CS FORCE Master Chief "LIVE" Force Notes
This page will act as the Culinary Specialist FORCE Master Chief (FORMC) Force Notes to include updated links, Culinary Specialist news, user guides, templates, message traffic, solicitations and a CS search engine..
Greetings,
The Subsistence Product Line (SPL) has been renamed the Culinary Operations Service Line (COSL). Moving forward, please send all Permanent/Temporary Disestablishment Memos and Annual Audits to SMB-HSWLSC-COSL_Helpdesk@uscg.mil , the SPL inbox will be going away soon. For clarification, the Culinary Support Branch (CSB) is a branch within COSL. Our name will not be changing.
Greetings!
The new Annual Audit Job Aids have been updated on the CS Portal.
Click here: Annual Audit Job Aids
Perpetual Inventory and Purchase Vs. Allowance have been separated into their own Job Aids. This will ensure a user-friendly process. The Annual Audit Job Aids are listed as follows.
**Please Note**
The submission email has changed. Please send all Annual Audits to: SMB-HSWLSC-DiningFacilityAnnualAudit@uscg.mil
If you are conducting the audit in conjunction with your relief and/or EOM Report please sent To: FIN-SMB-CGDF@uscg.mil and Copy: SMB-HSWLSC-DiningFacilityAnnualAudit@uscg.mil
If you have any questions, please reach out to your CSB Representative. We are here to help.
We have received many questions regarding the delay in bonus payments. Our findings have revealed that the primary issue is improper submission of forms to PPC. These forms are often returned with instructions for corrections or requests for a waiver from CG-1M1, but are not being acted upon and resubmitted.
There have been reports of bonuses going unpaid for over a year, particularly initial enlistment bonuses and Critical Skills Training Bonuses (A-school). Some reenlistment bonuses are also affected. Please know that PSC is aware of these issues and is actively working to resolve them. However, we need your assistance. The main problem delaying bonus payments is that PPC is receiving forms that are not completed in accordance with policy (e.g., backdated, falsified, or incorrectly completed). Additionally, PPC has noticed an increase in units not responding to notification emails. Often, detailed return notification emails are sent, explaining the required fixes, but there is no response, or the original incorrect documents are resubmitted, or falsified documentation is sent.
For example, here is an fleet wide snapshot of all CSTB bonus tickets:
Further complicating the issue is that the number of bonus tickets submitted in the first half of this year is 65% higher than in the first half of 2023. Based on trends from the past three years, the second half of the year will likely be even busier.
From 01/01/2024 to 05/31/2024, PPC’s average bonus processing time was 18 calendar days for properly completed forms. They currently have a backlog of around 700 tickets, all within the 60-day window, indicating that the issues you’re hearing about stem from returned tickets not being followed up on by field admin staff.
This highlights a serious need for training for our admin staff to properly execute bonus paperwork. The YN RFMC is engaged in developing training, and PPC’s Performance and Development Department is working on clarifying guidance.
If you or your CS staff are experiencing bonus issues, please provide the following information (email James.e.swenson@uscg.mil or call 860-389-4470):
We cannot process these from the PPC/PSC side if individual units/admins do not follow through with the necessary corrections or communicate with PPC.
We are working to get this under control and ensure our CSs receive their well-earned bonuses. For now, this is the clear first step. Thanks you for all your hard work and any help you can provide.
CS Force Master Chief Swenson
Good afternoon CS’s!
The AY2025 Advanced Education Application Message has been released!
I want to give a huge shout out to Master Chief James Swenson for all his work setting up this years Advanced Education opportunities for Culinary Specialists. Through Master Chiefs hard work and dedication, he was able to acquire an additional 3 Training allowance billets for AY25 adding three new programs (Dietician, Nutritionist, Hospitality Management) to the list for a total of four Advanced Education opportunities for CS!!
For information on various programs offered, please visit EPM-AY25-PG-Shopping-List.xlsx (sharepoint-mil.us), which provides the program description, Prior and Current Members, Follow on Tour Assignment, Targeted Pay grade, Obligated Service Requirement and Available Schools.
For information on how to apply, please review Boards and Panels – AY25-Advanced-Education-Process-Guide.pdf – All Documents (sharepoint-mil.us) that will walk you through what is required.
Members interested in applying for one of the programs should familiarize themselves with the Active Duty Enlisted Postgraduate and Advanced Education Application information provided on Post Graduate and Advanced Education (PG/Adv Ed) Panels (sharepoint-mil.us) .
