Using EBDL as a career force multiplier What do hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, mass migration events and global pandemics have in common? They are incredibly disruptive to our well laid plans. The spread of COVID-19 and the associated global response has impacted everyone in different ways, and members of the Coast Guard Reserve are no different. An event like this pandemic or a future one could and probably will disrupt your plans for IDT or your unit’s plan for ADT. It’s just one example of a real-world event or situation that reinforces the value of utilizing Electronic Based Distributed Learning. There are two types of EBDL, command-directed and non- command-directed. According to the Coast Guard Reserve website, “Non-command directed EBDL is considered elective, and it may be taken without command approval if already on the approved course list. Elective EBDL is training not eligible for pay, but is eligible for inactive duty retirement points.” While the Reserve Policy Manual states “inactive duty is normally performed in a paid status,” the value of completing EBDL is threefold and should not be discounted. The first and most important reason why EBDL should matter to you when your IDT or ADT plans are unexpectedly changed is ensuring you meet the requirements for a satisfactory year for retirement and good conduct eligibility. Earning the 50 points required in your anniversary year for retirement and the 70 for your good conduct eligibility is a must despite the current pandemic prevention and response efforts that affected many Coast Guard units. Additionally, Reserve officers must earn 50 points each year to stay in an active status. When social distancing protocols and travel restrictions make performing ADT and IDT problematic, EBDL can be an effective solution to replace those retirement points. Note that completion of EBDL coursework for points does not alleviate a member’s responsibility to meet minimum participation standards, including drills. Maximizing your retirement is another great reason to take advantage of EBDL courses. The maximum number of points earned for inactive service for anniversary years closing on or after Oct. 30, 2007, is 130, and most SELRES members do not come close to earning that number in a given year. Let’s do the math: First, let’s say you complete all of your 48 paid drills in a given year (ADT doesn't count against you). Second, you get your 15 membership points. Finally, because you are a squared away Coastie, you also get a point for completing your health assessment. Altogether, that adds up to 64 points for retirement. That leaves 66 available inactive duty points on the table each year. Over a 20-year career, 66 additional points each year really adds up. Taking coursework relevant to your rate, grade or officer specialty code will help you become a more proficient service member, while also increasing the worth of your retirement. Lastly, professional development is another great reason to take EBDL courses. For the officer corps, selection for promotion to the next higher grade is a very competitive process. With the addition of future lieutenant commander retention boards to the already existing commander and captain retention process, a proven track record of professional development can go a long way with board members. Completion of relevant EBDL courses will show you are a continuous or life-long learner and help to separate you from the competition. On the enlisted side of the house, pursuing professional development with EBDL also has distinct advantages. Do you want to screen for a badge position in the future, compete for a seat at the Reserve Component National Security Course, or be selected for other professional military education opportunities? Completing relevant EBDL can go a long way in making that happen. There is an extensive collection of EBDL courses approved for inactive duty points. CG-R manages the EBDL course approval process and released a Reserve Info Bulletin in the beginning of April about this very topic. Take some time to read the bulletin and review the latest EBDL course offerings. You will find it’s an excellent way for members of your unit to earn additional credit for anniversary and good conduct years, maximize their retirement, and continue to develop professionally. � — Story by Cmdr. John Hughes EPM-3 Sets New EER Standard Over the past two years, EPM-3 has guided the fleet in the implementation of the new Enlisted Evaluation System. The EES is designed to afford all Coast Guard enlisted members with fair, objective and timely evaluations. Currently over 34,000 enlisted evaluations have been reviewed for accuracy, with approximately 9,200 being returned for corrections. EPM-3’s is fully staffed with nine military members and three civilians who ensure every enlisted evaluation submitted is reviewed. Reserve EER Schedule (92/184 day rule) – A regular or unscheduled EER cannot be completed if the member has received an EER in the last 92 days for E-5 and below or 184 days for E-6 and above, except for discipline. Regular Reserve EER (Performing Temporary Duty) – Evaluations for reservists performing temporary active duty at a unit other than their permanent unit due to involuntary mobilization (e.g. Title 10 or Title 14) or on short-term ADOS 38 RESERVIST � Issue 2 • 2020
