In the first episode of Course Made Good, join me, the incoming Boatswain's Mate Rating Force Master Chief, BMCM Michael Ellis, to discuss how my career led me to this position and why I believe a podcast focused on the BM rating will benefit us all.  Submit show suggestions and comments to cgbmrfmc@gmail.com Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers or the United States Coast Guard.

#1: We're underway!

The only podcast focused on the experiences and careers of Boatswain's Mates in the United States Coast Guard. Hosted by the Rating Force Master Chief, BMCM M. J. Ellis.

The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.

Government

Have you ever wanted to obtain your merchant mariner credential (captain's license) but found the process too confusing or too expensive? Perhaps you've been frustrated because your coxswain or underway officer of the deck certifications didn't bolster your application? Then you'll be happy to learn that all of that has changed!  In this interview with CDR Jen Wescott of the Military to Mariner project office you'll learn just how easy it now is to qualify for and obtain your credential. 

#25. Get your Captain's License now! - Interview with CDR Wescott

I think it's time we had a chat. An open and honest discussion about issues affecting morale and job satisfaction in the BM rating. With nearly 300 vacant billets and retention rates reaching historic lows, we must look ourselves, and our Service, in the face and address the factors driving BMs out of the rating and influencing qualified candidates to seek out others.  There is no better person to have this conversation with than LT Eddie Oropeza from the Office of Boat Forces. From his experience as a BMCS OIC to BOSN CO, and now a Lieutenant at CG-731, he's precisely who we need alongside us in this effort and is behind many of the solutions that you'll learn about in this episode.   Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.

#24. It's time we had a talk about the BM rating

 Join me as I sit down for what has become an annual tradition - a discussion about assignments with the BM Assignment Officers! BOSN Tessier and BOSN Laufenberg get right down to business by giving us all of the information we need to make informed career decisions and set ourselves up for a successful PCS transfer. Whether you're transferring this year or not, there is something for you in this episode. This is especially true for anyone assigned to a leadership role (uh, like all BMs!). Those under our charge deserve the best advice we can give and that means we must keep up to date ourselves. I hope you enjoy the discussion and learn something new!  Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.

#23. Annual Discussion with the BM Assignment Officers

All about the Officer in Charge Review Boards! This episode contains audio from a Facebook live presentation to the FB OIC Study Group on 26AUG21. Join me as I present the new OIC Review Board Coordinator Reference Guide and discuss how this handbook will ensure the boards are conducted more uniformly across our Service. I also talk about the process in general and go over some keys to success if you're about to sit before the board!  Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.

#22. OIC Review Board Reference Guide and Program Overview

In this episode we sit down for a chat with BMCM Kirk McKay as he closes out a remarkable thirty year career as a surfman. Master Chief McKay served four times as an officer in charge and held the distinction as the Joshua James Ancient Keeper in his final tour. Join in as BMC Kevin Pryer, XPO of CG Station Grand Haven, draws out some words of wisdom and advice from a true Coast Guard legend as he looks back at three decades of service as a Boatswain's Mate.  Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Course Made Good podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency.  The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute official policy guidance from the speakers nor the United States Coast Guard.

#1: We're underway!

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