Applications for the Advanced Education Program are due by 14 July 2024!!
Please do not wait until last minute to apply. This solicitation is open to all members E5 to E7 (not above the cut for E8), regardless of rotation date. The more members that put in, the better the chances that these programs stick around!!
If after reviewing the information you still have questions, please give myself or Master Chief James Swenson a call to discuss.
Very Respectfully,
CWO2 Nicholas Wernicke
Culinary Specialist Assignment Officer
More Info:
DEADLINE
The AY25 PG/Adv Ed application deadline for all programs is July 14, 2024. The following must be delivered by this date:
a. “My Panel Submission” in Direct Access
b. Command endorsement marked final in Direct Access
c. Waiver submission (if applicable)
Applicant Check List:
Become familiar with the AY25 PG/Adv Ed application process.
Meet the requirements set forth in this process guide, the Coast Guard Performance, Training, and Education Manual, and any applicable AY25 PG/Adv Ed message traffic.
Apply for the AY25 PG/Adv Ed program(s) desired by submitting a “My Panel Submission” to your Commanding Officer.
Apply for waivers, if necessary.
Review completeness of OMPF on iPERMS.
Verify completeness of ESS.
The PG/Adv Ed application process has changed considerably over the years and will continue to adjust to meet the needs of the Service. Please read this guide in its entirety to ensure compliance with current policy and procedures.
CSs considering opportunities should also examine career paths and follow-on assignment possibilities. Selectees will be subject to a direct service or program-specific payback assignment.
POSTGRADUATE/ADVANCED EDUCATION SELECTION PANELS
The PG/Adv Ed Panel schedule and Precepts will be available on CG PSC-EPM-1’s Panel SharePoint: Post Graduate and Advanced Education (PG/Adv Ed) Panels
Each Panel will meet on a date established by CG PSC-EPM-1. The Panel report and results message are prepared and routed through the chain of command to CG PSC-EPM. The Panel’s results message takes approximately two weeks for approval and subsequent release via ALCGENL. PG/Adv Ed selection Panels are guided by the Panel Precept and base their decisions on official matters of record and applications. Panels will see the following for each applicant:
a. OMPF on iPERMS in “Board Record View”
b. Enlisted Evaluation Reports (EERs)
c. Applicant’s “My Panel Submission” and comments
d. Command endorsement/comments
e. Employee Summary Sheet (ESS) in Panel View
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
In order for an application to be considered complete, members must meet the following eligibility requirements by the application deadline. Additional requirements may be set forth in program specific.
a. Enlisted members due to transfer in AY25 or AY26 are permitted to apply.
b. Enlisted members should meet the minimum requirements of Coast Guard service at the time of enrollment in the AY25 academic program. Applicants to these programs should consult the enlisted Advanced Education Shopping list for specific academic requirements.
c. Members who have previously attended full-time Coast Guard funded PG/Adv Ed programs are not eligible to apply and will not be selected for additional programs.
d. Enlisted members applying to PG/Adv Ed programs leading to an advanced degree must have a conferred baccalaureate degree at the time of their “My Panel submission.” The only exceptions to this requirement are those members applying to programs that do not require a degree. Applicants to these programs should consult the respective enlisted Advanced Education Shopping List and the Program manager for specific academic requirements.
e. Enlisted members who submit retirement requests will be withdrawn from further consideration and removed from any PG/Adv Ed programs for which they were selected.
