Hord envisions the program expanding, which would offer more billet choices to MEs; it would also offer the Coast Guard a ready contingent of MEs who were trained in Coast Guard security procedures and could be deployed either locally or to other CGPDs for emergencies. For example, in 2017, reserve MEs from Sector Houston- Galveston set up a security perimeter around the Sector when the fence blew down during Hurricane Harvey. Putting ME billets at the eight Coast Guard Police Departments (most of them at the large training commands) would create geographic stability for members, since the PDs are located near other units with reserve ME billets. “It’s going to be a huge return on investment for the Coast Guard,” said Hord. BUILDING THE RATING Beyond finding the right units to staff with the right amount of MEs, bringing in reservists with boarding team or boarding officer experience into the ME rating has been one of Morales’s goals over his tenure as RFMC. He’s always on the lookout for members like Borger who have both Coast Guard experience and an affinity for law enforcement, or those who chose their rating before 2010, the first year ME was introduced. He’s evaluated more than 120 packages of former agents, police officers, corrections officers and other law enforcement types who would fit the ME rating. Like Hord, Morales recognizes the value of bringing that external law enforcement experience to the Coast Guard for mentoring, networking, and diversifying. He’s also had to find a way to translate their civilian law enforcement skills and training into the correct rate (paygrade) for current military service. “I’m pretty keen on history,” he said. ”One of the things I looked at was back in World War II when the Navy had to build the Seabees. They brought in construction people with talent and knowledge, but couldn’t bring in the level of experience they needed and pay them as a seaman. They needed help at the chief level. We’ve done it all the time. I always look at what people bring to the table.” RE-ASSUMING THE WATCH Morales was glad to be able to help kick off the program by adding an ideal candidate like Borger. On the morning of April 6, they would eventually make their way to the Coast Guard Yard, where they and six other MEs would be greeted by Hord and the commanding officer and executive officer of the Yard. But first, Morales and Borger had a stop to make. Borger’s initial drill weekend began at the Coast Guard Cutter Taney, a decommissioned World War II ship and floating museum in Baltimore harbor. As part of a new policy that allowed RFMCs to reenlist members, Morales himself conducted Borger’s official reenlistment ceremony on the decks of the historic ship. Wearing his dress uniform, Borger raised his right hand to take his oath of enlistment; Morales raised his to administer it. There was pride on both sides. “There’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll be a chief in two years,” said Morales. “Professionally, I snagged superior talent, but personally, it was like bringing a family member back to the family.” . Reserve maritime enforcement specialists attend their first drill weekend as part of the police department at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore in April. They were greeted by the Yard’s commanding officer, Capt. Vincent Skwarek, the executive officer, Cmdr. Lauren Dufrene, the chief of security, Chief Warrant Officer Anthony Hord, and the ME rating force master chief, Master Chief Petty Officer Dan Morales. 22 RESERVIST . . Issue 2 • 2021
