eckplate Master Chief Petty Officer Theresa Joyce Surge Staffing Section – Personnel Services Center About five years ago, I was working with Surge Staffing to come on short-term Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS) orders to help run the beta test of the Coast Guard’s Parental Leave Program. I’m prior active duty, but at this point, had been a Reserve coxswain for the past 12 years. I had little experience in the process of activating and experienced delays with order creation and execution. When my orders weren’t done on time, I blamed Surge Staffing! The Surge Staffing Section (SSS), located within the Coast Guard’s Personnel Services Center, is the highest level of the short-term assignment process, including its policy oversight. The SSS exercises authority to effect short-term assignments (180 days or less) for Coast Guard active-duty, Reserve, civilian and Auxiliary members that are requested by District and/or Area Commanders. The SSS validates, vets, and issues short- term assignments as the only command with authorization to assign members throughout the entire Service—orders include steady-state requests, contingency and non-contingency ADOS, and involuntary Title 10 and Title 14. There are subtle differences in the process for requesting and assigning reservists than active duty. For reservists, our main sourcing partners are Pacific Area Command, Atlantic Area Command and Operational Logistics Command. We also work directly with Districts for quicker timelines. Each office is responsible for the management of its subunits’ Request for Forces (RFFs), timelines, and the routing of paperwork. So, what does the process look like and how does it begin? When a unit identifies a need for short-term coverage and is unable to identify a candidate or has a candidate outside of their authority, the RFF will be sent to the SSS. We then build slates for specific competencies requested and forward to our sourcing partners to determine the individual status of qualified candidates. Once we receive these back, we select and assign someone to the position. During contingencies, the affected District stands up a mobilization cell to process the requests for support from an Incident Management Team and forwards to SSS as needed. The other difference is that RFFs are not usually used for this process. The SSS is notified of escalated requests through Direct Access reports. The process happens quickly due to required response time for contingencies. Once a candidate is identified, an assignment message is released to the member’s command and administrative department. The member’s admin is responsible for initiating orders. At this point, SSS is no longer involved beyond the assignment. Take charge and learn the process! My tips for success: • DA is the single point for a real-time listing of all open positions and pertaining requirements. I highly recommend becoming good friends with the “My Mobilization Resume.” • If you are qualified for a position that doesn’t fit your Coast Guard career profile, apply and reach out to the contact listed in DA. I’ve seen many people earn positions with their civilian skill sets. • Communicate with your active-duty command. The endorsement must be approved before you can be considered for a position. • If you are applying for a position, all your readiness should be green—this includes your Annual Screening Questionnaire, weigh-ins, and Individual Medical Readiness. • Your admin is your best friend! You should always work with your admin for travel requirements and questions. Please do not interpret these for yourself—it could end up costing you more than just money. • During contingencies or contingency season, ensure your RFRS are aware of any status changes or conflicts to being recalled. You are required to always do this, but you may get involuntarily selected for something because they thought you were available. In fiscal year 2023, the Surge Staffing Section issued over 550 mobilization orders for reservists to respond to natural disasters, national emergencies and program level support due to temporarily gapped vacancies. With the Service’s workforce shortage and the Parental Leave Augmentation Program, this is one of the most interesting times in recent history for Coast Guard reservists. The number of opportunities to serve in a new way for the Reserve Component is unprecedented, and the experience you will gain through mobilizations will not only benefit the Coast Guard but enrich your career. Semper Paratus. Deckplate Sounding — SPRING 2024 6
