gdp's Comments

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : Newest Official Coast Guard Blogger: Rear Admiral Peter Neffenger

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 04:34:00 +0000

That's awesome. Good job D9 - I like your site and welcome to the foray.

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : Establishing a Somali Coast Guard

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:50:22 +0000

OK, who is up for a trip to somalia? Can we procure a couple of old 44' mlbs to get our start? I wonder how much the warlords would pay us - psyche...!

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : The Coast Guard and the Stimulus Bill. Truthfully.

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:39:00 +0000

This is amazing! We all agree on a particular topic! Wow! I'll throw my hat into the ring of agreement as well. Be very afraid! Our elected officials are no longer representing those who elected them - I was shown a statistic from last Autumn, where there was a 25:1 call/contact made to our elected officials against doing any kind of large scale TARP/stimulus - and they did it anyways - so much for the voice of the people.

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : Yemeni Coast Guard to Integrate with Border Guards

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:27:55 +0000

Hmmm, I would probably do just the opposite (imagine that) - I would learn from them! What would it take for the USCG to make such an announcement, get permission to do it, appropriate funding and actually get the 1000 more personnel onboard? Could we have done such an endeavor as quickly after a major event? It is a pretty cool looking boat... ;)

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : From the new Secretary, Janet Napolitano

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:25:38 +0000

The sad fact is that because the CG has been so slow to get onboard and cooperate with the 'one DHS' concept, that was actually started under Sec. Chertoff, it has missed out on large resource pools - and agencies like CPB have steadily built and funded capabilities that will arguably put the CG out of business within some of its LE business lines over time. This is real world "Govt" version of free market competition. It could be our leaders made those choices intentionally, but I'm suspicious of that. The new Secretary has a large amount of background in 'land-based' DHS-like operations - my bet, would be that this trend continues - the CBP someday may conduct many of the operations that the CG currently conducts - including maritime ops - stand by for more heavy rolls if the CG continues to avoid becoming one with the Department that owns them...

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : More "Post 9/11 GI Bill" details emerge

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:17:52 +0000

As of Friday, Jan 16, 2009, the VA was still not taking applications for these benefits. The VA site has a specific page dedicated to this new version/bill. It is really an awesome program, I'm planning on using it starting August '09 if they get everything in place in time to apply for the benefit.

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : The Great Debate: Is there value for social media tools in the work of the Coast Guard?

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:53:19 +0000

I'm sure this is going to hurt a bit, but I'll say it anyhow knowing I'll probably get slammed. Here goes; I would argue that there is a great benefit forcing the CG to spend the dollars on bandwidth expansion! They've (CG-6 in particular) been unwilling to spend the larger sums necessary to truly create the backbone necessary to optimize the utility of their current architecture, let alone all these new fangled toys. So While I generally agree with most of the points you brought up Anonymouse (I do respect your opinion by the way, its a valuable one), I would see this tension over social media as a good thing over the long haul - a forcing function if you will to garner some other benefits that will position us to work more closely with our OGA brethren. I just happen to have first hand knowledge that DHS has offered several times to make major investments on this front, only to be turned down the CG leadership...

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : DHS embracing Social Media to keep us informed

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:17:18 +0000

Why can't we use something that is authorized at the Department level? Does that strike anybody else as odd or misaligned in any way? Shouldn't we at least have everything that is authorized and used by the Department? What is wrong with that picture..?

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : The Great Debate: Is there value for social media tools in the work of the Coast Guard?

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:09:44 +0000

Had to split it up -too long according to some stupid algorithm... ;) Having a capability turned on is the first step in the innovation cycle. Then folks begin to play with it and discover its value (or lack thereof) over time. When the SHTF (S**t hits the fan) its at that time that we really discover what these things can do for us. Generally an operational application appears and we discover whole new possibilities. If it is all turned off and blocked, no such learning happens and we find ourselves behind once again. This is basic innovation 101 - you'd think as long as we've been 'innovating' that we'd at least recognize the cycle a little easier... thoughts..?

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : The Great Debate: Is there value for social media tools in the work of the Coast Guard?

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:09:06 +0000

Anonymouse, I'm really disappointed in your lack of imagination. I know you have one, I've seen it in your other posts, so come on; how 'bout the old college try huh..? Rewind to Hurricane Katrina. Prior to Katrina, a great many technology capabilities were brought before the seniors to review and implement. Many, if not most were turned down as CG leaders were wrestling with this very issue. When Katrina happened, we got caught with our ODU trousers down around our ankles - we ended up turning to Navy and others to help fill the technology gaps - it worked, but barely and in some cases, not at all. I have first hand knowledge of this, this is why I bring it up.

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : The Great Debate: Is there value for social media tools in the work of the Coast Guard?

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:24:08 +0000

While I certainly could have made this a post on its own, I think it speaks volumes and posted the link and a snipet here for consideration... http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/01/tf-mountain... Snipet: "While most of the Army is still wringing its hands trying to figure out what to do about blogs and other social media, the two-star general overseeing 19,000 U.S. soldiers scattered across 17,000 square miles of southern and central Iraq has decided to start blogging himself and holding online chats with his troops" You go General!!!

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : The Great Debate: Is there value for social media tools in the work of the Coast Guard?

