RESERVIST MAGAZINE DECKPLATE SOUNDINGS I n June, I became the Atlantic Area reserve gold badge, relieving the legendary Master Chief Petty Officer Joe Pasqua. I know I’ve got big shoes to fill, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. While I’ve been in the gold badge community for a few years, the majority of my career has been at First District units. I’m a New Yorker, so I’m partial to the First, but I’m learning that the other LANT Area units are pretty remarkable too! I’m proud of all their work they’ve done in the past few months prepping for hurricane season. The Coast Guard’s been my home for the last 23 years. I joined the service because I had an interest in boats, search and rescue, and law enforcement. I loved being an operational boatswain’s mate, small boat coxswain, and boarding officer. After becoming a chief in 2009, I dove in headfirst, aggressively seeking positions where I could challenge myself as a leader, help my shipmates, and effect positive change for the Reserve Component. It was important to me to get a seat at the table where I could weigh in on the decisions that directly affected reservists assigned to field units. After filling jobs as a SERA and as a training petty officer, I started seeing a trend that only grew more obvious when I was selected as a command master chief. Relationships are incredibly important. When you drill down, so many of our issues can be solved by prioritizing and investing in the active duty/reservist relationship. During many of my unit visits over the last few years, I usually get to hear about problems that will inadvertently crop up. Nine out of 10 times, it’s because of a communications breakdown. That’s the number one issue, especially during transfer season. (And, occasionally, for New Yorkers.) Just when you think, “Okay, I’m good. Everyone knows who I am, trusts me, and supports my team,” you come in for your two weeks of active duty after a PCS season, and you don’t recognize half the active duty crew. We’ve all been there. It’s on us to know who our active duty counterparts are and communicate with them. If we’re not communicating regularly and effectively, important items fall through the cracks, affecting mission readiness. Without that regular comms via text messages, phone calls, and emails between monthly drills, it’s like starting over every time you come to work. Building and sustaining these relationships is what helps us keep up to date on the latest changes, and it demonstrates your dedication to the job and the mission. As reservists, we need to be even more accountable for ourselves as leaders and communicators, because we’re held to the same standard as the active duty with less time to accomplish it. I know it’s tough, believe me. I’ve been in your shoes: maintaining my drill schedule, balancing a career in the New York City Police Department, dealing with health issues, and trying to be a good husband and father. It’s not easy, but I can honestly say it’s been a rewarding experience, and I still love what I do. I will always understand and appreciate the hard work and sacrifices that you make to be here. We are the mobilization force that Americans count on, and I’m proud to be part of this team. I support you, and I’ve got your back. Thank you for all that you do. Semper Paratus. "I will always understand and appreciate the hard work and sacrifices that you make to be here. We are the mobilization force that Americans count on, and I’m proud to be part of this team." Issue 3 • 2022 � RESERVIST 7 Master Chief Petty Officer Justin Knudsen Atlantic Area Reserve Command Master Chief
