safer place for maritime commerce and help increase prosperity throughout the region.”

—

The 33 nations scheduled to participate include Angola, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Republic of Congo, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Togo, Turkey and the United States, as well as the Economic Community of West African States and the Economic Community of Central African States.

One of the highlights of the event was the opening of a Maritime training school in Nigeria.

As part of the events to open the 2019 Obangame Express, Consul General Bray and Vice Admiral Ibas commissioned the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Training School in Apapa. The training school was built by the Nigerian Navy and equipped by the United States Navy.

 

Gulf of Guinea, from Wikipedia

If you look at the Gulf of Guiana you can see that a fleeing pirate can quickly transit from one jurisdiction to another. They need cooperation between neighboring states.

Obangame Express is part of a comprehensive strategy by U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa to provide collaborative opportunities among African forces and international partners that address maritime security concerns. The Nigerian Navy is hosting the 2019 exercise from March 14 to 22.

The word ‘Obangame’ comes from the Fang language of southern Cameroon and other parts of Central Africa. It means “togetherness.”

This area still needs a lot of help. Five crew members were recently kidnapped off of an Offshore Support Vessel despite protection of an armed Nigerian Navy escort. One Nigerian Navy Guard was killed in the exchange of gun fire.

“According to the International Maritime Bureau, the number of piracy incidents reported in the Gulf of Guineas in 2018 in surged to 201 incidents, including six hijackings, marking a steep rise from 180 incidents in 2017 and 191 in 2016. Among the 201 incidents reported, there were 13 ships were fired upon, 130 hostages taken, and 78 seafarers kidnapped for ransom. To make matters worse, some experts estimate that some 40% of incidents in the region go unreported, so the number of actual incidents is likely much higher. “

They do seem to be making some progress in achieving greater coordination helped by these exercises.

COMMODORE OLISEMENOGOR: “… Within the last three months in Western Naval command areas, I think we have arrested over fifty-something vessels based on this collaboration with other nations.”