ALCOAST 071/18 - FEB 2018 SEVENTY-SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COAST GUARD RESERVE

united states coast guard

R 200857 FEB 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-13//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N05700//
ALCOAST 071/18
COMDTNOTE 5700
SUBJ:  SEVENTY-SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COAST GUARD RESERVE
1. The past year was one of the most consequential years in the history
of the Coast Guard Reserve. We activated over 1,100 reservists during
the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season in response to four major hurricanes
and we continued our legacy of support to the Department of Defense
with multiple Port Security Unit deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
2. Without the strength of the Reserve, the Coast Guard would have been
challenged to sustain these extremely large and complex operations. The
strength of our Reserve comes from their steadfast devotion to duty and 
unsurpassed passion for service
3. I ask all members of the Coast Guard to join me and Coast Guard
Reserve Force Master Chief Eric Johnson in extending a hand of gratitude
and a hearty "Bravo Zulu" to our immensely talented Coast Guard Reserve.
4. Mere words cannot fully express our appreciation for the shared service
and sacrifices of our Reserve members and their families. We owe it to
them to ensure that they have the resources and direction they need to
maintain the readiness to respond to an ever evolving range of potential
contingencies. To do this, the Reserve will focus on three strategic
priorities over the next five years:
   A. Get the Organization Right: We will work with our partners in the
Deputy Commandant for Operations and Deputy Commandant for Mission
Support enterprises to evaluate the governance structure that supports
our Reserve. This will help ensure we establish clear expectations,
roles, responsibilities, and accountability in the right levels of the
Coast Guard.
   B. Get the Force Right: We will focus resources on the highest priority
competencies and training in support of validated requirements to meet
contingency needs. We will also look at more effective methods to
maximize alignment of Reserve positions around population centers with
training capacity to better manage careers and reduce the burden of
service on individuals.
   C. Build Leadership for the Reserve: We will work to build the systems
and deliver the tools our leaders need to more effectively lead the
Reserve. Improving the management of the Reserve Component within a
fully integrated workforce requires strong, informed, leadership from
both the Active and Reserve communities.
5. As we look to the future we must also remain focused on the needs of
today. The Reserve Mission and Vision announced last year are unchanged
and will anchor our actions over the next five years.
6. Semper Paratus.
7. RDML A. S. McKinley, Director of Reserve and Military Personnel, sends.
8. Internet release authorized.