f. Enlisted members recalled from retirement are not eligible to apply for PG/Adv Ed
ALCGENL 164/24
SUBJ: ENLISTED POSTGRADUATE AND ADVANCED EDUCATION APPLICATION PROCESS FOR ASSIGNMENT YEAR 2025 (AY25)
A. Performance, Training, and Education Manual (PTEM), COMDTINST 1500.10(series)
B. Active Duty Enlisted Postgraduate and Advanced Education Application Process Guide for Assignment Year 2025
C. Commandant’s and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard’s Guidance to AY25 Enlisted Selection Boards and Panels
D. COMCOGARD FORCECOM NORFOLK VA 261900Z FEB 24/ALCOAST 096/24
1. This message announces enlisted postgraduate and advanced education (PG/Adv
Ed) opportunities in accordance with references (a) through (d). The anticipated panel schedule and list of individual Program Managers is posted on the EPM-1 Boards and Panel SharePoint at https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/psc_spo/psc-epm/epm-1/Boards%20and%20Panels . EPM-1 will convene panels for the following Training Allowance Billets (TABs) in AY25 ***all but CS related removed from original message:
-Culinary Management CM 1 TAB Management
-Dietician DIET_E 1 TAB Management
-Hospitality Management HMAE_E 1 TAB Management
-Nutritionist NUT_E 1 TAB Management
2. Deadlines: Applicants are responsible for ensuring their application
is submitted on time and in compliance with applicable instruction. Applicants
are responsible for working with their command, SPO, Education and Training
Quota Management Command, and PSC Records Branch (BOPS-MR) to correct any record
errors or omissions and to ensure Enlisted Evaluation Reports are marked final
in Direct Access. Applicants who fail to meet the established requirements will
not be considered. The following deadlines will apply:
a. 14 July 2024: Application Submission Deadline in applicable Direct Access “My
Panel Submission” (Must be marked final).
b. 14 July 2024: Waiver Submission in Direct Access “My Panel Submission” Code:
PGWV_E (Must be marked final).
c. 29 July 2024: Management Advanced Education Sub-Panel convenes.
d. 05 August 2024: Technology Advanced Education Sub-Panel convenes.
3. Applications:
a. Prior to applying, applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule an
appointment with CG PSC-EPM-4 through the “EPM-4 Career Advisory Request”
located at https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/psc_spo/psc-epm/epm-4/SitePages/Enlisted-Career-Advisory-Branch.aspx .
b. Reference (b) is the primary source for information on properly completing
the application process in Direct Access. Do not use the “PCS E-Resumes” feature
when applying to PG/Adv Ed programs, use “My Panel Submission.” The Process
Guide, ref (b), contains amplifying guidance to complete the application
and command endorsement portion correctly. Applicants, units, and SPOs should
use this guide to ensure eligibility requirements are met.
c. Applicants must verify their “My Panel Submission” is endorsed and marked
final prior to the application deadline. It is the members responsibility to
ensure their “My Panel Submission” is marked final to be considered a candidate.
d. All member comments and command endorsements must be under 500 characters.
Direct Access will allow members to type additional characters; however,
anything beyond 500 characters will not be viewable by the panel.
e. Candidates applying to multiple advanced education programs must list their
applications in preference order.
4. Eligibility Requirements:
a. Members who are tour complete in AY25 or AY26 are eligible to apply. Members
who believe they may be transferring early due to advancement should contact
their respective Assignment Officer (AO). Only members who have a 2025 or 2026
rotation date in Direct Access prior to the panel convening will be eligible.
b. Members currently enrolled in or who have already attended a Coast Guard
sponsored PG/Adv Ed program are not eligible to apply.
c. Members recalled to active duty under Title 10, ADOS, or drilling reservists
are not eligible to apply.
d. Each program has provided eligibility requirements on the “Enlisted Advanced
Education Shopping List” posted on the EPM-1 Boards and Panels SharePoint at
https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/psc_spo/psc-epm/epm-1/Boards%20and%20Panels/SitePages/Boards-and-Panels.aspx
e. Applicants who fail to meet the established requirements will not be
considered by the panel.
5. Waiver Requests:
a. Members who do not meet specific program requirements outlined on the
“Enlisted Advanced Education Shopping List” posted at https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/psc_spo/psc-epm/epm-1/Boards%20and%20Panels/SitePages/Enlisted-Panels.aspx or eligibility requirements outlined in paragraph 4 of this
message, must submit a waiver request in Direct Access.
b. All waiver requests shall be submitted via Direct Access “My Panel
Submission” Code: PGWV_E. Waiver requests must be under 500 characters. Direct
Access will allow members to type additional characters; however, anything
beyond 500 characters will not be viewable by the panel.
c. Members must indicate the program(s) they are requesting a waiver for and the
eligibility requirement they do not meet at the beginning of their PGWV_E “My
Panel Submission.”
d. Command comments are required for waiver requests and the PGWV_E “My Panel
Submission” must be marked final by the command. It is the members
responsibility to ensure any waiver requests are marked final.
e. CG PSC-EPM-1 will adjudicate waiver requests after the application deadline.
