|
Office of Public Affairs | |
 | |
| Feature Release |
Date: October 18, 2007 |
HELP THEM GROW | |
|
Story by Petty Officer Third Class Tara Molle, Coast Guard District Thirteen
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." "How can we help you?" Five simple words Career Development Advisors (CDA) love to ask. The CDA program, formerly known as the Career Information Specialist program, was created in 1991 to help ensure enlisted personnel were made aware of the advantages of a Coast Guard Career. The CDA program promotes policies, programs, and initiatives designed to retain a highly capable, flexible and diverse workforce. CDA's will travel to all units within their district and provide seminars on topics such as goal setting, mentoring and leadership, choosing career paths, financial management, service wide examination breakdown, enlisted evaluations, voluntary education, reserve benefits and entitlements and officer programs available for enlisted personnel. "We hold one 4-hour session at the units we visit," said Senior Chief Jason Schmidt, Operations Specialist and one of two CDA's for the Coast Guard Thirteenth District. "We like to stick around for two or three hours in case people have further questions or need specific counseling." Schmidt explained that members tend to be somewhat quiet during the actual seminar but are usually full of questions after the fact. "I think they kind-of get overloaded with information," said Schmidt. "Some units have a lot of first termers." "It's hard to put a value on this training," said Master Chief Brion Newman, the Reserve Career Development Advisor for the Coast Guard Thirteenth District. "We give very detailed critiques to tailor our programs and design it specifically to the district's needs. We do get a lot of positive feedback. Marketing is very important to our job in trying to sell how important this is." As described in a Commandant's Instruction, CDA's are responsible for communicating the vital information related to career goal setting, leadership initiatives, policies and programs to all team Coast Guard. One of a CDA's primary goals is to ensure all Coast Guard members are fully aware of the benefits and programs available to them. "We see more of an impact with financial needs," said Schmidt. "Financial needs affect readiness," said Newman. Financial problems do not affect just E-2's and E-3's. Many senior enlisted have issues that need to be resolved as well." "People get buried, distressed and unsure about what to do next," said Schmidt. "We provide tools, information and guidance for Coasties to put themselves in better situations. Give people what they need and show them the way. There is a light at the end of the tunnel." "There is a lot of different baggage that affects all areas of their life," said Senior Chief Penny Koons, Operations Specialist and one of two CDA's for the Coast Guard Thirteenth District. "They don't believe they can get themselves back on track." One of the challenges CDA's face is having to provide service to entire districts, which includes active duty, reserve, civilian employees and spouses. "It's easy for personnel at local units to make appointments and talk to us face to face," said Schmidt. "However, not everyone can do that. We are available by e-mail and phone." Schmidt went on to add that CDA's act as a resource for supervisors. "Supervisors aren't specialists in this field and they have their missions to complete. We go out into the field and help Coasties." "The more they know, the more ready the Coast Guard is," said Newman. CDA's stay as up to date and current as possible on information by regularly reading ALCOAST messages, message boards and reviewing newly updated Commandant Instructions. Currently there are 19 CDA billets throughout the Coast Guard and most of the time two are stationed per district. "I love it," said Schmidt grinning. "This is probably the best billet I've had in my whole career." He went on to say that some CDA's enjoyed it so much that they requested a second tour. Considered a "special duty assignment" with a tour requirement of four years, CDA's are generally E-7's and above and have already or been slated to attend the Chief Petty Officer's Academy in Petaluma, Calif. Among the usual standards to be eligible for a new position, such being within weight compliance, CDA's also have to undergo several training courses. "It's extremely satisfying making a difference in someone's life," Newman added. He mentioned that he has come across people he assisted in the past and they share about how much better they are doing. "It empowers us to give back to the Coast Guard team and share our information and experiences with the Coast Guard family," said Koons. Aside from financial issues and generic Coast Guard related training, CDA's like to encourage the value of furthering one's education during their seminars. "Members are interested about their dependents education," said Newman. "Educational opportunities have improved greatly over the last 10 years," Schmidt added. "It is generally free with tuition assistance." Whether it is education, finance or information about one's Coast Guard career, CDA's are always willing and able to help team Coast Guard and give them the direction they need to succeed in life. "It does take some effort from the member to seek out this information," said Koons. "Everyone should take advantage of it. We just plant the seed that allows them to grow." | |
|
### | |
printer friendly