When the position of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG) was introduced in 1969, it was intended to provide a voice for the needs and concerns of the Guard’s enlisted personnel—a voice that would be heard and heeded at the highest levels of command. As the senior enlisted member of the Coast Guard, the MCPOCG fully understands the issues that directly affect the members of the Coast Guard’s workforce, and is able not only to update the Commandant on such matters, but provide suggestions and input on new policies and their implementation.
But while coming up through the ranks helps the MCPOCG understand the perspective of the thousands of enlisted personnel serving across the country and abroad, staying on top of emerging issues means that travel is a major and essential component of the job. After acquiring data from first-hand reports and on-the-scene inspections, the MCPOCG then has access to the types of platforms that ensures his message is heard, such as Congressional hearings or at presentations before various committees and forums dedicated to subjects directly impacting the Guard’s enlisted members, from health and well-being to working conditions, pay, and career-advancement opportunities.
With the introduction of the Command Master Chief (CMC) Program in the last 1990s (now known as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader Program), the MCPOCG became its Force Manager. Duties of this position include the screening of CMC applicants, ensuring vacancies are filled in a timely manner, assigning CMCs to positions that maximize their strengths and experience, and making recommendations on ways the CSEL program can be approved.
The MCPOCG is appointed by the Commandant of the Coast Guard and serves a four-year tour of duty.