6. Panel Materials: Selection panels are guided by the panel precept and
decisions are based on information in official personnel records. Each applicant
shall ensure their record is updated and accurate while adhering to the
deadlines outlined in paragraph 2 of this message. Selection panels will view
the following items while in session:
a. Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) in iPERMS.
b. Employee Summary Sheet (Panel View).
c. Enlisted Evaluation Reports.
d. Applicant’s “My Panel Submission” comments (must be under 500 characters).
e. Command endorsement in Direct Access “My Panel Submission” (must be under 500
characters).
Note: Separate communications to the panel, other than your “My Panel
Submission” comments, are not permitted.
7. Results: Primary and alternate selections will be announced via ALCGENL
after the panel adjourns and the results are approved. Upon
results message release and transmission of an official acceptance memo from
EPM-1, primary selectees will be afforded 5 business days to formally accept or
decline the TAB offered.
8. Program Acceptance: Members selected will be assigned to Duty Under
Instruction (DUINS) in the summer of 2025 for the duration of their program.
Accepting a TAB constitutes accepting assignment for AY25. Deferrals will be
considered based on the needs of the Service and may be offered by the relevant
AO if needed. Requesting an open-ended deferral to continue to compete for
alternate assignments will not be permitted.
9. Test Scores: Standardized test scores are not required for the AY25
panel application. If selected for a program that requires a standardized test
score, or if the member or program choose a school that requires a standardized
test, the member must take the test required to gain admittance to that
institution.
10. Obligated Service: In accordance with ref (a) and applicable statutes, PG
/Adv Ed school graduates incur obligated service and should expect a program
related assignment upon completion of the PG/Adv Ed program. See references
(a) and (b) for further information on obligated service. Members who
accept an enlisted Advanced Education program will remain on active duty as an
enlisted member until they have concluded their program of study and any
follow-on assignment, unless otherwise determined by Personnel Service Center.
11. Points of Contact:
a. EPM-1 PG/Adv Ed inbox:
HQS-SMB-CGPSC-EPM-1-PANELS@USCG.MIL
b. EPM Post Grad/Adv Ed Coordinator:
LTJG Maxwell McClay, Maxwell.McClay@uscg.mil – Until 28 May 2024.
CSCM Nicholas Wright, Nicholas.A.Wright@uscg.mil
c. Individual Program Managers:
As noted on the “Enlisted Advanced Education Shopping List” posted on the
EPM-1 Boards and Panels SharePoint site.
12. CAPT J. W. Guyer, Chief, Enlisted Personnel Management Division, sends.
13. Internet release is authorized
Culinary Specialists,
Good morning from Base New Orleans. We have a couple Vested Crews members getting ready for A School here. SN Micheal Herman and SN Dane Smith. They tell me Chief John Ross and his Galley team are doing a great job preparing them for life as a CS. I’m headed to Galveston tomorrow. Sorry I missed you in PR this week, the trip was canceled, the Dauntless had a change of plans so I wasn’t able to hop onboard in PR. I may see you soon in PR if I sail with Eagle for Phase 2. Phase 2 might be embarking the Eagle in PR.
The CS leadership department April updates have been released at https://www.coastguardculinary.com/:
Upcoming RFMC Schedule:
Ongoing- RTAC/RFMC/Program/Product Line collaborations:
Recently Completed- RTAC/RFMC/Program/Product Line collaborations (at the bottom):
Message from the RFMC,
Hello Culinary Specialists! Your CS Senior Leaders have been busy traveling around the Nation Recruiting, Training and Mentoring. It is heart warming to see all the interactions and results from all your hard work and Senior Leadership support. Our recruiting numbers are up but our retention in down. I know you all told me this but now the numbers are confirming your concerns. Please review the following submission to the Work Force Planning Team:
CS Ongoing Challenges
The CS Temporary Duty (TDY) Crisis, combined with the persistent critical status of the rating, are leading to a considerable decline in CS personnel. Recent statistics indicate a distressing trajectory in attrition rates, particularly among CS3s and CS2s. CS3s are enduring a 17.3% attrition rate, demonstrating a 63% uptick from the preceding year, and surpassing the Coast Guard E-4 average by 69%. We are losing CS2s at a 16.2% attrition rate, a 44% increase since last year, and 67% above the Coast Guard’s average for E-5s. Overall, we are currently short by 96 positions and our Rating strength is at just 92%, attrition rates have spiked to 14.5%, which represents a 38% increase from the previous year. This unsettling trend is a cause for concern, not just for retention efforts but also for its potential impact on the operational readiness of the Coast Guard. To maintain the long-term health and efficacy of the CS rating, it is crucial that we implement effective strategies to address this crisis.
