A major artery of the Coast Guards support mission is dying off at an alarming rate. The Food Service (FS) rating retention numbers are declining faster than any other rate in the Coast Guard. Aside from being a less visible and publically rewarding job than some other higher profile ratings, the FS rate could render more support, longer enlistments and general job satisfaction by looking at some of the root problems which ultimately result in significantly declining numbers. Having a generalized higher level of understanding of the mission and our effects Coast Guard wide, having a realistic vision of what’s to come and receiving additional widespread support from above would curtail bad attitudes and general discontent of the day-to-day grind …show more content…
One gains a greater sense of purpose when they fully understand their individual place in the grand scheme of things. It is all too easy to get caught up in the finer details of the daily tasking, become complacent and to a degree disgruntled following repetitive tasking. Knowing the value that you lend and the importance of your part typically leads to a happier, more fulfilling quality of work life and in most cases a better end product that the member can truly be proud of rather than “just another day”. All too often junior FS’s get caught up in the singular aspect of their duties and lose sight of the big picture, unfortunately rendering their individual efforts very subpar and below average of their true …show more content…
All too often, especially in independent duty situations, junior FS personnel feel incredibly disconnected from the Food Service community typically only having the sporadic Force Notes, Message Board or occasional Instant Message conversation from fellow FSs. There is an overall stigma related to contacting FSAT and most are worried that questions will lead to further investigation and micromanaging of their respective unit’s affairs. And while most have nothing to hide, just the sense of drawing attention to one self is enough to shut most down to figure it out themselves, often leading to further mistakes and once again disgruntled attitudes. Perhaps generalized support of a non-inspection based entity or even localized SECTOR visits from the FSC would prove to be more welcoming and accepted, warding off any potentially dangerous paths. A friend is always more welcoming and accepted than a parent and in this case unfortunately FSAT is viewed much more as the authoritative parental organization than