Coast Guard taps integrated IMT to drive service-wide recruiting initiatives Story by Master Chief Susan Blake The Coast Guard Recruiting IMT is a fully functioning incident management team (IMT) composed of primarily Reserve members from various ratings that possess a variety of skill sets developed from their civilian careers. These high-performing professionals bring a wide variety of experience in the fields of intelligence, business, law enforcement, information technology and aviation mechanics. Together, IMT members are building a network of professional and personal contacts that is shaping and extending the scope of recruiting efforts across the country. With over 850 field support events under their belt, the IMT continues to surge forward and is always looking for innovative thinkers with varying skill sets to help develop effective recruiting initiatives and refine current outreach efforts. The IMT developed three “lines of effort”: generating more leads, improving recruiting processes and increasing CGRC performance and capacity. The IMT then established strike teams to address these issues which include a major events cell, virtual recruiter call center, field support and special projects. Sustaining this long-term effort will require a continual stream of reserve and active-duty members to implement their primary line of effort of generating more leads. Senior Chief Jason Selph arrived from Alabama shortly after the IMT was stood up in May 2022. During his time with the team, he’s been able to observe the development of the recruiting initiatives and how they have evolved over time. “When I first reported to Coast Guard Headquarters to serve on the Recruiting IMT, it was difficult to wrap my head around the magnitude of the problems at hand,” said Selph. “I quickly learned that the Coast Guard faced a historic shortage of personnel, specifically at the junior ranks. Over time, I have witnessed the IMT go from infancy to where it is now, growing by leaps and bounds, and tackling many new projects based on innovative ideas developed or submitted to the team.” With a wealth of experience and leadership, the Recruiting IMT has come a long way since its beginnings a little over a year ago. They’ve spearheaded programs such as the Scout Talent and Refer (STAR), recruiting liaisons, lateral entry, pathways to citizenship and more. “Everyone here, whether active or reserve, is committed to helping the Coast Guard meet its recruiting goals,” said Capt. Tabitha Schiro, deputy incident commander. “We are not done yet, but the IMT is laser focused on succeeding as we refine processes developed over the past year, and I’m proud to serve with them.” In a 2021 military family support programming survey of 8,638 active-duty members, retirees, dependents and veterans, 63% said they would recommend military life to someone considering, down from their previous survey in 2019 of 75%. “We often say that the Coast Guard is the best kept secret, but that is a problem for us. We need to let people know we are not lifeguards or the National Guard. We are sentinels that protect the environment, save lives and protect our homeland,” said Schiro. “Almost any career path you want, you can find it in the Coast Guard. The service has so much to offer, not only to the public, but to oneself. We are a small service and support each other like a family. The satisfaction of being a part of this unique branch of the military should make us all feel a great sense of pride.” . Capt. Schiro, deputy incident commander for IMT, addresses section chiefs (r-l) during the team’s planning meeting. 8 Reservist . . Issue 3 • 2023 Issue 3 • 2023 Celebrating Celebrating 70 70 years of the Reservist years of the Reservist