Additionally, the anticipated increase in the number of afloat billets (we are over 50% afloat), particularly tied to the introduction of new assets, is set to further distort the already imbalanced Sea to Shore ratio. Without the necessary funding for more ashore positions, this issue is likely to worsen.
We are still critical and need to continue the push to recruit more CSs. The pronounced deficit of 117 CS3 billets, especially over 80% in afloat roles, is seriously jeopardizing the culinary program’s objectives and the retention of our current CS workforce.
What Can We Do?
Considering these conditions, the continuation of reenlistment incentives, particularly Selective Reenlistment Bonuses (SRBs), serves as an effective mitigation strategy for CS personnel retention.
Also, we are experiencing gradual recovery from recruitment shortcomings, TMX/Commandant Intent based efforts including Lateral Entry, Letters of Intent (LOIs) with educational institutions, and vigorous recruiting complemented by social media campaigns have yielded marked improvements in ‘A’ School admission. To change our current bonuses (specifically the 70K Certificate EB and $75 Culinary Degree EB) would nullify existing LOIs and potentially reduce our partners desire to allow us to participate at highly effective recruiting venues/events and may also damage relationships constructed with industry partners such as Skills USA, ProStart, the National Restaurant Association, and the American Culinary Federation due to changes to promised incentives.
Our projections appear optimistic; however, the task remains incomplete. It is imperative to uphold the momentum and see through these Commandant/TMX talent management initiatives that have been set in motion.
What can we do? We did it: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dU6IOG2Ngv0 . We need to do it again.
In Closing
Following an increase in recruitment numbers, we have proposed to voluntarily reduce certain CS recruiting incentives, potentially amounting to losing millions in decrease CS bonus funding. Having invested this money and significant effort into recruiting CSs, it is essential that we now focus on retention. The reduction in recruitment initiatives should provide us with the flexibility to bolster retention support.
Although retention has become the priority, our TMX based recruiting initiatives, including Lateral Entry and Letters of Intent (LOIs) with educational institutions may be jeopardized by recruiting incentive reductions. While our projections appear optimistic, the task is not yet accomplished. We still need recruiting support.
We worked so hard to obtain these recruits and effective initiatives, now we must keep them.
————————————————–
A couple quick updates from RKM and SC Toler:
-Upcoming Transfer Season 2024? Check your Emails! Senior Chief Eric Toler says Greetings, In case you were not aware, on 06MAR24 the Purchase Card team released new versions of the Credit Card Holder and Approving Official agreements. The Citi bank application has not changed. Click here for more: https://coastguardculinary.com/2024/04/10/upcoming-transfer-season-2024-check-your-emails-senior-chief-eric-toler-says/
-Master Chief Justin Reed, our Rating Knowledge manager (RKM) was able to lock down a 1 year memberships for all Culinary Specialists for the Butter Book ($200 value). All you need to provide is your name and CG Email. An email was sent to you (search outlook for butter book). These courses can earn you Continuing Education Hours (CEH) for ACF certification and all content is accessible CG network. The Butter Book was created by the French Pastry School founders. The system guides you through the foundational skills needed to master proper pastry, BREAD (bread is the most important product on a boat besides the protein) and cake decorating. Butter Book tracks the number of completed categories in both lessons & courses, checks for lessons in progress, lists recipe favorites, and logs activity of the cooks over time. Please see attached code and https://coastguardculinary.com/2024/01/29/check-you-emails-rkm-master-chief-justin-reed-gets-us-the-butter-book/ for more info.
