New ways to update your information online Story by Kyle Ford, MyCG Writer When changing station, manager or address, don’t forget to update your personal information. You can now update your manager through the Pixel Dashboard; and personal information like name, address, unit name, job title, job location, and phone number at the ID Card Office Online. “Anytime you go to a new unit or even get a new supervisor, you should update this information,” said Lt. Brent Law, Coast Guard Cyber Command. Changing Managers To change managers: 1. Open the Pixel Dashboard. 2. Select CGFIXIT / Tech Help. 3. Select Member Information. This will open a page that contains your User Information. 4. Select Change Manager. i. Fill in new manager’s email information and select Verify Manager. ii. Select Save Manager Change. iii. Close the window. Note: It may take several days for the change to show up in the Global Address List. Update Personal Information To update your personal information: 1. Navigate to ID Card Online at ID Card Office Online (osd.mil). 2. In the My Profile box, click Continue. 3. Select CAC, and click Login. If prompted, select your certificate. 4. On the Authentication screen, click Continue. 5. Click the correct work tab (MIL, CIV or CTR). Note: Changes made on the Personal tab won’t reflect on your contact card. 6. Update the fields that have changed. 7. Select Submit. Note: It may take a few days for the changes to populate in the correct areas. If you have a problem updating your information you should submit a CGFIXIT ticket. . New conduits for EM lateral entry and post-service civilian careers Story by Elizabeth Christopher, MyCG Staff Writer In a win for both the Coast Guard and recruits alike, recent changes to the electrician’s mate (EM) rating lateral entry program have eased entry requirements for students pursuing a career in the electrical field. The Coast Guard Recruiting Command recently signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), a not for profit provider of construction curricula. NCCER’s curricula often serves as the basis for high school, community college and vocational school programs — key locations for recruiting. The LOI establishes a standard process for graduates who followed NCCER curriculum in school to join the Coast Guard as EM3s or EM2s. Once certified, recruits will be evaluated by the EM rating force master chief (RFMC) and rating knowledge manager, and then attend an agile EM “A” school for two to six weeks before graduating as an EM3 or EM2 — a process that generally takes years for a recruit to complete. This time savings, paired with the $15,000 enlistment bonus authorized for new EM recruits, will be attractive incentives for recent graduates hoping to jumpstart their careers. Lateral entry continues to gain traction The LOI marks just another win for the lateral entry program. As the Coast Guard navigates recruitment challenges, lateral entry has even helped usher in older recruits who are looking for change of pace or to diversify their careers. According to School Chief Electrician’s Mate Senior Chief Petty Officer Jason Sardinas, the program welcomes individuals with critical skill sets or prior military experience. “Those with experience in HVAC, power distribution plants, industrial technicians, ship engineers — all of that experience can be considered for the EM lateral entry program.” Sardinas is enthusiastic about the program’s progress, sharing that a member recently transitioned directly to E5 thanks to their degree in electrical engineering and prior certified work experience. Setting up active duty and reserve members for later success In addition to the EM lateral entry LOI, NCCER now includes the Coast Guard in its “Hard Hat Heroes” program. Under Hard Hat Heroes, active duty and reserve members can apply for military equivalency credentials. Experience gained within the Coast Guard — such as EM “A” school and machinery technician “C” school accreditations — translates into civilian career licensing. Under this arrangement, participants avoid the monetary and time investments needed for licensing, immediately advancing their civilian careers upon leaving the Coast Guard. . For more information, please contact EM RFMC, Master Chief Petty Officer Robert L. Gilpin at [email protected] or Electrician’s Mate Senior Chief Petty Officer Jason Sardinas at Jason.J.Sardinas@ uscg.mil. Issue 3 • 2023 Issue 3 • 2023 . Reservist 25 Celebrating Celebrating 70 70 years of the Reservist years of the Reservist
