MCAP – RFMC Career Guide Highlights – Culinary Specialist

A group of Master Chiefs and Senior Chiefs worked with the CS RFMC on this document requested by Boards and Panel Master Chief, CSCM Nick Write: The following is provided by the respective RFMC to assist the MCAP Board in better understanding the rating being reviewed. It should be used in conjunction with other guidance provided (e.g. COMDT and MCPOCG Guidance to Boards and Panels, panel criteria, official rating career guide) and shall not be used as a standalone document in determining a candidate’s suitability for selection. This document is published on CG Portal and available to all members.

HIGHLIGHTS:

What is the future of the rating?
(Where will it be/where does it need to be in five years?)
The CS rating needs to maintain a full Personnel Allowance List (PAL) to ensure progress is achievable. For far too long, our leadership has been reactive to fleet-wide issues rather than being proactive. We need to adopt a proactive approach to managing the rating to prevent history from repeating itself. It is necessary to have our Master Chiefs work closely with the Coast Guard Recruiting Command (CGRC) to maintain full “A” Schools. Additionally, our Master Chiefs must do a better job of supporting our Food Service Officers (FSOs) and of ensuring our FSO’s are creating a positive environment for our junior CSs to learn, grow, and excel. In the next five years, we should see the following:

• Increased recruiting efforts with high schools, ProStart, SkillsUSA, and culinary competitions
• More Culinary Support Activities (CSAs)
• Patrol Boat Hubs Regional Support Galley Concept implementation
• CSB completing regular unit visits
• Continued Round up/Symposium CS Support
• FINCEN providing 100% accountability on CS administration
• Piloting of a new paperwork system
• Annual revisions to the Culinary Operations Management Instruction
• Updated RPQs
• Re-evaluation of where we place E9s for more strategic placement of senior leader billets
• Competency-based advancements
• Separated “A” School from the Galley, TRACEN Galley converted to a standalone CSA
• Continued partnership with the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and ACF testing centers in CSAs, large dining facilities, executive dining halls, etc.
• Construction of a new CS “A” School training facility
• Realignment of sea-time requirements for the CS rating
• Proper CS career advancement compensation for TDY deployments.
• Standardized Manning Power Requirements and Guidance for Underway CS Managment

Overview of E-9 billets

(Not a list of jobs, but general overview of roles and responsibilities)

• Our CS Master Chiefs need to be positioned strategically to move the rate forward. The Master Chiefs need to empower and hold the Senior Chiefs accountable while facilitating an environment that fosters progress within the Rating.
• They need to lead recruiting efforts, conduct unit outreach visits, symposiums, interact with others, and promote the CS Rating. Every Food Service Officer (FSO) should know every Master Chief because they are visible and present.
• Our Master Chiefs should be seasoned leaders of chiefs and exhibit passion, vision, and a strong desire to continue leading. They must be effective communicators, culinary trainers, and experienced operators.
• Lastly, the CS Master Chiefs must do whatever it takes to maintain a full Personnel Allowance List (PAL) to protect and support our people.