—————————————————-
Many people are asking about the Hybrid concept. Please review my Memo for Base Boston:
Introduction and Support for the Hybrid Concept
The innovative hybrid Regional Support Galley concept proposed by Base Boston represents a scalable, agile, and cost-effective solution, poised to significantly benefit Culinary Specialists (CSs) across the Coast Guard. This initiative has my full endorsement. By integrating contracted line cooks and mess attendants into our ashore galleys, we can extend high-quality galley services to more locations, reducing the reliance on CS manpower and diminishing overall costs. This hybrid model not only delivers exceptional value but also transforms the role of CSs from Contracting Officer’s Representatives to Food Service Officers (FSOs), enhancing their professional scope and impact
Operational Benefits and Professional Development:
The envisioned Regional Support Galley serves as a pivotal “hub” for supporting afloat galleys, especially those aboard patrol boats. The presence of an in-rate Chief Culinary Specialist on shore, actively engaged in similar tasks as those in afloat galleys, goes beyond mere advisory roles. This hands-on approach fosters professional development and operational efficiency. The integration of the EZ Supply system, prime vending, and the strategic shift of rations represent a significant advancement in our logistical capabilities, adding resilience and efficiency to our operations. For years we’ve asked our CSs to be flexible in support of operations, this innovative solution enables us to provide flexibility in return.
In summary:
The hybrid Regional Support Galley concept is a forward-thinking approach that promises to revolutionize the support structure for our Culinary Specialists, enhancing both operational efficiency and professional development within our ranks. The successful implementation of this concept at Base Boston could serve as a model for similar initiatives across the Coast Guard, marking a significant step forward in our continuous pursuit of excellence in service support and personnel development.
———————————–
We are slowly healing as a rating. There is much more to do. SPL, CSB, RFMC and Program will be sending out combined guidance on how to work within these new CS environments. Thank you for everything you do. It is inspiring visiting you and hearing/seeing your passion for this rating. We are a very impressive group of humans. Keep on shining.
-Master Chief Swenson
Greetings,
In case you were not aware, on 06MAR24 the Purchase Card team released new versions of the Credit Card Holder and Approving Official agreements. The Citi bank application has not changed.
• If you are a supervisor, be sure to download fresh copies of these agreements for incoming members.
• If your current Approving Official is transferring, ensure their replacement fills out the correct agreement.
• If you are transferring to an FSO or IDFSO position, it is likely your new command will not know that this change occurred.
• If you fail to submit the new agreements, there will be a delay in receiving your new Purchase Card and more importantly impede operations.
• Also be aware, when completing the required training to send in the full transcript not a screenshot of their completed training.
All information about P-Cards can be found here: Purchase Card (sharepoint-mil.us)
• After hours/24 hour call in number
• FOPC List
• Required forms
• Purchase Card Notice (PCN) Library
• Job Aids
• Purchase Card Manuals
ALCGFINANCE 013/24
SUBJ: BASIC DAILY FOOD ALLOWANCE (BDFA) April 2024
1. The issued base BDFA for April 2024 is 15.07.
Afloat 15.07
Ashore 20.35
2. All CG District 17 and Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA)
units are authorized, but not mandated a 25 percent increase in the
base BDFA.
3. The Purchase Order (PO) Number for Subsistence Purchase Card
purchases for the month of April 2024 is:
a. PO Number: 70Z02324MO0002140
4. Commanding Officers and Officers-In-Charge shall ensure all
Food Service Officers receive a copy of this message.
5. POCs are COMDT (CG-1K13), CWO3 Dustin Webb at
(202) 475-5244, Dustin.P.Webb@uscg.mil or COMDT (CG-832),
Mr. Monty Holcombe at (202) 372-3593, Monty.D.Holcombe@uscg.mil.
6. CAPT W.A. Budovec, Office of Resource Management (CG-83) sends.
7. Internet release authorized
RKM
The Occupational Analysis (OA) is currently underway and is crucial for shaping the future of the CS rate through training. This is your opportunity to contribute your insights to potential changes in RPQs and the curriculum at our A and C schools. The RFMC will be handpicking high-performing individuals to help the RTAC create a survey that all CSs can participate in. This survey aims to gather information on the daily tasks of CSs ranging from CS3 to CSMCs, in order to enhance and modify CS rate training as needed. For any inquiries about the OA, please reach out to CSCM Justin Reed at justin.l.reed@uscg.mil
The SWE is in MAY 2024. Make sure you study and use all the resources on the CS Share Point page. SWE Reference Material Good Luck to everyone!!!!
Also,
Master Chief Justin Reed, our Rating Knowledge manager (RKM) was able to lock down a 1 year memberships for all Culinary Specialists for the Butter Book ($200 value). All you need to provide is your name and CG Email. An email was sent to you (search outlook for butter book). These courses can earn you Continuing Education Hours (CEH) for ACF certification and all content is accessible CG network.
