RESERVIST MAGAZINE THE VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE ways. As military professionals, we find ourselves in dynamic times full of ‘wicked problems’ that challenge us to find solutions, often with few resources and only a vague sense of direction. I have always enjoyed this type of intellectual challenge, and for me, it has never been about success or failure, but about being willing to be smarter tomorrow than I am today; to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward. President Theodore Roosevelt said it best: T “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.” That quote stays with me as I think back with pride, particularly over the last three years. Captain Alexander C. Foos Chief, Office of Reserve Policy and Requirements Integration Assistant Commandant for Reserve In these few, yet incredibly consequential years, active and reserve leaders from across the Coast Guard truly dared mighty things. Just look at the list of items, once thought impossible, that were completed in less than 36 months. Establishment of a dedicated Assistant Commandant for Reserve, publication of Doctrine for the Reserve, implementation of the Flexible Personnel Allowance List (FlexPAL), establishment of a system of requirements for the Reserve, and restoration of Reserve aviators. Truly mighty things, each requiring bold and decisive leadership. I find myself in awe of all the work we have done together; moreover, I am filled with an enormous sense of optimism for the future! Over the course of my career, I have had the good fortune of being in the right place at the "Being an effective agent for change requires us all to be people-people, a daunting task for an introvert like myself. It takes effort to go outside of your comfort zone to create those new relationships, but the dividends it continues to pay are well worth it." 6 RESERVIST � Issue 1 • 2022 right time to be able to make a difference in the direction of the Reserve Component. More importantly, I’ve been fortunate enough to cultivate a diverse network of leaders across the Coast Guard that have made all of our ‘glorious triumphs’ possible in the first place. Being an effective agent for change requires us all to be people-people, a daunting task for an introvert like myself. It takes effort to go outside of your comfort zone to create those new relationships, but the dividends it continues to pay are well worth it. We only need to look to the COVID-19 pandemic for proof of this. Who could have foreseen all its disruptions to our personal, professional, and military lives? We quickly found ways to balance readiness, risk, and resilience, but what got us through those trying times was the close coordination of our active duty and reserve leaders. Their communication and adaptability allowed us to quickly identify, address, and refine solutions to unique local, regional, and national problems. While all of these big program successes are satisfying, the most rewarding and enjoyable job I have ever had has been telling your story to the world. The history and narrative of the Reserve and its immensely dedicated and talented people is truly compelling. The sacrifice, service, selflessness, resilience, and loyalty of our people is second to none. The tales of your successes are reaching the highest levels of leadership across government—tales of how Coast Guard reservists placed into adverse environments don’t just adapt, they excel. So, as I prepare to leave the Coast Guard family that took me in 25 years ago, I have no regrets. There’s no better way to leave than on top of the world, and that’s where I am right now, because I know that our course going forward is true, our leaders are capable and ready, and our people are the finest to ever serve. The traction the Reserve has with the senior leadership of our Service and the Department is unprecedented, and it bodes well for our continued success. I’ll be watching from the sidelines as you continue to dare mighty things, surrounded by a Coast Guard that relies on great things from you. Semper Paratus. he opportunity to make a difference in this world presents itself to us all in a variety of