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:01:44 +0000

That was a really long post - but good information... I think my main issue with the use of new technology is that the CG's approach is never very well thought out. The old paradigm of 'do no harm', 'restrict', 'shut down' seems a bit lazy to me. I'm not opposed to a good set of rules to keep the playing field level - Maybe someone will look at what the other agencies are doing and use their work to create a workable solution - that would work for me. I think we owe it to the taxpayers to find workable solutions to these things - put forth the effort and all that - these are awesome potential technologies for us, lets find a way forward that will enable us to improve the way we do what we do. If one of my employees is spending exponentially too much time on myspace, isn't that a management issue versus a technology use issue..? Thoughts..?

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : Alert received from a user of technology: "It was nice while it lasted."

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:36:52 +0000

Anonymouse, I agree with everything you just said. I'm simply trying to stretch out there and try to discover a better solution/approach going forward. I also buy the manager of public resources - but let's not forget that the Government is the greatest example of 'the biggest waster of taxpayer dollars' on the planet. Let me also reiterate that our enemies are fully exploiting these technologies without all the 'management' issues faced by our structured, government approach to producing results. Ask yourself this question; were we really prepared for the firestorm that technology development (e.g. internet, web 2.0, etc) brought to our doorstep?

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : Alert received from a user of technology: "It was nice while it lasted."

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 03:35:48 +0000

Anonymouse, I agree with your basic premise that CG personnel need to have their internet energies channeled in the right direction; but I can't agree with turning off these capabilities as the right answer. There must be a better way. As far as my RM experience; I will disagree with you there as well. Sorry dude... ;) Its a story that aptly and accurately represents what is happening in the CG today. New toys, boys and girls want to play with them. The play will enhance their skill - yes even your admission to stacking your fantasy football teams for the weekend... Now imagine if I could get you to put that same passion and energy into searching the various information pools that you have at your disposal to guess where you thought bad guys might show up and ranking them, then sharing that information with your operator brethren using the very capabilities that 'they' want to take away from you... It just takes some imagination; and some visionary leadership mixed in...

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : Alert received from a user of technology: "It was nice while it lasted."

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:08:23 +0000

Ah, the dilemna faced by all leaders of all generations once again upon us, damn history..! ;) Do I block a capability that could save an entire nation (well, it could you know) due to some desk jockey's inappropriate behavior, or take the risk that the one's playing will be weeded out over time and press on with fielding the capability for the good of those who are actually carrying out real missions..? Hmmmm, I used to be an RM. We had all kinds of play time on our watches talking to folks all over the world, not necessarily 'work related' - but the use of the technology still enhanced our skills, playing or not. Better question, what is real work really? Is it butts in seats for 8 hours a day, or some accomplished tasking, no matter how slow or fast it may get accomplished..? I know, another discussion altogether, but somehow eerily related..?

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : This will give some officers pause in using tuition assistance

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:50:43 +0000

Read between the lines... This will pass in time, when the pendulum swings in the opposite direction. I don't know of any officers that will take advantage of the TA who may be thinking about bolting anytime soon - only those that are younger and have decided to stay for the longer haul... Hope everybody got theirs while it was available, looks like the older folks may have just lost their incentive to cost-share their educations...

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : Coast Guard leaves $4.3 million on the table

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:46:34 +0000

These types of results are personality based and always have been. Depending on who is in charge and to what degree they want to take and/or manage risk. The reality is that the Government will always pay their bills. Research the history of the financial program and you'll discover that some were willing to stick their necks out and went over budget, some weren't and didn't. Don't blame either of them, its a tough situation to be in. Can't think of anyone who actually went to prison for delivering either result. More important than bean counting in my mind is what results were gained by all the spending? Could we have better managed what was spent if we had a better equiped financial workforce? Could we have fixed the 378's for instance if we had better management scattered through the organization with the existing dollars that we were given? My preference would be to see some effort put there so the bean counters won't bear the brunt of the ridicule when shortages appear... Thoughts..?

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : Alert received from a user of technology: "It was nice while it lasted."

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:38:28 +0000

No big surprises there. The reigning paradigm is 'do no harm'. Until the older guys at the top of the food chain retire out we won't see the regime switch to the newer 'enable improved operations' paradigm take root. Hopefully, it won't be too late...

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : "It gets much worse for the Indian Coast Guard."

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 12:13:53 +0000

While I agree that the fisheries mission is essential and important; I would suggest that this is a failure primarily of Intelligence. If the boarding officers don't know what or who to look for, it would be very easy for a terrorist who is well researched to blend into the crowd - even our own boarding officers would be clueless without good Intel - or poor terrorists who tip their hand... MM

CGBlog.org :: An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog : Dissecting the Coast Guard's policy of Unofficial Internet Posts; Part I

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:56:11 +0000

Can I ask a question without getting sawed in 2? Knowing that public affairs has a certain responsibility within the CG, and they have an existing stovepipe (as do many other programs) - is there a possibility that the CG is approaching the blogosphere issue from a less than advantageous perspective - rather than approaching it from a 'how do we control the release of information to the public' - is there anyway we can approach it from a 'how can we work with other programs in the CG to maximize the value of public discussion and debate to facilitate improvement' perspective..? I bring this up having read Brooke's comments - is it really appropriate to pin this rose on the PA staff? If some folks don't like what we are talking about in cyberspace; maybe they could suggest what topics are appropriate to discuss - a 'how can we' versus a 'you shouldn't be' way of thinking. Just thought I'd ask a real question to provoke some additional thought... MM