The Butter Book was created by the French Pastry School founders. The system guides you through the foundational skills needed to master proper pastry, BREAD (bread is the most important product on a boat besides the protein) and cake decorating. Butter Book tracks the number of completed categories in both lessons & courses, checks for lessons in progress, lists recipe favorites, and logs activity of the cooks over time.
“Lessons Are at the Core – Lessons are the starting place for online classes within The Butter Book, and the basis for the rest of our curriculum. Each contains a video, and we always suggest students watch them in their entirety before attempting the recipes and techniques within them. Throughout each lesson you’ll get written tips and terminology definitions, as well as clear, step-by-step instructions. Lessons always indicate how much hands-on time and how much rest time is needed for each one, so you’ll be able to plan your days. Building a Solid Foundation – Each lesson in The Butter Book makes clear why you should use particular ingredients, why the techniques work, what can go wrong, and how to correct it if it does.”
– The Butter Book
A solid foundation is so important for a us as CSs. We make so many different products from so many different cuisines, some we have never even cooked before, that we rely heavily on the basics to make sure we produce quality food from our ever changing menus. The basics is our lifeline to success… but once you become comfortable with the whys and how’s of the fundamentals, you’ll be able to more easily execute more complex stuff latter.
Feel free to jump into taking lessons right away to become a better CS and thanks to Master Chief Reed for getting us these memberships. Any questions? Contact Master Chief Reed at justin.l.reed@uscg.mil
Good morning CS’s!
Happy April and the kick-off of Assignment Year (AY25)!!
AY24 officially came to an end yesterday and we are already beginning preparations for AY25. Thank you all for being patient with me as I navigated the assignment year and everything that brought with it (FAI, Vested Crew Members, A2P, etc.). All orders have been issued, so hopefully, I didn’t miss anyone, but in case I did, give me a call immediately! I am working on getting the AY24 statistics completed and sent out for everyone’s awareness on how things shook out. Thank you to everyone for submitting realistic e-resumes! It makes my job a whole lot easier!
With that, AY25 Career Counseling season is officially here! If you would like to discuss future assignment opportunities, professional development, retirement, HYT, advancements or just want to complain a little, I am here, please follow the below guidance.
Once the Official AY25 Timeline is published by EPM-2, I will disseminate to all. Career counseling typically runs from April 1st to August 1st to allow AO’s the time in August to get the shopping list together, however, I am available all year round to discuss. If you are looking to do career counseling to see what is potentially going to be available, I recommend scheduling career counseling after 1 June 2024, as I am just beginning to do a PAL Validation and deal with any fall outs from AY24 so I do not have an accurate list yet.
To stay organized, I am asking you to send a calendar invite via Microsoft Outlook to schedule time for career counseling (see attached PDF). Sessions typically last 30 minutes, so please come prepared. This year I am going to be switching up availability a little bit. Daily career counseling availability will be Monday-Thursday 0800-1500 EST. If you are in another time zone, i.e. Hawaii, Guam or Bahrain please send an email and we will set up a time for career counseling. Attached are directions on how to send an outlook meeting request if needed.
In the calendar invite, please include:
1) Current contact information to include a phone number to call you at
2) Career goals
3) Assignment Desires
As always, thank you all for everything you do and continue to do out in the fleet! Let’s have a great week!
Second UPDATE*****
Good afternoon CS’s,
Two critical fills were released today. A critical fill re-solicitation for CGC NAUSHON and a critical fill solicitation for STA Provincetown!
For CGC NAUSHON, since this is a re-solicitation, all CS2’s not currently in a FSO assignment are candidates so if I do not have a member apply, I may be forced to select and direct. CGC Naushon is a great opportunity to knock out some sea time and get an AP2! The tour length is only 1 year as the unit is tentatively going to decom in AY25 and a chance to explore the great frontier of Alaska. For my priority 6 members or those looking at highly desirable locations such as Florida ashore, this is your chance to earn that!
eResumes for both assignments are due April 19th.
If you are interested in either assignment or have any questions, please give me a call.
Very Respectfully,
CWO2 Nicholas Wernicke
Culinary Specialist Assignment Officer
Phone: (202) 795-6570
Work Cell: (202) 841-1106
E-Mail: Nicholas.J.Wernicke@uscg.mil
#Responsive #Innovative #Integrated
#Talent Management Transformation
CS Assignment Officers Teams Page
http://www.uscg.mil/psc/epm/
CS FORCE Master Chief "LIVE" Force Notes