RESERVIST MAGAZINE DECKPLATE SOUNDINGS Operations. In this role, I advise DCO on personnel and policy impacts pertaining to Coast Guard missions and programs. This is opportunity allows me to support several directorates, including one that’s relatively new to me—the Assistant Commandant for Reserve. Having an aviation background, I never had the opportunity to serve with reservists. It wasn’t E until my career path branched into special assignments that I was afforded an opportunity to serve alongside my Reserve brothers and sisters, and what an amazing opportunity it was! My first encounter with reservists was as an instructor at the Chief Petty Officers Academy; there, I was able to connect with thousands of Chiefs. The instructors on staff would fight to be one of the lead instructors for the incoming Reserve class. Their attitude, pride, and desire to be there as Chiefs and to absorb everything the staff had to offer “re-blued” the staff. We saw the Coast Guard through their eyes and gained new appreciation for what we, as active duty, take for granted. The reservists would ask for extra PT sessions and beg me to take them on a “Fit Deck” run up “Texas Hill.” This is no joke—it’s a series of calisthenics done over a two-mile run. It’s an intense workout, but it builds great camaraderie. At the top of that hill, there’s no active duty, no reservists—just a group of Coasties getting after it! Because many of them were first responders in their civilian jobs, they showed up physically fit and ready to train. This inspired the CPOA instructors to match the students’ intensity with their own maximum effort—we made each other better! When I became the school chief for the Senior Enlisted Leadership Course, I sought to enhance the diversity of thought and the richness of the conversations among the E-8s and E-9s of the Coast Guard—the top 2.5% and 1% of the enlisted workforce, respectively. I intentionally built classes comprising a mix of ratings, components and services. As reservists, you know there’s no substitute for the value found in bringing so many different experiences and backgrounds to the table. It strengthens our network as a Chiefs Mess. By increasing our shared awareness of the challenges and constraints, as well as possible solutions, we’re able to focus our multiple perspectives to achieve a common purpose. My next opportunity to work with my Reserve shipmates was in the Ninth Coast Guard District. While there, I encountered so many reservists who supported D9’s missions: as part of Summerstock they helped cover down on our super busy summer SAR season; many more deployed for hurricane relief efforts, COVID-19 support, Southwest border operations, and port security unit missions; still others backfilled units to support parents who took advantage of our parental leave program. We couldn’t do what we do in D9 without Reserve support. I’m often in awe of the resiliency, flexibility, selflessness, and capability of our Reserve workforce. In fact, I see it in those former students of mine, many now in Reserve Silver and Gold Badge assignments. Many of these true patriots continue to put on the uniform—even when it means they’re paying out of pocket to do so. It shouldn’t be that hard to serve our country. My goal in this job is lend a voice to assist in making it easier to serve as a Reserve member. I’m focusing on initiatives and opportunities like growing our Reserve workforce, implementing FlexPAL, improving training capacity, and rolling out the aviation workforce are a great start; we’re also exploring opportunities at training centers, C5IT, and maintenance augmentation teams to help retain some of our incredibly talented and hardworking members. We have a lot of things in the works, but I believe some things we have to get right are: increasing communication about our In-Service Transfer Team on the active duty side, and, as leaders, ensuring every member feels valued for their contribution and sees their purpose in our great Service. I am extremely grateful for yet another opportunity for increased exposure to our Reserve workforce; as the DCO CMC, I look forward to helping them continue to selflessly answer the call. Semper Paratus. Master Chief Petty Officer Jahmal Pereira Command Master Chief, Deputy Commandant for Operations arlier this year, I became the Command Master Chief for the Deputy Commandant for "I’m often in awe of the resiliency, flexibility, selflessness, and capability of our Reserve workforce." Issue 4 • 2021 � RESERVIST 5
